Google’s mandatory Pixel 4a update linked to overheating hazard

The big picture: Google unexpectedly released a firmware update for the Pixel 4a smartphone earlier this year. Many users reported that the update made their devices unreliable or even unusable, leading them to question whether it was truly necessary. Now, an Australian organization has revealed the real reason behind the update.

Google launched a so-called “battery performance program” in January, stating that some Pixel 4a phones required new battery management features to prevent performance degradation. The company warned users that the update could reduce battery capacity on certain devices and offered limited compensation options to affected customers.

After the update was rolled out, many Pixel 4a owners discovered the full impact of Google’s warning. Some phones became virtually unusable, suffering from drastically reduced battery life. The new firmware left many Pixel customers disappointed, as Mountain View had seemingly decided to cripple a discontinued device while offering only a meager rebate as compensation.

Now, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has revealed a significantly more serious – and justified – reason for the update. The organization recently issued a recall for Google Pixel 4a smartphones sold in Australia between 2020 and 2022, citing a risk of overheating that could lead to fire or burns.

The issue does not affect all Pixel 4a variants, according to the ACCC, meaning the firmware update may have had no impact on battery management in some cases. Furthermore, the Australian commission has referenced Google’s compensation program for customers looking to trade in their older devices for a small payout.

Before the ACCC’s recall program, no explicit statement had been made about potential overheating issues with the Pixel 4a. Google stated that Australian authorities opted for a “voluntary” recall initiative. Non-updated phones remain technically usable for now, the company added.

Users have reported that Google’s firmware update significantly impacted battery charging capacity. Some phones now last only a few hours before requiring a recharge – an almost “unusable” state in today’s mobile-driven world.

According to code analysts who examined the update, Pixel 4a batteries fall into two categories: ATL and LSN. Google imposed a charging capacity cap on LSN batteries to mitigate overheating risks.