Google offers choice: Pixel 4a battery replacements or cash

Smartphones come and go, and although some manufacturers promise years and years of support for their latest models this was not always the case. While a modern Pixel phone should be supported for a full seven years, this has only been the case since the Pixel 8 series, with the Pixel 6 and 7 phones only getting five years. But today we’re turning back the clock even further as Google begins to show some uncharacteristic attention to the Pixel model we’ve long thought was abandoned.

We’re talking about the Pixel 4a, which was released back in 2020. The Pixel 4a 5G followed soon after, and they represented some of our favorites Budget Android Choices at that time. However, by early 2022, Google stopped selling the Pixel 4a, and platform updates are finally over in the fall of 2023 with the release of Android 14, while the Pixel 4a will remain on Android 13.

Things stayed pretty much the same for 15 months, but this week we started noticing reports like the one the user shared. Knorke_Leon on the Pixel subreddit, alerting us to a new update coming soon to Pixel 4a phones. And, as it turns out, it’s much more effective than a typical software patch.

Google has implemented what it calls Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program. Later this week, on January 8th, Google is set to begin rolling out a new update to Pixel 4a phones. They will remain on Android 13 and this update is instead intended to improve battery performance and stability. However, according to Google, the problem is that some Pixel 4a phones will experience the opposite effect: after receiving the update, they will experience worse battery capacity and charging performance.

The good news is that Google isn’t going to ruin your old Pixel 4a without offering a little compensation. First, you need to check if your Pixel 4a is at risk from this update. Not all 4a phones will be like this, and while Google hasn’t publicly revealed exactly why some of these phones are affected and others aren’t, it has simple tool you can use to see if this includes your Pixel 4a.

If your Pixel 4a turns out to be in this group, you may be able to get a completely new battery for your phone—and given its age, that will likely make a big difference. Users in the US will be able to use Google’s email service, and direct mail options are available in some other countries. But if you can’t take advantage of either of them, or simply prefer not to, there’s always the cash option.

If you choose not to replace the battery, you can choose between receiving $50 in cash (or your country’s currency equivalent) or $100 in Google Store Credit to be used towards the purchase of a new Pixel. Even if you’re no longer actively using your 4a, Google says it’s cool to ask for that money. You don’t even have to trade in your phone, and you can keep using your old Pixel while pocketing some cash. You just can’t replace the battery and pay compensation at the same time, but at least you have time to make a decision: Eligible Pixel 4a owners have until January 8, 2026 to make a decision.