Google is offering free repairs and, in some countries, payments to address Pixel 7a battery issues. 9to5Google discovered a Google support page outlining an extended repair program available in 40 countries. If your Pixel 7a is showing signs of battery swelling or experiencing faster-than-normal battery drainage, you may be eligible for a complimentary battery replacement.
The company has identified that certain Pixel 7a phones may encounter unexpected battery swelling. Indications of this issue include the device appearing thicker than usual, a bulging back cover, visible gaps or openings along the edges, or accelerated battery drain.
Prior to taking action, Google received complaints on social media regarding the Pixel 7a problem. For instance, in December, u/Eszence08 shared on the Pixel subreddit that they only found a resolution from Google after posting about the battery swelling issue on Reddit, as they did not receive assistance from Google support. This led them to conclude that «Google is more responsive on Reddit than through their chat support.»
Even if your device displays one or more symptoms, it must undergo an inspection to ensure eligibility. You can begin by visiting Google’s eligibility page, which will guide you through the steps to determine if your specific device qualifies. Following this, a repair technician will examine the device before proceeding with the repair.
This final step is crucial as damages unrelated to the battery issue, such as liquid damage, exposure to sharp objects, or excessive force, will void the repair. Additionally, damages outside of the warranty, like cracks in the display or cover glass, will incur a repair cost, with Google providing an estimate before commencing the repair process.
The repair process varies by country. In the US and India, you have the option to mail your device to Google or take it to an authorized walk-in repair center. In-person repairs are also available in Canada, the UK, Germany, Japan, and Singapore, while mail-in services are not offered in these countries.
The repair program is also extended to individuals who purchased their device in Australia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Switzerland, and EEA countries. Unfortunately, if your country is not listed, you are not eligible for the repair program.
For countries without a mail-in option (excluding the US and India), Google provides alternative «appeasement options,» such as payouts or store credit. If your Pixel 7a is out of warranty, you can claim $200 in your local currency or $300 in a Google discount code, which can be used towards purchasing another Pixel phone on the Google Store. If your device is still under warranty, you may receive a payment of $456 converted to your local currency.
If you believe your Pixel 7a qualifies for the repair program, you can visit Google’s support page to begin the process. This article originally appeared on Engadget at.
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