June Wan/ZDNET

If you have a Pixel 7a with battery issues, Google might fix it for free.

In a post on the official Pixel support community yesterday, Google said it was aware of swelling issues with certain Pixel 7a devices. To make things right, the company is offering an extended repair program that will replace the battery at no charge.

How to tell if your Pixel 7a is eligible

You can enter your phone's IMEI number on this tool to see if your phone is eligible.

The Pixel 7a, which debuted in 2023, has faced battery issues nearly from the beginning, as evidenced by posts from owners on Reddit. The company offered a similar extended repair program last year for a screen issue affecting the Pixel 8.

The most obvious symptom that your phone is having issues is visible swelling. Your phone might appear thicker than usual, the back cover might be bulging, or there may be noticeable gaps or openings along the phone's edges.

What to do if your phone is affected

If your phone is affected, you can either take advantage of one of Google's official walk-in repair options or mail your phone to Google. Either way, start the registration process here.

Google notes that if you send in your phone for repair, it will conduct a physical inspection first. If your phone has liquid damage or damage from sharp objects or excessive force, Google may deny your battery replacement. If your phone has out-of-warranty damage, such as cracks on the screen, there may be a fee to repair your phone, but you will receive a price estimate first. Taking advantage of this offer does not extend your original warranty in any way.

"Appeasement options," such as $200 cash or $300 toward the purchase of another phone, are being offered in other countries but not in the US, Google says, where both mail-in and walk-in options are available.

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