Google Pixel4a software update email - a scam?

notaclue22

Hi. I have a google pixel4a phone and I received an email (from google) yesterday telling me that there will be an automatic software update in the next few days that will 'affect the overall performance and stability of its battery'. There are options to repair or refund (£50) had this or a discount on another google product. Has anyone else had this message? Does this sound like a scam? 

leonj

it's not a scam I had the same thing.  I chose the cash but I wish I had chosen the voucher now because it seems like it could take a while to get the cash.  Everything is done on the google website.

PHK

This is what Google have to say on the issue:

From January 8, 2025, Pixel 4a devices will receive an automatic software update to Android 13. After the software update is downloaded, your device will restart automatically to apply the update. For some devices (“Impacted Devices”), the update includes new battery management features to improve the stability of your battery’s performance, so 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. 

We want our customers to have the best possible experience with their products, so users of these Impacted Devices are eligible for an appeasement from Google. 

Not all Pixel 4a devices are impacted by the reduction in battery capacity and charging performance, therefore if your device is not impacted the battery will perform the same as before, and you will not be eligible for an appeasement. 

flaneurs_lobster

I guess the US usage of "appeasement" is different to the usual meaning in the UK.

Why can't they use the correct English term, bung.

Geoff_W

It's definitely not a scam but be aware that this update may brick your phone, as has happened to my wife's Pixel 4a. First sign of a problem is a message telling you that the battery needs replacing. Second symptom is that the battery level decreases at an enormous rate. You'd be lucky to get a couple of hours use from being fully charged. I thought that only Apple did this sort of trick so I'm not impressed by Google. At the moment, touch wood, my 4a is OK.

400ixl

Geoff_W said:

It's definitely not a scam but be aware that this update may brick your phone, as has happened to my wife's Pixel 4a. First sign of a problem is a message telling you that the battery needs replacing. Second symptom is that the battery level decreases at an enormous rate. You'd be lucky to get a couple of hours use from being fully charged. I thought that only Apple did this sort of trick so I'm not impressed by Google. At the moment, touch wood, my 4a is OK.

That is not bricking your phone, bricking is when it won't boot up.

The exact reason for the email is your situation, to warn people this may happen and how to go about getting the problem resolved by Google. Take up the option to get it repaired (unlike Apple who only offered this after being forced to do so).

Appreciate it is very inconvenient, but if they can't tell beforehand which phones will be effected they can't pre-empt a repair being required by unique device.

Geoff_W

400ixl said:

Geoff_W said:

It's definitely not a scam but be aware that this update may brick your phone, as has happened to my wife's Pixel 4a. First sign of a problem is a message telling you that the battery needs replacing. Second symptom is that the battery level decreases at an enormous rate. You'd be lucky to get a couple of hours use from being fully charged. I thought that only Apple did this sort of trick so I'm not impressed by Google. At the moment, touch wood, my 4a is OK.

That is not bricking your phone, bricking is when it won't boot up.

The exact reason for the email is your situation, to warn people this may happen and how to go about getting the problem resolved by Google. Take up the option to get it repaired (unlike Apple who only offered this after being forced to do so).

Appreciate it is very inconvenient, but if they can't tell beforehand which phones will be effected they can't pre-empt a repair being required by unique device.

I agree that the word 'brick' was a bit OTT, but the fact my wife's phone is virtually unusable is pretty much the same thing. We are currently investigating the options. May go for a Pixel 8 (currently £449 on the Google Store) less the £80 'appeasement'.

notaclue22

Thanks for the replies. I will get the battery replaced.

newRhino

I have three pixel 4a phones. 
All were updated from Android 12 to 13 automatically without my consent. Now all the unusable. The online help for a battery replacement require s entry of the phone IMEI numbers. All three of which it claims are invalid. So Google have absolutely shafted me here, two days ago had three phones working fine. Today I have to find the money to buy three new phones.

MichMan

I too have been affected by this. I'm very disappointed about how this has panned out. 
My phone, from new has been perfect for my needs. Small and light but with a battery life of 3-4 days.
To receive the email was a surprise. No clear explanation was given about why the update was to take place. A clear statement that it would likely reduce the battery life and the offer of one of three possible "appeasements".
When the update was installed (I investigated blocking it, but this was not possible as it was a system update.) I immediately noticed a change in performance.
The battery life is perhaps 1-1.5 days and thus requires charging every night. One reason for choosing this Android phone was that it had a long battery life.

The appeasement process has been badly handled too. I investigated via the link from Google in the email on the 6th of January whether my phone was eligible for an appeasement and as a result was told that I had accepted a cash amount. I have tried to get the three choices reinstated and Google say this cannot be done. The dialogue did not make this clear at the time. I wanted to wait until the update to decide. Incidentally it is noticeable that the battery replacement option does not suggest that performance will be restored- another area where I feel that they have not been entirely truthful.

This has the look of a fiasco of Google's making. 

The option of rolling back to the position before the enforced update is also not available. 

The_stingemeister

I have the same software/battery problem. I contacted Google about a week ago accepting their offer for funds for a battery replacement. As another of their options was $100 towards a new phone...which isn't exactly going to go far. Today had a reply offering £41. Now, you must use their chosen payment method called Payoneer. Don't think I have heard of this. Googled it and it's a type of debit card. Apparently once you open it, and maybe don't use it for 12 months you get charged $29 (£23.49) for inactivity. So best thing is to open it and withdraw the £41, then immediately close it.

Anyone any experience of Payoneer? Would it be of any use as a travel card or something?