In today's fast-paced world, smartphones serve as extensions of ourselves to the world.

It holds precious memories, keeps everyone connected with their loved ones, and tracks down daily tasks.

Yet, what happens when the device that's supposed to make everyone's life easier becomes a potential hazard?

This scenario became a reality for owners of the Google Pixel 4a, a popular smartphone manufactured by internet giant Google.

The Google Pixel 4a has been available at major Australian retailers such as JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, and Officeworks.

However, the Google Pixel 4a became the centre of a recall due to the risk of overheating, which could lead to burns or even a fire.

The Google Pixel 4a was a mid-range smartphone released in 2020. Image Credit: GSM Arena

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a stark warning and urged users to stop using the device.

The root of the problem has been linked to an automatic Android 13 update rolled out for Google Pixel 4a devices in Australia on 8 January 2025.

'The firmware update provides new battery management features to mitigate the risk of overheating,' ACCC wrote in a notice.

This Android 13 update introduced new safety features, including enhanced battery management capabilities to mitigate the risk of overheating.

Despite these precautions, the potential for an overheating battery remains a significant concern.

The affected Google Pixel 4a units had the model number G025N and sold in Australia between 1 August 2020 and 30 September 2022.

Are you a Google Pixel 4a user? Here's how you can find your phone's model number:

Source: Digital David/YouTube​

The recall spanned several major carriers and retailers, including Google Australia, Telstra, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, Optus, and TPG Telecom.

The ACCC highlighted the dangers of fire and burn risks to users, especially when the phone is left unattended.

If you're a Google Pixel 4a owner, ensure that your device has received this critical update.

Customers affected by the recall are eligible for a refund.

There have been multiple cases of smartphones burning over the recent years.

Recently, a Brazilian woman suffered burns after her smartphone exploded in her back pocket.

Meanwhile, Australia saw an increase in lithium-ion battery fires in different states, albeit not limited to smartphones.

The ACCC advised consumers to verify if their Google Pixel 4a phones are running the latest firmware to protect users against these hazards.

Read the ACCC's full recall notice here.

Google Australia also has a dedicated support centre for Google Pixel 4a users here.

If you or someone you know uses a Google Pixel 4a, please share this information with them, as they might be affected by this recall.

Key Takeaways

• The Google Pixel 4a smartphone has been recalled due to a risk of overheating that could lead to burns or fires.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) advised consumers to stop using the device and check if they received an Android 13 update with new safety features.
• The smartphone was available at several major Australian retailers, including Google Australia, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, Telstra, Optus, and TPG Telecom.
• Affected consumers who bought the device between 1 August 2020 and 30 September 2022 may be eligible for a refund.

Have you been affected by a smartphone recall before? How was the experience for you? Share your stories and thoughts about product recalls in the comments section below.

 

[June E]

Those lithium ion batteries are dangerous ! Why were they allowed ? They are in so many things that we all use daily now.
They are for sale in Kmart as you go through to the check out, just at kids eye level with lollies as well ! That’s just asking for trouble in my opinion !

 

[Suzanne rose]

I stick with Samsung phones but will tell my brother and mother who both have google phones

 

[orange]

I have had 3 Samsung phones so far no complaints.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I have had 3 Samsung phones so far no complaints.

I'm on number 2 - a Samsung Galaxy A15.

My previous Samsung went for a swim in the toilet and could not be resuscitated.

 

[Macarj]

I stick with Samsung phones but will tell my brother and mother who both have google phones

I wonder if people put their phone in their pocket because lithium batteries do heat up if in confined space my phone is never in a confined space if driving it is in the cup holder should never be in glove box or centre console

 

[Jest]

i have a samsung A73 smart phone. overheats and always needs charged. replaced it today with a cheap phone.
Samsung told me to blow into the speaker. Gosh, there are some dills working in places that need to be a bit smarter than the average bear.

 

[Jest]

I have had 3 Samsung phones so far no complaints.

my samsung A73 is bloody useless. overheats and needs charging all the time. replaced with a cheaper, not samsung.

 

[havingadoggyday]

i have a samsung A73 smart phone. overheats and always needs charged. replaced it today with a cheap phone.
Samsung told me to blow into the speaker. Gosh, there are some dills working in places that need to be a bit smarter than the average bear.

Yes customer service people we are dealing with everyday need t be otba bit but a whole lot smarter plus they thinking you are a senior you are automatically stupid.....little do they know we run rings around them in practical experience and user Knowledge .

 

[bombadier]

I've got a Samsung galaxy, second one, no probs yet, not interested in smart phones or tabs, enough trouble navigating this one. But it seems like theres a story like this every second day, they might sought these batteries out by, I don't know,the END OF TIME..