Summary
- Google is offering free Pixel 7a battery replacements for devices affected by bulging batteries.
- Devices must meet an eligibility list and will undergo inspection to determine if the battery is causing the issue.
- Eligibility varies by country, and owners in some regions can opt for cash or Google Store credit.
Are you experiencing problems with your Google Pixel 7a battery? It’s no secret that some Pixel phones have dealt with a slew of issues, one of which is battery swelling. This week, Google announced a one-time battery replacement program or cash compensation for faulty devices.
We love the all-new Pixel 9a and gave it a glowing rating in our review. However, the older Pixel 7a from 2023 isn’t so lucky. Over the last year, several Pixel 7a owners have complained about swollen batteries that bulge and unexpectedly break the rear panel. Complaints are all over the Google forums and Reddit. Thankfully, the company is finally doing something about it, which should make many owners happy.
Pixel 7a Battery Replacements
If you’re experiencing issues with your Pixel 7a battery, you may get a one-time free replacement battery pack. Google just announced an Extended Repair Program for the Pixel 7a, offering to replace the battery on select eligible devices. According to the support page, “only some Pixel 7a devices are impacted by unexpected battery swelling.” Here’s what to look for:
- Visible swelling of the device. The phone may appear thicker than usual, or the back cover might be bulging.
- Phone cover bulging or separating from the device. This is noticeable by gaps or openings along the edges of the phone.
- The phone’s battery is draining significantly faster than usual, even with minimal use, or fails to charge.
If you’ve noticed any of those symptoms on your Pixel 7a smartphone, you might be able to get the battery replaced. Enter your IMEI number to check the eligibility list provided by Google. If your Pixel 7a is one of the impacted devices and doesn’t show unusual wear and tear, and it’s clear that a faulty battery is the cause of bulging, it’ll be replaced at no charge.
“Eligible and Impacted Pixel 7a devices can receive one battery replacement at no charge through our battery replacement program. This involves an initial eligibility check and physical inspection.”
The support page mentions easy and free repairs in the United States, Canada, India, the UK, Germany, Singapore, and Japan, to name a few. However, battery replacements are unavailable in Australia, Malaysia, Taiwan, EEA countries, and Switzerland. Google has an “appeasement option” in the form of cash or Google Store credit for those regions.
Depending on where you live, warranty status, and device eligibility, you may get the battery replaced, receive a one-time $200 payment in your local currency, or $300 in Google hardware or Google Store credit. Then, you can go buy a new Pixel 9a.
For regions outside the United States and India, where walk-in or mail-in options are unavailable (meaning you can’t get it repaired through the Extended program), Google is offering a one-time payment of $456 to make good on the situation. Finally, Google states that your device’s original warranty will remain even after a battery replacement. Basically, it doesn’t extend the original warranty for your Pixel 7a, and the company is only replacing impacted battery cells.
Overall, this is frustrating for those dealing with battery bulge, especially considering it can make a device dangerous and potentially catch fire. Thankfully, there’s at least some sort of resolution. If you still have a Pixel 7a with any of the above-mentioned problems, take advantage of this repair program while you can. For what it’s worth, the Pixel 4a had its share of battery mishaps, so this isn’t a new situation for the Pixel crew.
Source: Google Support
