Last Updated:
Google stopped the updates for this Pixel model a few years back but the company is making this special exception. Know the reason.
Pixel 4a users you need to read this and install the update
Google Pixel 4a users are getting a new software update from this week onwards that promises to stabilise the battery performance of their device. The update is out of the cycle for the Pixel 4a which was only supposed to get until the Android 13 version after its launch in 2020. The update is part of Google’s efforts to appease the Pixel 4a users who are still using the device even though the phone will not get anymore security updates.
Pixel 4a Update But Why
Google seems to have noticed Pixel 4a users facing battery issues and it claims this update will improve the stability of the battery performance on the device. However, the company also says the update could result in the battery life getting shorter between charges. They might even notice changes in the charging performance after this update.
So, if the update is going to cause these issues, then why release it? Google says that issues after the update might not be faced by all Pixel 4a units, but the ones who do, will be eligible for a free battery replacement from the company if they are in countries such as the US, Canada, UK and even India.
Google has set conditions for the device to be eligible for the new battery, which includes not having the phone with heavy out-of-warranty damages, which would incur a fee to fix them before they change the battery on the unit. Google has a support page with all the details about the Pixel 4a battery replacement and we suggest people to read them thoroughly if they own a Pixel 4a today.
Pixel 4a did launch in India, so it is good to see Google cater to its buyers in the region. The company has select walk-in centres across cities where these users can head over and get the battery replaced, if their unit checks out for the program.
Apple has also served people with a similar battery replacement program which was applicable for the iPhone 6 model. Many people complained that Apple had throttled the performance of the battery on this iPhone to make them upgrade to a new model. Apple was even ordered to pay a hefty fine for its practice which was part of a lawsuit.
