Google Pixel 4a Smartphone Recalled Over ‘Fire Risk’? What You Need to Know

Google is one of the most trusted and recognized names in the tech world—known for its innovation, reliability, and global reach. But even industry leaders aren’t immune to product issues. Recently, a significant concern has emerged involving the Google Pixel 4a smartphone, following the Google Pixel April 2025 update. What began as a routine software release has since triggered a wave of battery-related issues, and in some cases, serious safety concerns. A government-issued recall and global response have put the spotlight back on Google Pixel phones. Here’s a closer look at what happened, which Google Pixel models are affected, and what users need to do next.

The Update That Changed Everything

For years, the Google Pixel 4a was seen as a reliable, well-performing device. Affordable and compact, it represented an ideal balance between price and functionality. That reputation began to shift in January 2025, when Google pushed out an automatic Android 13 update, included as part of its regular maintenance cycle to improve battery performance across its devices.

Unfortunately, the update did the opposite for some users. Specifically, devices using Lishen-manufactured batteries saw their maximum voltage reduced from 4.45V to 3.95V. On paper, this change may seem minor. In practice, it reduced battery capacity by more than 50%, leaving users with devices that struggled to last through the day or charge properly using their Google Pixel charger.

Why This Became a Safety Concern

While the initial complaints centered around poor performance and shortened battery life, reports soon emerged that the underlying issue was more than just an inconvenience. The software update was designed to limit voltage in order to prevent overheating—but ironically, it’s now understood that the original batteries themselves may have posed an overheating risk.

As a result, the situation escalated from a performance issue to a potential safety hazard. The Australian government responded by issuing a nationwide recall for the Pixel 4a, citing both the battery defect and the overheating risk. This move confirmed that the problem wasn’t isolated or theoretical—it had serious implications.

Google’s Response: The Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program

In response to growing concerns, Google launched the Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program. The company officially acknowledged that only a subset of devices were affected—those identified as “Impacted Devices”—and offered three compensation options for affected users:

• A free battery replacement (in select countries)
• A $50 cash payment (converted to your local currency) payment.
• A $100 USD (converted to your local currency) Google hardware discount code applicable towards the purchase of another Pixel phone on the Google Store (as available).

Users are allowed to select only one of the three options. Once a choice is made, it cannot be changed. Google has also provided a device registration page for users to check whether their Pixel 4a qualifies for compensation.

What You Should Do if You Own a Pixel 4a

If you’re a Pixel 4a user, here are the steps to take:

1. Check your device – Visit Google’s official registration site to see if your phone is listed as an “Impacted Device.”
2. Choose your compensation – Decide which of the three options best suits your situation. Keep in mind that the decision is final.
3. Submit your claim before the deadline – The program closes on January 8, 2026.
4. Back up your data – If you choose a repair or replacement, be sure to back up your data beforehand.
5. Check eligibility even for inactive devices – Devices that are no longer in use may still qualify, as long as you were the registered owner before January 6, 2025.

Final Thoughts

This incident serves as an important reminder: even the most established tech companies can face unexpected hardware and software issues. While Google has acted to address the situation through its performance program, the issue may have affected users’ trust in the brand—especially in a phone that was once considered one of the most dependable Google Pixel models.

The hope now is that affected users can receive timely compensation or repairs, and that future updates across the Google Pixel latest phone lineup will be deployed with more rigorous safeguards.

If you own a Pixel 4a, take action early to avoid missing the deadline. And for anyone considering a new device, this case underscores the importance of transparency and support—especially when reliability is compromised. 

FAQs

Is Google pixel 4a discontinued? 

The Google Pixel 4a was officially discontinued on January 31, 2022, following its release in August 2020.

What is the Pixel 4a battery scandal? 

The “Pixel 4a battery scandal” refers to a January 2025 software update intended to mitigate battery overheating risks. This update reduced the battery’s maximum charge voltage from 4.45V to 3.95V, effectively cutting its capacity by over 50%. Consequently, users experienced significantly diminished battery life, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.

Can I still use my Pixel 4a?

Using your Pixel 4a is still possible and fully functional for most everyday tasks. Although official software and security updates ended in August 2023, the device can still run apps, make calls, and browse the web. Just be aware of potential security vulnerabilities over time.