Google Slashes Pixel 4a Support: Latest Battery Fix Replaces Older Updates

Google’s Mysterious Decision to Remove Pixel 4a Updates: A Convenient Fix for Battery Issues or a Gimmick?

At the beginning of 2025, Google surprised the tech world with its Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program, introducing a new Android 13 OTA update, free battery replacement, and/or appeasement options. As part of this, Google removed all previous Pixel 4a updates.

What’s Behind the Decision?

Pixel 4a owners reportedly noticed that the "Factory Images" or "Full OTA Images for Nexus and Pixel Devices" website had removed all downloads for the Pixel 4a except for the new update with "battery management features": TQ3A. This removal occurred on Wednesday, January 22.

But Why?

Google claims that the Android 13 update "reduces available battery capacity and impacts charging performance". According to them, "the battery may last for shorter periods between charges. Users of Impacted Devices may also notice other changes, like reduced charging performance or changes to how the battery-level indicator on your phone shows your battery capacity."

The Consequences of this Update

Affected users who have installed the update have reported that, indeed, their battery life has decreased. Some users are also finding that the device inspection part of the free battery replacement has uncovered other issues that require a fix or payment. While this is not surprising on hardware from 2020, it’s still disappointing.

What’s Next for Affected Users?

Google offers two options for users who find this update inconvenient:

1. A $50 USD (converted to local currency) payment.
2. A $100 USD (converted to local currency) Google hardware discount code applicable towards the purchase of another Pixel phone on the Google Store (as available).

Visit this page (until January 8, 2026) to get started on a "repair, payment, or future discount code" and see if your Pixel 4a is impacted.

The Verdict?

Is this a genuine solution to battery issues or a clever marketing ploy to push users towards newer devices? One thing is certain – the tech world is abuzz with curiosity. Stay tuned for more updates!