Google has started rolling out an automatic update for Pixel 4a phones that dramatically impacts battery life—even for users who actively tried to avoid it.
According to reports from PhoneArena, the update installs itself regardless of user settings, effectively halving battery capacity and prompting users to replace their batteries.
The report shared that this is part of a so‑called “battery‑crippling software update”—but Google says it’s a safety precaution. The company claims that certain Pixel 4a units have an overheating battery defect, and the update limits charging to prevent serious issues like fires or burns. Consumers who received the update notice are now being encouraged to replace the battery or upgrade the device.
On Reddit and tech forums, many users are expressing frustration. Some say their once‑trusty phones now drain in minutes, with one user declaring, “halving the battery capacity… renders the device unusable for daily life,” while others note Google silently removed rollback options and old firmware to prevent reversals.
Google is offering those affected a free battery replacement, a $50 refund, or a $100 credit toward a new Pixel device. But for many, it’s not about the compensation—it’s the loss of control and transparency that stings the most. Affected users argue they weren’t warned ahead of time and feel backed into a corner.
For readers still using a Pixel 4a, here’s what to do next: check your eligibility on Google’s support page and consider your options: battery replacement, credit, or starting fresh with a new phone. If your update hasn’t arrived yet, keep an eye out for Google’s battery notice and weigh whether to accept or resist the change.
Source: PhoneArena
