Fixing the Brightest, Most Dramatic Pixel Ever: Yes, It Needed a New Battery
This Pixel 7A came in from a customer who was having some serious battery issues. On the outside, it looked harmless, just rocking a color so bright it could double as a traffic cone. But inside, the battery was “crazy pregnant”, which is a always a ticking time bomb and something you definitely don’t want to ignore.
Opening the Pixel
The back cover was held in with light adhesive, so I grabbed my plastic pry tools and gently worked my way around the edges. Since the back was plastic, I could be a bit more confident, no heart-stopping crack sound like on glass phones.
Once it popped free, I could see the mess of screws waiting for me.
Removing Google’s “Screw Collection”
Google apparently loves screws almost as much as search results. I started unscrewing the midframe plate that covers the battery and motherboard connections, and just when I thought I had them all, there were more. After organizing the screws (highly recommend a magnetic mat), the plate came off, revealing the battery connector.
Disconnecting and Dealing With the Battery Tabs
This is where Google’s design choice makes things… fun. Instead of nice pull tabs like, Google uses these thin plastic strips that you have to shimmy up the side of the battery. It’s awkward, it’s slow, and if you’re not careful, you can bend the cell.
I carefully wiggled the tab upward, releasing the adhesive bit by bit until the battery finally came free.
Cleaning the Adhesive
There’s always sticky residue left behind, so I pulled out my trusty “spinny guy” (small rotary tool with a cleaning bit) to scrape it off. This step isn’t just for looks, leftover adhesive can make the new battery sit unevenly or cause pressure points.
Installing the New Battery
With the frame clean, I dropped in a fresh Google original battery, pressed it into place, and reconnected the battery cable. Then it was just a matter of reversing the process: midframe plate on, screws back in, back cover snapped on.
Google’s Official Battery Tips
Here’s the quick lowdown straight from Google on Pixel batteries:
How long they last: Most Pixel batteries keep good health through about 500 full charge cycles, still holding around 80% capacity.
When to swap: If your phone starts dying fast, shuts off randomly, or you spot any bulging, it’s definitely time for a new battery.
Official repairs: Using authorized repair centers keeps your warranty safe, but if you’re confident, DIY can work too.
Battery recycling: Don’t toss old batteries in the trash, bring them to proper recycling spots to keep things eco-friendly.
Google’s Extended Repair Program for Pixel 7a
In April 2025, Google launched an Extended Repair Program for certain Pixel 7a devices affected by unexpected battery swelling. Eligible devices can receive a free battery replacement or, in some cases, other appeasement options depending on warranty status and location.
Key Points:
Symptoms: Bulging back cover, visible swelling, gaps along edges, or drastically reduced battery life.
Free Replacement: One battery replacement at no cost, available through mail-in or walk-in service in select countries.
Other Options: If repair isn’t possible, some customers may be eligible for cash payments or hardware discount codes (amount and availability vary by region and warranty status).
Eligibility: Only certain Pixel 7a devices qualify, users can check via Google’s Contact Us form. Physical inspection is required before any repair.
Battery replacement services are available while supplies last and are offered at walk in repair centers in these locations:
If mail in is not available in your country and you cannot or do not want to visit a walk in center, you can register to claim one of the other listed appeasement options. Options are limited by country and warranty status.
Final Thoughts
On the surface, this Pixel was all bright colors and good vibes, but inside it was hiding a battery ready to blow its cover. The plastic build made the teardown quick, though Google’s battery tabs still made sure I earned my repair stripes. Now it’s back in action, charged up, and ready for another chapter in its smartphone life.
While every phone has a story, this one just needed a happier ending.
See you in the next article.
