Pixel 4A "appeasement programme" battery change, free? while i wait?

[robjordan]

Hi,

My Google Pixel 4A is eligible for free battery replacement under the so-called "appeasement programme". Google's repair pages suggest that the battery swap can be done at EE stores, some "same day" others "7-10 days". I would like to check that if I book an appointment at a store showing "same day" eg Portsmouth, whether it will be possible to do the battery change (a) while I wait, and (b) free of charge.

Thanks!

[robjordan]

To follow up on my original enquiry here's how things went for me. Due to all the uncertainty about EE's ability to do the swap, I followed up in the suggestion of @Graywallis above and contacted iSmash. Fortunately I was in Glasgow visiting for a few days, so I was able to book a walk-in appointment with the iSmash store. I handed the phone over at 10:00. They did a full diagnostic while I was there to check for any other problems, then told me I could collect after 16:00. I duly picked up at the end of the afternoon and everything has been perfect. No payment required. At the end of a long, busy phone day I had 40+% battery remaining. Although it has been a big hassle dealing with this unexpected battery debacle, I've ended up with my old, trusty phone with a good-as-new battery.

[Graywallis]

It's good to know my advice was helpful. Following the replacement I now have 2 full days following a charge as opposed to barely a day beforehand. I did find following the replacement the brightness had been set to maximum so I immediately turned it down to conserve battery.

[robjordan]

Oh and I forgot to say, they factory reset the phone, so make sure you have recent backups of Android and WhatsApp.

[J_J_G]

I took my immaculate pixel 4a into the ee store after using the eligibility check sent by google (confirmed £0 cost). The guy said he had already done a few that week specifically for these battery replacements. Said it needs to be sent away to their EE repair centre. Got an email today from repair centre to ring EE store to discuss the quotation for an out of warranty repair. They want £230! Phone is being sent back unfixed. Guy at EE store said nothing more they can do. Managed to speak to someone at Google who is is putting me in touch with another department who can hopefully help. Might try the ismash place if other people have had success with getting it done for free.

[alihuds]

I got my battery replaced by iSmash in the end - I paid £10 which included Tracked postage both ways. You can book it via their website if your phone is eligible for the free battery replacement.

Had several emails back and forth with google where they didn't seem to understand that my phone was eligible, but EE were saying they didn't have the authorisation to do the repair for free. Glad it's sorted, battery is great now.