Furious over the Pixel 4a update fiasco? You may be entitled to compensation

A recent update from Google is reportedly destroying battery life on some Pixel 4a phones. Fortunately, if you have an affected phone, Google is offering compensation.

A surprise (and problematic) update

The Pixel 4a was an excellent phone when it debuted in 2020 and had dedicated fans until Google discontinued it last year. Google hadn’t offered a software update for the device since 2023 but sent out a surprise update about two weeks ago to stabilize battery performance.

Also: Your Google Pixel 9 is getting a major audio upgrade – and it’s coming for free

The update seems to have done the opposite, as many users are reporting that their device’s battery life has plummeted after applying it. One Reddit user said their 4a went from more than seven hours of screen-on time to less than 30 minutes. Another said theirs went from full to 2% in five hours with less than 20 minutes of screen time.

Google is offering compensation for your troubles

Google is aware of the problems and has not only pulled the update but is offering compensation to people whose devices were affected.

Here’s what you need to know: If you think your device is one of the affected ones, use this support page, enter your phone’s IMEI number, and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm. You’ll have three choices: a free battery replacement, a $50 payment, or a $100 credit.

Also: 3 exciting AI features coming to Google Pixel and other Android phones
At least on Reddit, users have had good experiences with battery replacements, with some getting their device repaired in a few hours. The one-time cash payment of $50 is just a little less than the average of about $75 I found on resale listings, but you don’t have to deal with the hassle of listing and shipping. You can also choose a $100 credit toward the purchase of a new phone from the Pixel store (Google is telling users who choose this option that it may take up to three weeks for the credit to arrive). The lowest-priced phone there currently is the Pixel 7a for $499, meaning you’d still be out $400 for a new phone.

If you’re a 4a owner now looking for other options, you might want to consider the CMF Phone 1 by Nothing, which starts at $239. ZDNET’s Kerry Wan tested this phone earlier this year and called it the best budget phone he tested last year by a wide margin.