In my last post, I mentioned opting for the free battery replacement Google offered after their update turned my Pixel 4A’s battery into a glorified paperweight. What I didn’t share was the rollercoaster of an experience that followed—a mix of luck, frustration, and a surprising amount of personal growth. If you’re facing a similar situation, this story might help you navigate your own tech troubles.
The Early Bird Gets the (Free) Battery
I got lucky. Like, really lucky. I walked into the repair shop the day after Google rolled out the infamous update. The shop accepted my phone without hesitation and ordered a new battery, promising to call me in three days. Spoiler: they didn’t.
A week later, I called them, mildly annoyed but still hopeful. That’s when I learned just how fortunate I was. The repair shop had since discovered a tiny problem: replacing the battery on a Pixel 4A almost always damages the screen. Every. Single. Time.
Now, anyone coming in for a battery replacement is told they’ll have to pay an additional 200 CAD for a new screen. Yikes. But not me—I was grandfathered in. Lucky break? Absolutely. Would I have paid 200 CAD for a screen replacement? Not a chance. At that point, Google’s 100 CAD store credit would have been a drop in the bucket compared to the 300 CAD total cost (battery + screen). I’d have just bought a new phone instead.
The Great Phone Wipe: A Lesson in Preparedness
Before handing over my phone, I had to wipe it clean. This time, I did so with confidence. Why? Because I’ve been burned before. Once, I made the rookie mistake of not backing up my data. Never again. This time, I was prepared. My Git-synced KeepassXC setup ensured all my passwords and OTP codes were safe and accessible from other devices. My photos, contacts, and apps were backed up to the cloud. I was ready.
The repair took a week. A full seven days without my trusty Pixel 4A. And you know what? It wasn’t the end of the world. I expected to miss my phone more—scrolling through apps, doom-refreshing my inbox, and all that. But I didn’t. Turns out, I can survive without Instagram for a week. Who knew?
The real inconvenience? My phone is my wallet, my key, and my lifeline. Without it, I couldn’t pay for groceries or unlock my apartment building. My girlfriend had to take the keys with her, which meant I was stuck working from home. Not ideal, but manageable.
When I finally got my phone back, I was pleasantly surprised. The new battery works like a charm, and the screen? Brand new. Sure, it doesn’t fit perfectly—there’s a slight gap that makes me wonder if it’s even the right model—but it’s functional. And hey, free screen upgrade, right?
Restoring my phone was a breeze. I expected the usual headaches: re-downloading apps, re configuring settings, maybe even a trip to the store to generate a new eSIM. But no. My Pixel 4A remembered my SIM cards, restored my apps, and even imported my backups seamlessly. It was like I’d never handed it over. My German healthcare apps, my messengers, my payment methods—everything was right where I left it.
Lessons Learned and Silver Linings This whole ordeal taught me a few things:
- Backups Are Non-Negotiable: If you’re not backing up your data, you’re playing with fire. Whether it’s passwords, photos, or app settings, make sure you have a plan. My Git-synced KeepassXC setup saved me a ton of stress.
- Tech Dependence Is Real, But Manageable: I thought I’d be lost without my phone. Turns out, I’m more resilient than I gave myself credit for. That said, having a backup plan for essentials like payments and keys is crucial.
- Timing Is Everything: Being early to the repair shop saved me 200 CAD. If you’re facing a similar issue, don’t wait—act fast. You never know what new hurdles might pop up.
- Google’s Ecosystem Is Surprisingly Robust: Despite the battery debacle, I have to give credit where it’s due. The ease of restoring my phone was impressive. It’s a reminder that, for all their flaws, Google’s services can be incredibly user-friendly.
Final Thoughts
In the end, my Pixel 4A got a new lease on life, and I got a week-long break from the endless scroll. Was it a hassle? Sure. But it could have been worse. Much worse. If you’re dealing with a similar issue, take it from me: back up your data, weigh your options, and don’t be afraid to push back if the costs don’t add up.
And if all else fails? Maybe it’s time to treat yourself to that shiny new Pixel 9. Just saying.