Google Pixel4a software update email - a scam?

The_stingemeister

newRhino said:

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.

Did you try their suggested method of finding the IMEI, by keying digits into your phone? This wouldn't work for me either. I would ignore that, and find the IMEI yourself in the phone Settings-About Phone-IMEI.

The_stingemeister

Anyone taken up the new battery offer? And did it improve the phone's life? Or hardly any difference...and will be looking for a new phone.

Chazkitten

Totally fed up tried getting new battery and it is still draining the software has well and truly stitched us up and haven't even received any compo yet or acknowledgment email either 

phebe3

MichMan said:

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. 

Yes, similar position here.  I went for the voucher option and tried to buy the Pixel 8a at the price on line on the google store only to be told I couldn't use my voucher to buy it at that price, but had to pay the price of the voucher on top of the advertised price....so in effect the voucher is worth ZILCH. I am furious as this wasn't in the terms and conditions , and I cannot change my choice (voucher/cash/battery replacement ) now. I loved my Pixel 4a too....but am NOT loving Google at the moment. I would buy a different make but don't want a bigger phone, and dislike all the "extras" Samsung put on their phones, the Pixel is small, easy to use and has an excellent camera.
Surely Google cannot treat customers this way?  (and yes...they obviously are.....)

The_stingemeister

I opted for a sum of money for a battery replacement ($50). It still hasn't been paid into my bank account. Visited a couple of local phone repair shops and was quoted almost £200 to change the battery!! Apparently the screen has to come off for the replacement. If I'd known this I wouldn't of chosen my option. I can't entirely remember the three options, but think it was: $50, $100 or visit an approved Google shop or post it to the shop? The shop option looks the best option by far, as I think it's free unless you post it off then it's £10. Unfortunately once you make your choice you can't change your mind. I very much doubt the shop (ISmash) will do the repair now, unless for a big fee. 

My decision was based on not wanting to be without my phone for a period of time. Has anyone else taken their phone to one of the approved repair centre's?

EssexExile

The_stingemeister said:

I opted for a sum of money for a battery replacement ($50). It still hasn't been paid into my bank account. Visited a couple of local phone repair shops and was quoted almost £200 to change the battery!! Apparently the screen has to come off for the replacement. If I'd known this I wouldn't of chosen my option. I can't entirely remember the three options, but think it was: $50, $100 or visit an approved Google shop or post it to the shop? The shop option looks the best option by far, as I think it's free unless you post it off then it's £10. Unfortunately once you make your choice you can't change your mind. I very much doubt the shop (ISmash) will do the repair now, unless for a big fee. 

My decision was based on not wanting to be without my phone for a period of time. Has anyone else taken their phone to one of the approved repair centre's?

My friend took hers to my local EE shop and they handled it, was back within the week.

K8Rugby

The_stingemeister said:

Anyone taken up the new battery offer? And did it improve the phone's life? Or hardly any difference...and will be looking for a new phone.

Yes I took up the battery offer.  I had to open a Payoneer account (I googled this as I was unsure about it) and within a couple of days £40 went into the account which I transferred straight away into my Bank account.  I've had a new battery fitted.  The first one made no difference, so the guy ordered another saying this was faulty.  He's fitted the new battery and all is great charging - back to around 3 days charge, and rapid charging.  However, I now have a new problem - pinch to zoom is not working which is really frustrating and I cannot find a fix.
Can anyone suggest anything - I have tried the magnifier in settings which only allows for a double tap.  My Maps are zoomed in so far I cannot read them and cannot zoom out!  
I wish i didn't love this phone so much1