Refund of US$452 (~A$686) for Eligible In-Warranty Pixel 6a @ Google

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Refund of US$452 (~A$686) for Eligible In-Warranty Pixel 6a @ Google
Go to Deal
LGeorgeSr on 03/07/2025 - 07:03 support.google.com (5626 clicks)
Last edited 03/07/2025 - 11:38 by 1 other user

A repeat of smudger's epic deal here, but for Pixel 6a.

Google are being evasive about who's eligible but you can check here. I was offered a US$452 refund. People will get different offers depending on if they're in/out of warranty.

Getting the refund involves the same process of creating a Payoneer account and waiting a couple of weeks.

Battery replacement capability (instead of providing a refund) is expected in Australia soon. Individual end users will have one year from the initial software release on July 8, 2025 to register and make a choice of one of the support options, which may vary by country of purchase, location, and warranty status. After July 8, 2026, these support options will no longer be available.

Source: Android Authority

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Comments

  • Jaduqimon on 03/07/2025 - 07:06
    +7

    HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!!

    easy money

    • speedyjonzalas on 03/07/2025 - 08:11
      +1

      What othsr phone did they do this for? My 8 pro has an annoying glitch on the scree that i need to warranty, but the system they use here in australia doesnt to work and messes up when i try to find a local repairer.

      • Jaduqimon on 03/07/2025 - 08:42
        +1

        7a. 700aud

        • Irribotz on 03/07/2025 - 13:38

          I take it the 7a no longer available? I tried link from previous post but when you click check if eligble loads to general help page.

          Nvm I see you have to go through the chat help. Wishing myself luck.

          • felixyong on 03/07/2025 - 19:27

            @Irribotz: What is the 7a issue, battery as well?

            • Irribotz on 04/07/2025 - 07:41

              @felixyong: Yeah. They want me to prove it goes flat too fast though so not as simple.

      • RolandWaites on 03/07/2025 - 09:10
        +1

        Vertical green line? It's common with the 8. I'm getting mine replaced for free in the next few days through the Google RMA service.

        • Jamesooo on 03/07/2025 - 09:18
          +2

          I went through 3 pixel 8s in a 3 month period with all having the green line. After the third JB HiFi let me swap for a galaxy s24 lol.

          • Fat Horny Ghost on 03/07/2025 - 14:50

            @Jamesooo: I went through 2 Google Pixel 8 fully replaced, battery issue with first and glitchy phone / startup within first 6 months. 3rd one has lasted 2 months now so far.

      • OnAWhimTwo on 04/07/2025 - 20:52
        +7

        I am on my 4th pixel 5, I bought the phone secondhand. the battery failed (swelling), the second one had the same issue, the third one developed a green line, the 4th one is sitting on my bedside table in its box as I have bought a pixel 8.

        All the phones were replaced under warranty. the last one only about 4 weeks ago.

        The trick is to not use googles deliberately difficult warranty request system. You spend an hour following links and ending up in the same spot as you started. Instead go straight to chat and don't take no for an answer.

        During my last chat the first representative said the phone wasn't covered. Only the original phone was covered. I said that's not true in Australia. The warranty restarts when the phone is replaced. She claimed that was wrong, So I asked for her supervisor, She said you'll be told the same thing. I said "its not a debate" so she put me through. The first thing I asked the new rep was "Are you familiar with the Australian consumer guarantee" she said "Yes she was".

        I said the phone is faulty and needs to be replaced. She said warranty only covers the original phone. Sheesh!

        I argued it for the next half an hour and said it needs to go to her supervisor, she eventually relented and said she would send it to her "team" and they would email me within 48 hours.

        I then asked her "was she lying when she said she understood the Australian guarantee" her response to my shock was "yes". she admitted lying to me!

        Within 24 hours I got an email saying they would replace the phone as a special request or some such. BS! Australian law says they must replace it.

        So the main point is. Use the chat its quicker, you talk and argue with real people and eventually you get what you want.

        And the moral is google will lie to avoid replacing the phone. Don't believe them. Know your rights

        • lestat87 on 06/07/2025 - 19:31
          +3

          Up voting cause more people need to see your experience. Thanks for sharing. I don't own one but it's clear I should never buy one

  • busterau on 03/07/2025 - 07:19
    +13

    Is your phone under warranty? Offered only $100USD for my 6a purchased new from the play store.

    • maimai on 03/07/2025 - 08:18
      +3

      Seems to be 452 for in warranty and 100 for out of warranty.

    • witheredcouch on 03/07/2025 - 09:02
      +3

      Yeah, $100USD here. Interestingly my battery has taken a huge dive in the last two weeks.

      Inteerstingly didn't get the battery replace oiption? Hoping to use this for another year or two as performance is fine (well until they throttle it).

    • GeorgeSr on 03/07/2025 - 09:08

      Not sure tbh but looks like it was.

  • bruhminister on 03/07/2025 - 07:25
    +1

    Any idea on what someone with an out of warranty 2022 6a likely to get?

    (Can't check right away cause the phones sitting at a with site)

    • dickbeaver on 03/07/2025 - 07:28
      +3

      $100 USD for my 2022 6a

      • bathuu on 03/07/2025 - 08:24
        +1

        Yeah only $100 USD here too

  • 31mop on 03/07/2025 - 07:38
    +4

    Not eligible
    The IMEI (xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) that you entered is not eligible for a repair at no cost to you, cash payment or Google Store hardware discount credit under the Pixel 6a Battery Performance Programme.

    • mikewall38 on 03/07/2025 - 08:39

      same

    • duckdodgers245 on 03/07/2025 - 09:18

      same

    • mantra on 03/07/2025 - 09:34

      same, purchased from Google Store for $339 in August 2023

  • gareeb on 03/07/2025 - 07:46
    +1

    Not eligible

  • AbuK on 03/07/2025 - 07:57
    +6

    I was given the following options:

    How would you prefer to address the issue with your Pixel 6a?
    - Receive a cash payment worth $100 USD (converted to your local currency)
    - Receive a Google Store discount code worth $150 USD (converted to your local currency) to use towards a Pixel phone upgrade.

  • PokeBargains on 03/07/2025 - 07:58
    -1

    Haven't checked yet but can you double dip with this deal?

    • SkgTriptych on 03/07/2025 - 08:26

      Not completely - Officeworks price is no longer available. So the price would be +$122 relative to that.

      • PokeBargains on 03/07/2025 - 17:13

        Could you price match Amazon instead?

        • SkgTriptych on 03/07/2025 - 20:34
          +1

          Google's list of Authorized Retaillers for price matches is Bunnings, Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, The Good Guys

    • gamerkonks on 03/07/2025 - 09:32

      Would you be able to use the US$150 store credit with that deal?

  • Birdseye on 03/07/2025 - 08:03
    +2

    Why only the a series? I've got an old Pixel 6 sitting in a draw I'd love to get $500 for 😂

    • maimai on 03/07/2025 - 08:05
      +6

      Seems like they cheaped out on the batteries for A series.

      • PainToad on 03/07/2025 - 08:11
        +4

        Google doing Google things.

        • Jack D Price on 03/07/2025 - 10:14
          +5

          "BMTbattery is based in China, and it is globally recognized for manufacturing Google Pixel batteries and other mobile phone batteries. We have continued building trust in our customers through the faultless batteries that we manufacture."

      • Hahuh on 03/07/2025 - 08:16
        +3

        Even if they didn't the pixel line is thirsty for battery. Tensor isn't ready for prime time.

    • abowen on 03/07/2025 - 08:52
      +1

      Tell me about it. My Pixel 6 kept having connectivity issues. e.g. data dropping out, phone calls coming through

      Kept getting told it'd be fix in next update. Now it just sits in drawer

      Then had a Pixel 4a and the last update completely ruined the battery

      I'm probably going to move to an iPhone 13 / iPhone 16e given how dirty I am on them

      • PainToad on 03/07/2025 - 09:19
        +1

        Sounds like me after being a Google Nexus 4 and Nexus 6 owner and going back to iPhones and never returning.

        iPhones are boring. But they work and the older you get the more that's all you want from a phone.

        • Hahuh on 03/07/2025 - 09:33
          +1

          The days of installing all these roms and rooting are over. With age comes wisdom and with wisdom comes a yearning for something solid and not precarious.

          Ios is doing a lot right. You could even move the icons now!
          If they introduce and easy way to sideload apps in the future then I can see people leaving in droves.

          Don't say itll never happen. They macified the ipad and is now a solid contender for something like the galaxy tab.

        • outlander on 04/07/2025 - 21:59
          +2

          But they work

          Not really. No hate towards apple, but this idea that they are 'trouble free' is just advertising. They have problems too, unless you invest in apple for everything, including their stupid subscription plans.

          Seems like every piece of tech is a mixed bag. By the time you figure out that it's good, you are almost at the end of the warranty period and the software goes out of date.

      • Hahuh on 03/07/2025 - 09:31
        +2

        Dont predicate on promises. Once you miss the return window; it gets marginally harder.

        Also, dont forget your statutory rights. That doesnt sound much like a phone to me as it's primary function is to make and receive calls (amongst other things).

        I got the telstra deal that got me the 256 pixel 9 xl and it was what? $800 with the gift card discount. No way in hell was I paying nearly the same price as an iphone on something that doesnt have the same level of fit and finish. Still wouldn't touch an iphone with a 10 foot pole but atleast they got their sht down and I could in the very least walk into a retail store and be seen by someone compared to googles 'use ai everywhere' strategy.

    • Morven on 03/07/2025 - 09:28

      I accidentally dropped my Pixel 6 Pro (in a thin protective case) about half a metre onto a wooden desk and the screen cracked. Never seen any other screen smash so easily. Luckily I had an extended warranty that fixed it, but really it was a defective item and I wish I could have had a refund. Temporarily replaced it with a Motorola G82 while the repair was being done, and I'm still using that! Have dropped it a million times and no damage.

      • Hahuh on 03/07/2025 - 09:40
        +1

        My woes with the google phones goes all the way back to the nexus 5. That thing would overheat and boy was it built bad. I once dropped it from thigh high and the glass was all cracked. I looked at the glass and it was the thinnest glass someone could possibly make and get away with calling glass. Wonder how many pennies they saved on that.

        My pixel 9 has a scratch on the camera lens which I haven't really seen on another phone as of late (No, I dont keep keys and whatnot in the same pocket). They simply dont use something like a sapphire coating or whatever so the lens is much software then what youd find on an iphone.

        Review neglect to mention these (along with the connectivity issues like bt to certain devices) and I refuse to believe someone hasnt had the same experiences whilst using every iteration of this device.

        Well we know why they don't mention them as a lot of these companies threaten reviewers by withholding samples but it's ridiculous that I need to sift through all these reports by the average joe to get some semblance of how the device actually performs.

  • BinnyC on 03/07/2025 - 08:17

    Do you have to send phone back?

    • maimai on 03/07/2025 - 08:18
      +1

      Doesn't seem like it based off the 7a refunds.

    • GeorgeSr on 03/07/2025 - 09:10
      +2

      No. Can keep it and the money.

      • damnable on 03/07/2025 - 10:01

        Anything stopping someone from taking the cash, and then selling or trading in the device?

        • iguana on 03/07/2025 - 11:07
          +2

          Nothing stopping someone.

        • jollster101 on 03/07/2025 - 11:51

          One of the comments in this thread has done just that.

  • imahippy on 03/07/2025 - 08:25
    +2

    100 for me

  • robertwt7 on 03/07/2025 - 08:29
    +1

    i got a new pixel 6 pro for the swollen battery. you just have to message Google. it's also out of warranty, they're pretty nice about it

    • FutureTech on 03/07/2025 - 08:49
      +1

      Did you mean you had a pixel 6 pro with swollen battery and they have compensated you somehow?

      • robertwt7 on 03/07/2025 - 11:10

        yeah sorry that's what I meant. the pixel 6 pro's battery that I got for my dad couple of years ago started to swell. i took pictures, messaged support, then they offered me a replacement. Really happy with their support

  • bargainjargon on 03/07/2025 - 08:31

    They're offering me USD100.

    From the email I received from Google:

    A mandatory software update for your Pixel 6a will start rolling out on 8 July 2025 which will enable important battery management features on certain 6a devices. This update will reduce your device’s battery capacity and charging performance in order to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating, which could pose a risk to users. Not all Pixel 6a devices will receive this update, but your device will be impacted.

    This mandatory automatic software update, while present on your phone after the roll-out date, will only activate these new battery management features once your phone’s battery has completed 400 charge cycles. You will not see a change in your device’s battery capacity until that time. We will send you reminder notifications of the new battery management features when your device is at 375 and 400 charge cycles.

  • legb4wicket on 03/07/2025 - 08:31
    +5

    Surely this would be covered under Australian Consumer rights and guarantees whether in warranty or not?
    https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/problem-with-a-product-or-…

    I'd say the product is unsafe and Google have now acknowledged that.

    • chillybin85 on 03/07/2025 - 09:58
      +14

      I've raised this with Google Pixel support via web chat. Got ChatGPT to summarise a response about how it went against ACL. They've escalated it to a specialist team so I'll keep everyone updated.

      I was only offered $100USD/$150USD store credit so worthwhile for me to try and angle for a replacement/full refund.

      • Craze on 03/07/2025 - 11:21

        Let us know how you go, would like to rinse and repeat if you're successful!

      • UncommonName on 03/07/2025 - 15:49

        Did you hear back from them?

        • chillybin85 on 04/07/2025 - 10:04

          Not yet. I'll post an update if and when I do

          • chillybin85 on 04/07/2025 - 18:50
            +1

            @chillybin85: Got a non commital "we understand your frustration etc" type response. Going to reply with more ChatGPT.

      • SubNoize on 03/07/2025 - 19:02

        Keep us updated mate

        • chillybin85 on 04/07/2025 - 10:04

          Will do

          • UncommonName on 08/07/2025 - 17:13

            @chillybin85: Any further update?

            • chillybin85 on 08/07/2025 - 23:03
              +2

              @UncommonName: Still playing email tag with them. Last reply from them was tonight where they appear to have escalated it after I said it looks like I'll have to make a complaint to the ACCC/Fair Trading.

              • UncommonName on 09/07/2025 - 20:25

                @chillybin85: Let us know mate if you have an outcome, otherwise we might be late for the $100 USD refund 😔

                • chillybin85 on 10/07/2025 - 09:06

                  @UncommonName: They've asked for proof of purchase which I don't have so might hurt my case. If you've got that, I'd start the process.

                • chillybin85 on 10/07/2025 - 09:12

                  @UncommonName: Sorry - update - I just went back to the battery program and they've changed my amount from the $100 USD offer to the full $452 USD amount so I'm taking the cash out.

                  • ady211 on 10/07/2025 - 09:55

                    @chillybin85: Does anyone know how long it takes for credit?

                    • chillybin85 on 10/07/2025 - 10:02
                      +1

                      @ady211: I just set up my Payoneer account and already have the payment from Google so less than an hour.

                      • ady211 on 10/07/2025 - 10:29

                        @chillybin85: Thanks I was assigned a case id with $452 so unsure on timelines. Payoneer account was setup already

                        • chillybin85 on 10/07/2025 - 10:56
                          +1

                          @ady211: Make sure you go back to the program page, re-enter your IMEI again if you haven't already. It'll then recognise you now have a Payoneer account and trigger the payment.

                          • ady211 on 10/07/2025 - 11:22

                            @chillybin85: When I did that it told me support already received

                            • chillybin85 on 10/07/2025 - 13:09

                              @ady211: Hmm weird. Mine said Payoneer account found and payment will be processed. I don't know sorry.

                              • ady211 on 10/07/2025 - 13:20

                                @chillybin85: Sure all I can say it's inconsistent behaviour based on this thread. Hopefully will know in about 2 weeks

                  • nickeveli on 12/07/2025 - 08:10

                    @chillybin85: Nice! I also contacted them after only being offered $100. I tried the ACL angle too but they keep saying what was offered on the page odds what I’m getting.

                    Did they acknowledge they upped your payout or did it just happen automatically?

                    • chillybin85 on 12/07/2025 - 15:57
                      +1

                      @nickeveli: No acknowledgement. I went back through it to get a screenshot for my records and noticed the change. I had three or four non-committal responses similar to what you described.

    • damnable on 03/07/2025 - 10:06

      Perhaps. google have offered other solutions though.

      Google will say that they update makes the phones acceptably safe. And appear to also offer replacement batteries and some cash for phones out of warranty.

      • SkgTriptych on 03/07/2025 - 11:41
        +10

        ACL Reasonable consumer test: would a reasonable consumer have purchased the phone if its battery capacity and charging was sufficiently nerfed? Unlikely - so it's a defect.

        • Runatme on 03/07/2025 - 20:58
          +1

          I reckon they're relying on the vast majority of affected users, if not all, to not go as far as pursuing it through any formal arena. Would love to see somebody challenge it through the Tribunal or Court.

  • capslock on 03/07/2025 - 08:33

    Can I keep using the phone after receiving the cash? Edit: Looks like I can.

  • life is suffering on 03/07/2025 - 08:35
    +1

    Hope they do 4a5G

    • abowen on 03/07/2025 - 08:53

      IIRC, its a different battery from 4a, so unlikely

  • Kiro on 03/07/2025 - 08:37

    this sounds ok BUT i like the small form factor and its powerful enough to do what i need it to do.

    i replaced the screen and battery on mine through ifixit program which was a walk in the park so theoretically my device should be ok.

    anyhow ill see if i can recoop monies if not, then ill jsut continue to use it as normal, hope the auto mandatory update wont happen on my device with current restricted settings and no WiFi connection.

  • Soldier on 03/07/2025 - 08:39
    -2

    What’s the purpose for the refund?
    Missed features false advertising?

    • giventofly on 03/07/2025 - 09:26
      +2

      There have been examples where Pixel 6a phones have been catching fire - Google were going to deploy a software update that neuters your phone’s performance so that this doesn’t happen.

      They’re offering a refund - I took advantage of the EOFY $300 trade-in (which was just approved) - kinda glad, as I am seeing some aren’t even eligible which is odd. There must have been a bad batch of these.

    • johnfuller on 03/07/2025 - 09:35

      Google’s got a battery problem with Pixel phones. Early this year, we learned of Google’s plan to issue a new update for the aging Pixel 4a, but rather than giving the phone a fresh version of Android, this update was all about trying to mitigate problems caused by the phone’s battery overheating during charging, impacting battery life or even leading to fires.

  • micemeat on 03/07/2025 - 08:41
    +1

    Also not eligible :(

    • giventofly on 03/07/2025 - 09:25

      I wonder why - there must be a batch of them that are bad.

  • Jokerchris2000 on 03/07/2025 - 08:42
    +2

    I just went through the process and seemed to got offered the $452 although I bought my phone over a year ago. Do they use 2 year warranty for this or am I missing something. Maybe they revert the offer as I only saw that on the page before being sent over to payoneer to setup an account.

    After the account setup is there anything else to do or just wait for the money to come in? Bit weird to not having got a confirmation mail from Google on this yet.

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