Google Pixel 4a’s Surprise Update Could Kill Your Battery Life

Google launched the Pixel 4a in 2020 as the most affordable model in the Pixel 4 series. The device stood out for its great price-to-performance ratio, long-term support, and good camera quality. The last update for the phone—based on Android 13—arrived in 2023, and we thought that was it, but no. Surprisingly, Google started 2025 by sending out a battery-focused update for the Pixel 4a.

Google is rolling out an update that could kill your Pixel 4a’s battery life

On January 6, Google added a “Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program” entry on its product support page. “Google has determined that certain Pixel 4a phones require a software update to improve the stability of their battery’s performance,” reads the post. The company also confirmed that it would begin the rollout of the update today—January 8.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding the update. Google clarifies that the effect will not be positive on all devices. In fact, the company warns that “the battery may last for shorter periods between charges.” For some unknown reason—which Google doesn’t clarify—the update will “ruin” the battery life of some Pixel 4a units.

Affected users will receive compensation

Google is offering compensation to those affected by the issue after the update. First, they offer to put a brand-new battery in your Pixel 4a for free, but you will have to be without it for a few days. If you don’t like the idea, owners of eligible devices can choose between receiving a $50 (or local equivalent) payment or a $100 credit toward the purchase of any other Pixel phone through the Google Store.

You can only choose one of the options. That is, you can’t request a free battery replacement and the $100 credit, for example. The Pixel 4a is a fairly old device, so the battery on many units must be pretty beat up. A cell replacement could give the phone a new lease of life. It will still be stuck on Android 13 as its latest big Android update, though.

It is interesting that Google has all of a sudden decided that the Pixel 4a needs an upgrade that focuses on the battery. It would be great if the company gave more information about why this is happening.