Pixel 4a software update causes massive battery issues, Google pays $50 and offers other solutions

In early January, Google has published a support article that announced an update that was supposed to address battery issues of some Pixel 4a smartphones. According to Google, this problem only affects certain devices, so only devices with specific serial numbers will receive this update. The update is intended to make battery performance more consistent, but Google acknowledges that it may reduce battery life and slow down charging.

Now, Reddit has been flooded with complaints from frustrated users who claim that their Pixel 4a has become virtually unusable after installing the aforementioned update. One user complains that his battery is fully drained after using his phone for just 20 minutes over a five-hour period. For some users, charging times have tripled after the update. Another user complains that the battery indicator has become useless after the update, as it randomly fluctuates between 1%, 56%, and 91% after each reboot, but does not change during use or charging.

On the corresponding support page, Google has already acknowledged that there may be issues with the battery indicator. The company has yet to confirm the exact cause of this battery problem with Pixel 4a devices. It also remains unclear if not installing the patch poses any risks.

In order to calm down disgruntled Pixel 4a users, Google is now offering three solutions for this annoying issue — a free battery replacement, $50 compensation or $100 credit for the official Google Store. To take advantage of this offer, affected users must fill out a registration form on Google’s support website and verify the serial number of their Pixel 4a, as not every smartphone from that series is affected and therefore eligible.

The Pixel 8a is available from $399 on Amazon