Product safety reportOPSS
Google Pixel 4a Smartphone safety warning over a fire risk
Product Safety Report for Google Pixel 4a Smartphone presenting a risk of fire.
Check your product
Only products that match these details are covered. Have your pack in front of you.
1 identifier listed for this notice.
Google Pixel 4a Smartphone
- ModelOn the rating label, base, back or box.
- Pixel 4a
- Sold betweenCompare with your receipt or order date.
- Affected products were manufactured between 2020 and May 2021 and sold between August 2020 and September 2022, but other distributors may have sold products beyond this date.
What to do now
Google Pixel 4a Smartphone has been flagged because it could start a fire in the home.
- Unplug it and do not charge it again.
- Store it away from anything that burns until you can return or dispose of it. Batteries should go to a battery recycling point, not the household bin.
- The marketplace has removed the listing. Contact the seller through your order history to ask for a refund.
- Report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service if the seller does not respond.
Why it matters. Faulty chargers, batteries and appliances are a common cause of house fires. A fire can start while the product is charging or switched on and nobody is watching.
If someone has been hurt
Look out for
- make sure you have working smoke alarms
Get help urgently
- if it starts to smoke, smell of burning or catch fire, get everyone out and call 999
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Getting your money back
Sellers on online marketplaces do not always run recalls themselves, so you may need to ask for your money back. The platform’s help pages explain its buyer protection scheme.
Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133), Advice Direct Scotland (0808 164 6000) and Consumerline (0300 123 6262) give free advice if you get stuck.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2509-0316). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Google Pixel 4a Smartphone presenting a risk of fire.
The risk
The product has been identified as presenting a risk of fire as the batteries may overheat during normal use.
The product does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.
Action taken
Google initiated a remote firmware update in January 2025.
Advice to consumers
This corrective action has been ongoing since January 2025.
Google initiated a remote firmware update in January 2025. Consumers with impacted units received email and on-device notifications of the firmware update, which was rolled out remotely and automatically to impacted devices. The update reduced the risk of the battery overheating by reducing its battery capacity and charging speed.
Consumers with impacted products may be eligible for a free repair, cash payment or Google Store hardware discount credit, depending on location. Access the Google website for further information, and to access the Registration Page, at the following link: g.co/pixel/4abattery
You do not need to contact Google if:
You have already received an appeasement
Google has already confirmed you do not have an impacted product
Additional information
PSD notification number: 2509-0316
Notified by: Office for Product Safety and Standards
Product description
Smartphone running on the Android operating system with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Google Pixel 4a Smartphone been reported?
Google Pixel 4a Smartphone has been flagged because it could start a fire in the home. Faulty chargers, batteries and appliances are a common cause of house fires. A fire can start while the product is charging or switched on and nobody is watching.
How do I know if my product is affected?
Compare the model and sold between on your product with the details listed under “Check your product” on this page. Only items that match are covered by the notice.
What should I do now?
Unplug it and do not charge it again. Store it away from anything that burns until you can return or dispose of it. Batteries should go to a battery recycling point, not the household bin.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
Sellers on online marketplaces do not always run recalls themselves, so you may need to ask for your money back. The platform’s help pages explain its buyer protection scheme. Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133), Advice Direct Scotland (0808 164 6000) and Consumerline (0300 123 6262) give free advice if you get stuck.
