Google Launches Extended Repair Program for Pixel 7a With Battery Swelling Issues

Google has just launched an Extended Repair Program for Pixel 7a devices affected by battery swelling issues (via 9to5Google). The new program will offer free battery replacement repairs or other compensation options, depending on the country and warranty status.

The Pixel 7a was released in May 2023 as an entry-level alternative to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. At the time, Google described it as its “most durable A-series yet,” and this statement… didn’t age very well.

“Not all Pixel 7a devices are impacted by unexpected battery swelling, therefore if your device is not impacted, you will not be eligible for a repair or other options under this program,” Google emphasized on its support page. The most visible sign of battery swelling is a thicker-than-usual phone or the phone cover separating from the device. You may also be affected if your Pixel 7a battery is draining much faster than usual or fails to charge.

Eligibility for a free battery replacement is limited to consumers who purchased their devices in Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, the US, the UK, Switzerland, and EEA countries. You can check for eligibility on this page, though be aware that a battery replacement won’t extend the warranty coverage of your Pixel 7a.

Google offers free battery replacements for affected devices at walk-in repair centers in the US, UK, India, Canada, Germany, Japan, and Singapore. There will be physical inspections to determine if affected phones can be repaired at no additional charge. “If your phone has out-of-warranty damage, such as display or cover glass cracks, then there may be a fee to repair your phone,” the company explained.

Lastly, in countries with no mail-in replacement option or walk-in repair centers, affected Pixel 7a users will be able to claim different appeasement options: Google will offer $456 for devices still under warranty, and either $200 or a $300 Google hardware discount for out-of-warranty devices.