Google pulls older Pixel 4a updates after battery fix rollout

In early 2025, Google introduced a special program for Pixel 4a users to address battery performance issues. This included a new Android 13 update, free battery replacements, or alternative compensation options. Following this update, Google has removed all earlier software updates for the Pixel 4a.

Pixel 4a users noticed that the official “Factory Images” and “Full OTA Images” site for Nexus and Pixel devices no longer hosts downloads for the phone, except for the latest update, version TQ3A.230805.001.S2. Reports suggest this change was made on January 22.

The new update includes battery management features but comes with limitations. According to Google, it reduces the phone’s available battery capacity and affects charging performance. This means the battery may not last as long between charges, and the charging speed might also decrease. Additionally, the battery level indicator may behave differently. The update is downloaded automatically when the device is connected to the internet and charging.

Users who have installed the update confirm these changes, with some expressing frustration. Inspections for free battery replacements have also flagged other issues on older devices, sometimes leading to additional repair costs. While this is standard for devices from 2020, it has still upset some users.

Historically, Google removes factory images only when there are release-related issues. In this case, it seems the company wants to prevent users from reverting to older updates.

It’s worth noting that not all Pixel 4a devices are impacted by the battery issue. However, Google’s decision to pull three years of updates for everyone has drawn criticism for being overly broad, as there’s no way to restrict who can access the updates.

For users who find battery replacement inconvenient, Google offers two options:

1. A $50 payment (converted to local currency).
2. A $100 discount code for purchasing a new Pixel phone on the Google Store.

You can visit Google’s dedicated page to start a repair, claim compensation, or check if your device is affected. The program runs until January 8, 2026.