Google has announced a significant update for Pixel 4a owners, set to roll out on January 8, 2025, addressing battery performance stability as part of the “Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program.”
Software update details
The update, designated TQ3A.230805.001.S2, is based on Android 13. Users are advised to wait for the on-device update, although it can also be sideloaded. The update aims to improve battery management features, but Google warns that the battery may last for shorter periods between charges and could lead to reduced charging performance or altered battery-level indicator accuracy for some devices.
Eligibility for battery replacement
Google confirmed that all Pixel 4a devices will receive this update; however, not all are affected by the changes in battery capacity and performance. Affected device owners are eligible for a free battery replacement. The program allows users to check their device’s eligibility through a specified link.
Battery replacement services will be offered at walk-in repair centers in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, and India, as well as through mail-in repair options in the United States. Eligibility for a free battery replacement may be impacted by other forms of device damage, such as liquid exposure or cracks. Customers with devices exhibiting out-of-warranty damage may incur repair fees, with cost estimates provided prior to service.
Compensation options
If a battery replacement is not applicable, affected Pixel 4a owners have additional compensation options: a $50 payment, or a $100 hardware discount code for purchasing another Pixel phone from the Google Store. Eligible users must register for one of the compensation options within one year from the initial software release, with the program concluding on January 8, 2026.
The Pixel 4a is equipped with a 3,140 mAh battery, which Google previously marketed as capable of lasting “all day.”
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