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Refund of US$456 (in Warranty, ~A$714) or US$200 (Out of Warranty) for Eligible Pixel 7a with Swollen Battery Issue @ Google

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Refund of US$456 (in Warranty, ~A$714) or US$200 (Out of Warranty) for Eligible Pixel 7a with Swollen Battery Issue @ Google
Go to Deal
smudger on 26/04/2025 - 19:39 support.google.com (8268 clicks)
Last edited 19/05/2025 - 13:49 by 2 other users

Originally linked from

https://www.androidpolice.com/google-will-replace-pixel-7a-s…

Although I have not had any battery issues yet. Have adaptive charging on and charge wirelessly overnight entered my IMEI and was eligible.
Went through the process and was approved and will receive $714AUD payment from Google through Payoneer.

If you have a Pixel 7a its worthwhile to go through the process in case you have future battery issues

Timeline below for my claim

25th April - Submit claim to Google
26th April - Create Payoneer account
17th May - Payoneer email to say funds coming from Google
19th May - Funds received in my account

Total time was 16 business days which is within the timeframe google stated

Was $710 so $4 less than originally waht google said (exchange rates perhaps)

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Comments

  • evasive on 26/04/2025 - 22:44
    +2

    The question is, are they verifying IMEIs that aren’t linked to your google account manually, or letting them through? Hmm

    • kypermaster on 26/04/2025 - 23:12
      +1

      Yeah i would like to know as well

    • Lister55 on 27/04/2025 - 09:39

      I was signed into wrong Gmail account when checking… It said IMEI wasn't associated with that Gmail… Had to switch to the correct Gmail account for that IMEI. Otherwise it said had to answer more questions… But I just switched to the right account..

  • navegante88 on 26/04/2025 - 22:52

    Thanks so much OP! I did it on my wife's phone and fingers crossed it gets approved. Did get something about unable to detect email associated with phone or something like that but we'll see what happens!

  • gstfree on 26/04/2025 - 23:02

    Thanks for sharing. My Dell laptop also has the swelling battery issues, but Dell refuse to do anything because out of warranty.

  • pixelbug on 26/04/2025 - 23:20

    I had my battery swell on a Pixel 6 about half a year ago, and was eventually able to get some form of reimbursement from Telstra (who I got the phone from) under their consumer guarantees. Took a bit with the store floor staff unwilling to help, but over the phone with Telstra Support I managed to find a resolution.
    So it's not mutually exclusive to the Pixel 7a's, but at least Google are providing replacements for what at this point is a known issue with a range of their devices.

  • lukie85 on 26/04/2025 - 23:24

    Thanks OP

    I'm thinking of changing my phone because 128GB is too small, and my storage is almost full.

    If I got refund, I'm thinking getting Nothing Phone 3a 256GB.

  • falcine on 26/04/2025 - 23:50
    +4

    Thanks for the heads up. Only 3 weeks left on the 2-year warranty on my Pixel 7a, as I bought it under this popular deal in May 2023. According to the appeasement support page, the US$456 only applies to devices under warranty, so this came just in time!

    • Suricate on 27/04/2025 - 00:46

      Is the warranty valid for 2 years from purchase?

      • falcine on 27/04/2025 - 02:49
        +1

        I believe so, if you go to "Settings" on the phone, then "About phone", then "Limited Warranty", it states the warranty period for the Pixel 7a is two years from the date of original purchase.

    • Suricate on 27/04/2025 - 07:11

      Then, I guess they will ask for the receipt.
      Fortunately, I found the invoice

      • falcine on 27/04/2025 - 11:54

        I've noticed so far no one has been asked for proof of purchase. That could be because we're still under 2 years of the phone's May 2023 launch date, meaning every single 7a in existence should be covered by a 2yr warranty, so it's pointless to verify purchase dates until next month. Or maybe they don't give a crap and the part about the device needing to be in warranty for the upped payment is just to give cover in case they change their minds. We'll see from next month on I guess.

    • ttfb on 27/04/2025 - 07:23

      I bought mine under the same deal, fingers crossed we are eligible!

  • OfTheOverflow on 27/04/2025 - 00:03
    +1

    My Pixel 7 battery has been absolutely fkn ratshit since day 1…

    • virtualds on 27/04/2025 - 00:34

      My pixel 7 pro battery has been absolutely amazing from day 1.

      • Suricate on 27/04/2025 - 00:47

        No Appeasement for you

    • b0b0 on 29/04/2025 - 14:02

      This was the case for me too… battery is not strong and heats up for no reason. I got a warranty replacement from JB hifi but the new pixel 7 pro had the same battery issue from day 1

      I sold my pixel 7 pro immediately and fortunately not at a loss 🤣

  • 0 0 0 on 27/04/2025 - 00:05

    Fingers crossed I get paid for mine. Would be a nice bonus :)
    Bought a Pixel 1 XL secondhand and it had battery swelling. Despite being years out of warranty I was able to get them to replace it with a refurb.
    Now my Pixel 1 XL replacement is also suffering from battery swelling - hope it stays stable for years to come as it sits at home as my unlimited photo/video backup device :D

    • neonlight on 27/04/2025 - 11:30

      The battery won't last. At this point you could only get cheap third party batteries

      Unless you really need original photo quality photos I wouldn't bother with pixel 1. I guess you have high upload speeds on NBN which is a luxury here in Aus.

      Nevertheless good luck

  • Suricate on 27/04/2025 - 00:47
    +1

    Show me the money

    • paloverde88 on 27/04/2025 - 05:36

      Show me the bunny drizzled in honey but please no money

  • paloverde88 on 27/04/2025 - 05:35
    -2

    No issues 10a here speaking from 2026

  • Kampfuchs on 27/04/2025 - 05:49

    Here comes the money

  • o53djz7qTPY4der on 27/04/2025 - 06:34

    This is great. My warranty expires early May. The phone has been perfect and I only paid $699.

  • aurotaro on 27/04/2025 - 07:10

    OK wow - my 7a has had a battery bulge since December and I just stored it in the usual doom cable drawer as it doesn't work anymore and the back cover has come off.

    Whats the way to find the IMEI for a phone that doesn't switch on?

    Edit: says not eligible. But literally the back cover is falling off due to a battery bulge.

    Best way to contact Google anyone??

    • DuckWearingTopHat on 27/04/2025 - 08:09

      When my pixel 6 swelled I just used the support chat the phone links to / on the Google website and got a replacement.

    • chan1 on 27/04/2025 - 10:18

      Use the Google Support options and click on 'Contact Us' under the 'Need more help?' section. There, you can chat with an agent who will ask for evidence, such as photos of the affected phone, receipt, etc.

    • check on 27/04/2025 - 10:23

      Maybe it's on the SIM Card Tray:

      Eject the SIM tray using a SIM tool or paperclip.
      Look for the IMEI number printed on the tray itself.

  • knasty on 27/04/2025 - 07:13

    Hmm, just put both IMEI codes in for wife's 7A and it says it's not eligible. SO it seems like it is some 7As, not all.

    • ThighHighDemise on 27/04/2025 - 08:08

      Had the same result, tried both of MY IMEIs and both deemed not eligible. Dang

    • lukie85 on 27/04/2025 - 10:34

      I guess because it's out of warranty?

      • bio on 27/04/2025 - 13:02

        Mine is still under warranty yet not eligible. Must be a specific IMEI/serial number range.

        • knasty on 27/04/2025 - 14:00

          Same. Well within warranty I believe (bought Aug '23). Must only be certain production runs…I'm going to keep a close eye on the battery life though.

          • lukie85 on 27/04/2025 - 21:24
            +2

            @knasty: I got my phone in September 2023 from Officeworks, and I am eligible for the refund.

  • Plasma on 27/04/2025 - 07:57

    Wow, I am eligible for a full refund. Was not expecting that as I only purchased it in August last year. Thanks OP.

  • Uncle Roger on 27/04/2025 - 08:06

    Wow, so buy off eBay, and send back?

  • ReneeB24 on 27/04/2025 - 08:30
    +1

    Thanks had no idea of the scheme, but my phone qualifies and case will be reviewed within 3 weeks

  • Triceratops on 27/04/2025 - 08:40
    +2

    Interesting - put in my first IMEI and it says this IMEI is not associated with my google account. Put in the second one and it tells me I qualify for refund.

    • placard on 27/04/2025 - 12:37

      I got the same outcome. The second IMEI worked.

      It then says I qualified and to click 'continue'.

      Then gave me a case number and said an agent will get back to me within 3 weeks after evaluating my request. I took a screenshot of the case ID. How will they contact me, via my Gmail address?

      Is that as far as you got, or did it finalise for you and ask for bank details?

      • Suzique on 30/04/2025 - 09:25

        I got the same response….just wondering about the "evaluating my request" part! I'm guessing they will email us.

  • WayneOZ on 27/04/2025 - 08:57

    Good move. This initiative will definitely help solidify the brand's name among consumers.

  • bathuu on 27/04/2025 - 09:06

    Unfortunately, not eligible

  • neonlight on 27/04/2025 - 09:09
    -1

    Meanwhile I'm still keeping my Pixel 5 for unlimited HQ photo uploads

    I wonder how much to replace battery for Pixel 8 pro though

  • Qbagger on 27/04/2025 - 09:41

    I entered my primary IMEI on my 7A, whilst signed into my google account and it said phone not associated with this Google account. Odd.

    Proceeded with providing further details (address, country, phone number) and it said a customer service rep will get back to me within 3 weeks. No confirmation on the spot of whether the phone is eligible or not.

    I then entered the second sim slot IMEI and it said your phone is already receiving support.

    No obvious swelling on the phone (yet) but battery life is shocking. Fingers crossed 🤞

    • Gabehcoud on 27/04/2025 - 10:55
      +1

      Same situation for me. Hopefully all goes well and it doesn't take 3 weeks or have to jump through too many hoops to prove ownership.

  • Psychd on 27/04/2025 - 10:12

    I was meticulous & monitored charging, with mostly wireless charging. But battery 'blew up' earlier this year. I noticed worse run times & only found out after taking it out of the case last month. Bulge got worse, but thankfully the plastic rear took the brunt & screen is still ok.
    Was pretty pi$$ed, but a full payment would 'appease' this 21 yr beta customer.
    Bought 11 May 2023. Advertised warranty was 1 yr limited. I would have though ACCC 'reasonable' period should be couple years min.
    Said both IMEI's not associated to Google account, but phone purchase is showing on store account. 3 weeks to evaluate…

  • check on 27/04/2025 - 10:31

    @smudger Thanks for the best deal of the year!

    (Assuming the payment is processed),

  • Suricate on 27/04/2025 - 11:42

    Money back after 2 years of use
    What would be the next deal? 10a?

  • [Deactivated] on 27/04/2025 - 12:35

    It said my Pixel 7a isn't affected, but I'm not sure it's because my warranty expired

    • Jikx on 27/04/2025 - 13:16

      No, my pixel 7a is well and truely out of warranty and still got accepted.

    • Jaduqimon on 27/04/2025 - 14:52
      -1

      it means the battery on your one isnt affected by the issue

  • Jaduqimon on 27/04/2025 - 17:31
    -5

    managed to source 10 imeis, and claimed lets see how it goes.

    • 0 0 0 on 27/04/2025 - 17:59
      -1

      Sounds dishonest without clarifying how you did this.

    • leeroys_dad on 27/04/2025 - 18:10

      "sourced" indicates some kind of dodgy behaviour.
      "bought phones" would be a better way to phrase it….

      • Jaduqimon on 27/04/2025 - 18:12
        -5

        yes "bought phones" is exactly what i meant

        • Loopholio on 27/04/2025 - 21:06

          It's always a great idea to share your criminal activity in an online forum.

        • leeroys_dad on 27/04/2025 - 21:56

          Not coo

        • wisb0 on 29/04/2025 - 17:30

          asking people off marketplace aint eveidence, they check when it was first linked to the account

    • kypermaster on 29/04/2025 - 23:45

      What happened, did you get all 10 to work hahaha

  • bananabendera on 27/04/2025 - 19:10

    I had to go through their support process for my partner's 7a which had a swelling battery (under warranty) earlier this year. It took about a month in total to get the money, and two weeks for them to even respond/tell me what was going on with the support request, even though we told them you could smell a gas leak from the damaged battery and it had damaged the plastic body in the initial request. Was SUCH a massive pain in the ass for an essential device which was a safety risk, f*** google hardware support. Got the refund ($735 AUD) and repaired the battery with an ifixit kit using the money for hopefully another two years at least.

  • lomie on 27/04/2025 - 21:34

    Mine was eligible. Bought in May 2023.

  • trawg on 28/04/2025 - 08:16

    Wild. I have no issues with my Pixel 7a but just ran through the process and my available option is:

    "Receive a cash payment worth $456 USD (converted to your local currency)."

    Why would I NOT do this?

    • Tyrx on 28/04/2025 - 14:40
      +2

      There's no reason why you wouldn't - the worst that can happen is they reject the claim.

      If the eligibility check is passing your IMEI through, it means that your product is defective and it's only a matter of time before the battery issues crop up anyway.

      • randomdude on 28/04/2025 - 17:06

        This. They have effectively admitted battery issues with these IMEIs - Might as well take the compensation whilst it is easy to do so and you can still get some trade in value on it?

  • placard on 28/04/2025 - 14:30

    I got the same outcome. The second IMEI worked.

    It then says I qualified and to click 'continue'.

    Then gave me a case number and said an agent will get back to me within 3 weeks after evaluating my request. I took a screenshot of the case ID. How will they contact me, via my Gmail address?

    Is that as far as you got, or did it finalise for you and ask for bank details?

    • mrkrdp on 29/04/2025 - 05:34
      +1

      Same here. Said it qualified but no email to at least confirm process started or anything, so just waiting at the moment.

      • aussea on 29/04/2025 - 07:41
        +1

        I just scrolled to the (near) bottom of the "Extended Repair Program for Pixel 7a" page - having made a claim, and bingo there was an update there… Still under review alas. 3 week timeframe.

        • mrkrdp on 29/04/2025 - 08:52

          Awesome, can see the same - Cheers

        • placard on 29/04/2025 - 09:35

          Oh thanks! Yep just scrolled down as says "In Progress".

      • Suzique on 30/04/2025 - 12:53

        I just got an email from "device support" saying my claim was approved and asking me to "click on a link" and set up a Payoneer account for payment.
        I did my due diligence, but just in case, I linked a bank/ account that I rarely use.

        • placard on 04/05/2025 - 12:28

          Yeah same, just checked my Gmail. It seems legit. I might use an account not commonly used just in case.

  • randomdude on 28/04/2025 - 17:03
    +2

    Thoughts on taking the cash and trading in the Pixel 7a at JB HiFi?
    Quote was $185

    • o53djz7qTPY4der on 29/04/2025 - 06:31

      I was considering this too.

    • leeroys_dad on 29/04/2025 - 06:38

      They occasionally have a bonus $ trade in deal soon if you can wait for that too

  • juksta on 29/04/2025 - 07:44

    Anyone else only getting a $200 USD offer once adding in your IMEI? It also offered as an alternative option $300 USD as Google store credits

    • megaclix on 29/04/2025 - 10:10

      On the claims page (linked to from this deal), it says the USD $200 ($300 credit) is for when your phone is out of warranty.

      • leeroys_dad on 29/04/2025 - 12:39

        I thought I read that was for US/Canada. Might be wrong

  • Suricate on 29/04/2025 - 13:18
    +2

    They must have a huge backlog after this post

    • BrodensNephew on 30/04/2025 - 08:54

      Just received my confirmation/setup Payoneer registration email. They are getting through them.

  • connierollman on 29/04/2025 - 23:54

    thanks legend

  • leeroys_dad on 30/04/2025 - 11:57
    +3

    Today received my Google confirmation / Payoneer email confirming $714 refund!

    • 11112007 on 30/04/2025 - 13:58
      +2

      Nice still waiting. I lodged 4 days ago and nothing yet.

    • Suricate on 30/04/2025 - 17:22
      +1

      How come I get $1 less? NOT FAIR!!

      • lukie85 on 30/04/2025 - 18:22

        It's the same for me, only $713.

        maybe it based on the daily exchange rate

        • Suricate on 30/04/2025 - 19:29

          I feel like it's free money. Unexpected $$$

          • lukie85 on 30/04/2025 - 19:45

            @Suricate: Totally agree.

            I remember I bought the phone like $600.

            • falcine on 01/05/2025 - 00:09

              @lukie85: The range of prices I've seen the 7a sell at is around $430 - $679. So a payout of $713 seems crazy generous. And in many cases the eligible phones, which you keep, aren't even displaying any signs that they're defective. I've never seen such a policy before.

    • Chai8 on 30/04/2025 - 18:37

      It’s $712 for me.

  • lucky5hot on 30/04/2025 - 16:32
    +1

    I just did this today, at 23 months, all of sudden every time I go to 20% it drops to 0% within 2-5s. I was surprised. The refund being higher than my purchase price was a pleasant surprise.

  • falcine on 30/04/2025 - 18:12

    Got the payoneer registration email today, applied 4 days ago. Email was in the spam folder of all places. Eligible for a $713 payment.

  • zrorz on 30/04/2025 - 21:19

    Has anyone tried to do the trade in after the payout? According to Google's own ai apparently you can.

    Here is the google Gemini response:

    "After receiving a payout or hardware discount code from Google's Pixel 7a extended repair program, you are not required to return the device. You can continue using it or dispose of it responsibly. If the device has visible signs of battery swelling, damage, or other issues, Google recommends you stop using it and dispose of it properly. You can also trade it in if you are looking to upgrade to a new Pixel phone"

  • infinity03 on 01/05/2025 - 00:46

    I lodged 4 days ago and it appears to say updated 12 hours ago in the status. However - no email received yet. Any one else in similar boat?

    • leeroys_dad on 01/05/2025 - 06:54

      Spam?

    • aussea on 01/05/2025 - 06:55
      +1

      I received an unsolicited email update for my case yesterday (claim lodged 5 days ago) from a Google Pixel team member:

      "We want to assure you that we're actively working on your request. Your patience throughout this process is truly valued, and we understand how important it is to have this resolved promptly."

      Seems to be some other process I'm going through for some reason…

      • o53djz7qTPY4der on 01/05/2025 - 10:29

        Same

      • infinity03 on 01/05/2025 - 22:59

        Unfortunately, i didnt even get this mail. Hopefully refund comes through

      • Jinxnz00 on 03/05/2025 - 19:20

        I'm in the same boat. So wait, the others didn't get the

        Please be informed that our team is currently working diligently to resolve this for you. We understand the importance of this matter and are committed to finding a solution as quickly as possible.

        I wanted to inform you that I have submitted your details to our specialist team, and they will be reviewing your case. We will get back to you with an update as soon as possible.

        We appreciate your understanding and cooperation." email? They just got the payoneer payment email only??

    • duckdodgers245 on 01/05/2025 - 09:27

      Yeah same here. Was at 3 day and then this time yesterday i get a new case number and starting the time all over again…

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