Google Will Replace Your Pixel 7a Battery for Free

After the battery woes surrounding the Pixel 4a and the promise of an eventual reduction in battery capacity for the Pixel 9a, Google is now proactively tackling any future battery issues that Pixel 7a owners may face. In a support document, the company said it has now determined that some Pixel 7a devices may experience battery swelling, and is offering a free battery replacement to everyone impacted by this issue. Here's everything you need to know about the problem and how to get a free battery replacement for your Pixel 7a.

Identifying the signs of a failing battery

One major limitation of lithium-ion batteries is degradation. Over time, these batteries experience reduced capacity to hold a charge and eventually have to be replaced. This is a technological limitation that generally applies irrespective of the brand of the smartphone you're using, since a majority of modern smartphones use lithium-ion batteries. However, some phones can be more susceptible to this than others, depending on which batteries they use, as evidenced by Google's concern about the Pixel 7a. If you have a Google Pixel 7a, look for one of the following symptoms to know if your phone needs a battery replacement:

• Your phone runs out of charge fairly quickly even when you're not using it that much

• The Pixel 7a appears to be visibly swollen

• Your Pixel 7a's cover is separating from the device because it appears to be bulging

If your device exhibits any of these signs, visit this Google support page to see if your Pixel 7a is eligible for a free battery replacement. Just follow the on-screen steps and Google will tell you how to proceed. Note that your device may not qualify for a battery replacement if it has liquid damage or other forms of physical damage. Google also said that battery replacement is only available while stock lasts, and only in the following regions:

• United States

• India

• Germany

• Canada

• United Kingdom

• Singapore

• Japan

Additionally, of the above regions, only the United States and India offer a mail-in repair option. Users located elsewhere must either take their phone to a walk-in repair appointment or claim another form of appeasement, mentioned below.

Google's also offering a one-time payment 

If you live outside of the United States and India, then you may be able to claim a one-time payment instead of a battery replacement. If your device is out of warranty, Google is offering either $200 (or an equivalent amount in your local currency) or $300 in Google store credit, which will be applicable towards the purchase of another Pixel phone. 

If your device is in warranty and you choose to claim the one-time settlement amount, Google says it will pay you $456 or its equivalent in your local currency. Visit Google's support page to confirm the terms of the settlement and to check what you're eligible for, since these terms may not be applicable for purchases from certain regions.