Tag: battery recall

Key Takeaways

1. Google has recalled the Pixel 4a due to significant battery issues caused by a recent software update.
2. The January 2025 update aimed to improve battery stability but instead led to drastic battery drain for many users.
3. Users reported batteries draining completely in just a few minutes, with a notable 56% reduction in battery capacity.
4. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has warned about potential overheating and fire hazards related to the battery issues.
5. Google is offering free battery replacements for affected Pixel 4a devices showing decreased battery performance.

Google has begun a recall for an older mid-range Pixel device. The Pixel 4a, which was launched back in 2020, is currently facing issues due to a recent software update. Here is what you should know and why it’s best to avoid updating your Pixel 4a.

Pixel 4a Recall due to Battery Issues

In January 2025, the tech giant rolled out the Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program update. This update was meant to introduce a new battery management feature aimed at improving the battery stability for this aging model. Unfortunately, it had the contrary effect, with numerous users reporting that their devices showed a decline in battery life.

Users Report Drastic Battery Drain

Several users experienced a complete drain of their batteries in just a few minutes. In response, Google posted a warning on its official support site, alerting users about the update. It mentioned that the update could cause shorter battery durations and decrease charging performance as well. Reports indicated that the maximum voltage fell from 4.45V to 3.95V, representing a significant 56 percent reduction in battery capacity.

Advisory from the ACCC

Additionally, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published an advisory regarding this matter, urging users to be vigilant about overheating issues. The advisory pointed out that overheating batteries could potentially lead to fire hazards. In light of these issues, Google is providing a free battery replacement for certain Pixel 4a devices that have shown a notable decrease in battery performance.

Key Takeaways

1. Google reduced the Pixel 4a’s battery voltage, cutting its capacity from 3,080 mAh to 1,539 mAh, resulting in a 50% decrease in battery life.
2. The update only affected Pixel 4a units with Lishen batteries; those with Amperex (ATL) batteries were not impacted.
3. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) revealed the update was part of a product recall due to overheating risks with the Lishen batteries.
4. The firmware update aims to reduce battery efficiency to lower the risk of overheating and potential fire hazards.
5. Affected Pixel 4a owners are advised to install the update, and Google is offering compensation options, including a free battery replacement or $50 payment.

Back in January, Google rolled out an “update from hell” for the Pixel 4a, which lowered the battery voltage from 4.44 V to 3.95 V. This change slashed the device’s capacity from 3,080 mAh to 1,539 mAh. Consequently, the battery life for this mid-range phone from 2020 decreased by a shocking 50%. It’s worth mentioning that this update was only applied to Pixel 4a units with a Lishen battery, leaving those with batteries made by Amperex (ATL) unaffected.

Issue with the Batteries

This move implied that Google had identified a problem with those particular batteries. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has now disclosed information about the update, which Google had to provide as part of a product recall. The data indicates that the Pixel 4a’s battery has a tendency to overheat, potentially creating a fire hazard. The firmware update aims to greatly diminish the battery’s efficiency and the chances of a battery fire occurring.

Recommendations for Users

In response, the Australian consumer protection agency is urging all Pixel 4a owners to install the update. Google is providing various compensation options for affected users, including a free battery replacement or a cash payment of $50. To find out if your Pixel 4a is impacted and eligible for compensation, you can visit Google’s website for more details.

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