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Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program: Difference between revisions

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*A $3 USD processing fee is deducted from the compensation
*A $3 USD processing fee is deducted from the compensation
*An annual account fee of $29.95 USD is charged if the account balance does not exceed $2,000 USD in transactions within 12 months<ref>{{Cite web |title=Annual account fee |url=https://payoneer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/43738/~/annual-account-fee |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Payoneer]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251129174745/https://payoneer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/43738/~/annual-account-fee |archive-date=29 Nov 2025}}</ref>
*An annual account fee of $29.95 USD is charged if the account balance does not exceed $2,000 USD in transactions within 12 months<ref>{{Cite web |title=Annual account fee |url=https://payoneer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/43738/~/annual-account-fee |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Payoneer]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251129174745/https://payoneer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/43738/~/annual-account-fee |archive-date=29 Nov 2025}}</ref>
*Users report being advised to immediately delete their Payoneer account after receiving compensation to avoid fees<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=I have replaced battery in a local shop not supported by Google |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i1e4ds/i_have_replaced_battery_in_a_local_shop_not/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>
*Users report being advised to immediately delete their Payoneer account after receiving compensation to avoid fees<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=I have replaced battery in a local shop not supported by Google |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i1e4ds/i_have_replaced_battery_in_a_local_shop_not/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250802034226/https://old.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/ |archive-date=2 Aug 2025}}</ref>


===Store-credit limitations===
===Store-credit limitations===
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*Permanent exclamation mark appearing in battery indicator
*Permanent exclamation mark appearing in battery indicator
*Forced battery percentage display
*Forced battery percentage display
*Severely reduced battery life, even with recently replaced batteries<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=I change my battery a month BEFORE the upgrade, but after, I got the ! mark ... any tips ? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i2xm7c/i_change_my_battery_a_month_before_the_upgrade/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>
*Severely reduced battery life, even with recently replaced batteries<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=I change my battery a month BEFORE the upgrade, but after, I got the ! mark ... any tips ? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i2xm7c/i_change_my_battery_a_month_before_the_upgrade/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250802034226/https://old.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/ |archive-date=2 Aug 2025}}</ref>


===Battery-replacement complications===
===Battery-replacement complications===
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*Performance remains capped even with official Google batteries
*Performance remains capped even with official Google batteries
*Users who replaced batteries before the update experienced the same limitations as those with original batteries<ref name=":4" />
*Users who replaced batteries before the update experienced the same limitations as those with original batteries<ref name=":4" />
*Google support has indicated this may be due to repairs being performed outside of authorized service centers<ref>{{Cite web |title=Replaced the battery, but still the warning. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i19hxf/replaced_the_battery_but_still_the_warning/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref name=":2" />
*Google support has indicated this may be due to repairs being performed outside of authorized service centers<ref>{{Cite web |title=Replaced the battery, but still the warning. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i19hxf/replaced_the_battery_but_still_the_warning/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250802034226/https://old.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/ |archive-date=2 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref name=":2" />


In a Reddit poll posted on the [https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a r/Pixel4a subreddit], 170 out 212 respondents stated that their device had been identified as an "Impacted Device" by Google.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pixel 4a battery update: Google says "some" phones will be negatively affected. Let's see for ourselves what percentage is "some" |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1hvmggd/pixel_4a_battery_update_google_says_some_phones/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>
In a Reddit poll posted on the [https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a r/Pixel4a subreddit], 170 out 212 respondents stated that their device had been identified as an "Impacted Device" by Google.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pixel 4a battery update: Google says "some" phones will be negatively affected. Let's see for ourselves what percentage is "some" |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1hvmggd/pixel_4a_battery_update_google_says_some_phones/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250802034226/https://old.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/ |archive-date=2 Aug 2025}}</ref>


===Technical evidence of battery changes===
===Technical evidence of battery changes===
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*The device was released in August 2020; many units are approaching 4.5 years of use
*The device was released in August 2020; many units are approaching 4.5 years of use
*The mandatory nature of the update suggests safety implications rather than performance optimization
*The mandatory nature of the update suggests safety implications rather than performance optimization
*The use of specialized shipping containers marked for "Damaged/Defective Lithium Ion Battery(s)" parallels procedures used for known hazardous devices<ref>{{Cite web |title=Certainly Seems Battery Defect-Related (vs Planned Obsolescence) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1hxyp6z/certainly_seems_battery_defectrelated_vs_planned/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>[https://www.cultofmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Note-7-return-kit.png Shipping container picture] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174250/https://www.cultofmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Note-7-return-kit.png Archived])</ref>
*The use of specialized shipping containers marked for "Damaged/Defective Lithium Ion Battery(s)" parallels procedures used for known hazardous devices<ref>{{Cite web |title=Certainly Seems Battery Defect-Related (vs Planned Obsolescence) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1hxyp6z/certainly_seems_battery_defectrelated_vs_planned/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250802034226/https://old.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/ |archive-date=2 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>[https://www.cultofmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Note-7-return-kit.png Shipping container picture] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174250/https://www.cultofmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Note-7-return-kit.png Archived])</ref>


*The update seems to target specific device serial numbers rather than all units; suggesting a manufacturing batch issue<ref name=":1" />
*The update seems to target specific device serial numbers rather than all units; suggesting a manufacturing batch issue<ref name=":1" />
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#*As Google has not publicly commented on the issue, users have been left to speculate on what the intent behind the update could be.
#*As Google has not publicly commented on the issue, users have been left to speculate on what the intent behind the update could be.
#Google Support has been giving out misleading or incorrect information'''.'''
#Google Support has been giving out misleading or incorrect information'''.'''
#*Google Support initially stated that the $100 USD coupon code could not be used in combination with other sales. This has turned out to be false. This information may have affected the compensation option customers chose.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Pixel discount DOES stack with the sale! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i6ei4x/the_pixel_discount_does_stack_with_the_sale/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>
#*Google Support initially stated that the $100 USD coupon code could not be used in combination with other sales. This has turned out to be false. This information may have affected the compensation option customers chose.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Pixel discount DOES stack with the sale! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i6ei4x/the_pixel_discount_does_stack_with_the_sale/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250802034226/https://old.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/ |archive-date=2 Aug 2025}}</ref>
#At least two users have reported Google Support telling them that their Pixel 4a's trade-in price would be lowered after the update's installation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Does anyone know if they'll give full cashback for Pixel 4a after update |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i43nz3/does_anyone_know_if_theyll_give_full_cashback_for/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250118161515/https://old.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i43nz3/does_anyone_know_if_theyll_give_full_cashback_for/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2025}}</ref>
#At least two users have reported Google Support telling them that their Pixel 4a's trade-in price would be lowered after the update's installation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Does anyone know if they'll give full cashback for Pixel 4a after update |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i43nz3/does_anyone_know_if_theyll_give_full_cashback_for/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250118161515/https://old.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i43nz3/does_anyone_know_if_theyll_give_full_cashback_for/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2025}}</ref>
#Google's use of Payoneer makes it impossible for people to receive the $50 that Google offered as an option. The most someone can receive is $47 if they share personal financial information with an unknown-to-them company including their Social Security number, and promptly cancel the Payoneer service to avoid additional fees.
#Google's use of Payoneer makes it impossible for people to receive the $50 that Google offered as an option. The most someone can receive is $47 if they share personal financial information with an unknown-to-them company including their Social Security number, and promptly cancel the Payoneer service to avoid additional fees.
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'''Warning:''' please consider the [[Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program#Safety considerations|battery safety concerns]] before reverting  or ignoring updates. Users must evaluate battery health at own risk.
'''Warning:''' please consider the [[Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program#Safety considerations|battery safety concerns]] before reverting  or ignoring updates. Users must evaluate battery health at own risk.


Following the criticism, the community was quick to find workarounds to retain or restore previous battery capacity. Users can stop the update by blocking DNS requests to Google's OTA servers (''ota.googlezip.net, ota-cache1.googlezip.net, ota-cache2.googlezip.net'') via a DNS filtering application such as NextDNS, RethinkDNS, or AdAway<ref>{{Cite web |title=THE ONLY WORKING SOLUTION to stop the forced battery update - this works even if the update is currently downloading, or has already been downloaded and it's waiting for a restart to apply it |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i0zih0/the_only_working_solution_to_stop_the_forced/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250801111009/https://old.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i0zih0/the_only_working_solution_to_stop_the_forced/ |archive-date=1 Aug 2025}}</ref>. Users can delete an already downloaded (and not yet installed) update: ''Settings -> Apps -> All Apps -> Google Play Services -> Storage and cache -> Manage Space'' and from there on delete all data through the "'''Clear all data'''" button. If the phone has already installed the Jan 2025 update, users can manually flash the previous firmware to restore functionality<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 Jan 2025 |title=How to: Undo the January 2025 update without losing data (unlocked devices only). |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/how-to-undo-the-january-2025-update-without-losing-data-unlocked-devices-only.4713980/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=XDA Forums |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251123184909/https://xdaforums.com/t/how-to-undo-the-january-2025-update-without-losing-data-unlocked-devices-only.4713980/ |archive-date=23 Nov 2025}}</ref>. Flashing to the previous firmware requires unlocking the bootloader<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Aug 2020 |title=[GUIDE] Unlock/Root/Safetynet for Pixel 4a |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-unlock-root-safetynet-for-pixel-4a.4153773/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=XDA Forums}}</ref>, and a copy of the previous firmware from November 2023 (sunfish-tq3a.230805.001.s1-factory-82902ea9)<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 Jan 2025 |title=Changes coming to your Pixel 4a |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/changes-coming-to-your-pixel-4a.4712085/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=XDA Forums |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217041347/https://xdaforums.com/t/changes-coming-to-your-pixel-4a.4712085/ |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref>.
Following the criticism, the community was quick to find workarounds to retain or restore previous battery capacity. Users can stop the update by blocking DNS requests to Google's OTA servers (''ota.googlezip.net, ota-cache1.googlezip.net, ota-cache2.googlezip.net'') via a DNS filtering application such as NextDNS, RethinkDNS, or AdAway<ref>{{Cite web |title=THE ONLY WORKING SOLUTION to stop the forced battery update - this works even if the update is currently downloading, or has already been downloaded and it's waiting for a restart to apply it |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i0zih0/the_only_working_solution_to_stop_the_forced/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250801111009/https://old.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i0zih0/the_only_working_solution_to_stop_the_forced/ |archive-date=1 Aug 2025}}</ref>. Users can delete an already downloaded (and not yet installed) update: ''Settings -> Apps -> All Apps -> Google Play Services -> Storage and cache -> Manage Space'' and from there on delete all data through the "'''Clear all data'''" button. If the phone has already installed the Jan 2025 update, users can manually flash the previous firmware to restore functionality<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 Jan 2025 |title=How to: Undo the January 2025 update without losing data (unlocked devices only). |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/how-to-undo-the-january-2025-update-without-losing-data-unlocked-devices-only.4713980/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=XDA Forums |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251123184909/https://xdaforums.com/t/how-to-undo-the-january-2025-update-without-losing-data-unlocked-devices-only.4713980/ |archive-date=23 Nov 2025}}</ref>. Flashing to the previous firmware requires unlocking the bootloader<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Aug 2020 |title=[GUIDE] Unlock/Root/Safetynet for Pixel 4a |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-unlock-root-safetynet-for-pixel-4a.4153773/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=XDA Forums |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251128065836/https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-unlock-root-safetynet-for-pixel-4a.4153773/ |archive-date=28 Nov 2025}}</ref>, and a copy of the previous firmware from November 2023 (sunfish-tq3a.230805.001.s1-factory-82902ea9)<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 Jan 2025 |title=Changes coming to your Pixel 4a |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/changes-coming-to-your-pixel-4a.4712085/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=XDA Forums |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217041347/https://xdaforums.com/t/changes-coming-to-your-pixel-4a.4712085/ |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref>.


Google has removed all official images for the pixel 4a except the jan 2025 update, effectively removing official images as an option for downgrades <ref>{{Cite web |title=Factory Images for Nexus and Pixel Devices |url=https://developers.google.com/android/images#sunfish |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=Google Play Services |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128151240/https://developers.google.com/android/images |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>.
Google has removed all official images for the pixel 4a except the jan 2025 update, effectively removing official images as an option for downgrades <ref>{{Cite web |title=Factory Images for Nexus and Pixel Devices |url=https://developers.google.com/android/images#sunfish |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=Google Play Services |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128151240/https://developers.google.com/android/images |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>.
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