https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google-pixel-4as-old-firmware-is-gone-trapping-users-on-the-buggy-battery-update Skip to main content (*) ( ) Open menu Close menu Android Central Android Central [ ] Search Search Android Central [ ] US Edition flag of US flag of US US flag of UK UK flag of Australia Australia flag of Canada Canada flag of India India * * Samsung Galaxy S25 * Phones * Reviews * Accessories * Chromebooks * Wearables * Apps & Software * More + News + Tablets + VR & Gaming + Streaming & TV + Deals + Forums + About Us Trending * Samsung Galaxy S25 * Samsung Galaxy S26 * Google Pixel 10 * OnePlus 13 * Android 16 * Android XR 1. Phones Google Pixel 4a's old firmware is gone, trapping users on the buggy battery update News By Jay Bonggolto published 28 January 2025 Google has thrown the Pixel 4a under the bus with a recent battery performance program, and now there's no way to get off. * * * Comments (0) When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. Google Pixel 4a on a black metal bench (Image credit: Android Central) What you need to know * Google's Pixel 4a battery update is a disaster, causing crazy battery drain for many users. * The update also wiped older firmware, leaving no way to roll back to the previous version. * Google has acknowledged the mess and offered compensation: a free battery replacement, $50 cash, or $100 credit toward a new Pixel. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Google recently rolled out a battery update for the Pixel 4a, and it's been a bit of a disaster. A bunch of users are reporting crazy battery drain since installing it. To add insult to injury, Google wiped the older firmware as part of the update process, so there's no official way to go back to the previous version. If you're dealing with this mess, you're pretty much stuck at the moment. After discontinuing the Pixel 4a last year, Google had left the device without any software updates. But out of nowhere, about two weeks ago, the company released a surprise update meant to improve battery performance. Part of the Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program, it was supposed to help some units last longer on a charge. Instead, it ended up making battery problems worse for a ton of users. In other words, the update was a total flop--lots of Pixel 4a owners are now stuck with awful battery life. And if you were thinking about rolling back to an older version to fix things, Google just shut that door by pulling the download links for previous firmware. Someone on Reddit noticed that the only Android image you can get for the Pixel 4a is the new update that Google forced everyone to install in order to tackle unidentified battery issues (via 9to5Google). The update might keep the Pixel 4a running, but it's essentially rendered it useless for many users. One Reddit user reported their 4a draining from full to 2% in just five hours, despite minimal screen usage (under 20 minutes). Android Authority points out that Google rarely removes older firmware, implying a serious underlying issue with the Pixel 4a update. Be an expert in 5 minutes Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android [ ][ ]Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands[ ]Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors[Sign me up] By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Google is owning up to the battery disaster caused by the recent Pixel 4a update and is trying to make things right. The company is offering compensation to anyone impacted. To check if you're eligible, hop over to this support page, type in your phone's IMEI number, and follow the steps. You'll get to pick between a free battery replacement, $50 cash, or a $100 credit toward a new Pixel. See all comments (0) Jay Bonggolto Jay Bonggolto Social Links Navigation News Writer & Reviewer Jay Bonggolto always keeps a nose for news. He has been writing about consumer tech and apps for as long as he can remember, and he has used a variety of Android phones since falling in love with Jelly Bean. Send him a direct message via Twitter or LinkedIn. 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