It’s not every day a tech giant admits to a hardware hiccup, but Google’s stepping up with an extended repair program for the Pixel 7a, targeting a pesky issue: battery swelling. The program promises free repairs for devices showing signs of “unexpected battery swelling,” a problem that’s been bubbling up in user complaints since the phone hit the market in 2023. If your Pixel 7a is starting to look a little puffy, with a bulging body or a back cover that’s peeling away, this might be your ticket to a fix. Google’s even tossing in rapid battery drain as a potential symptom, which is a nice nod to the real-world frustrations users have been venting about online.

The Pixel 7a was a budget-friendly darling when it launched, offering solid performance for its price. But not long after, grumbles started surfacing, especially on platforms like Reddit. By mid-2024, a year into its lifecycle, users were posting about batteries that couldn’t hold a charge, devices that felt like they were inflating, and a warranty process that sometimes felt like wrestling a bear. One Reddit thread from last year had users swapping horror stories about Google’s support, with some saying their requests for repairs were met with delays or outright denials. It’s the kind of thing that can sour even the most loyal Pixel fan.

Google’s new program is a direct response to these issues, and it’s got some meat to it. If your Pixel 7a is eligible, Google will replace the battery at no cost to you, the “individual end-user owner.” That’s the good news. The catch? Your phone needs to be free of other issues like liquid damage, cracked screens, or anything else that could muddy the waters. If your device has been through the wringer, you might still be on the hook for those extra repairs.

To get started, you’ll need to head to Google’s program site and go through an eligibility check. If you pass, you’ve got two options: mail your phone in for repair or take it to an authorized repair shop. For folks in the U.S., Google partners with shops like uBreakiFix, where you can get same-day service in some cases. If you’re in a country without repair options—sorry, U.S. and India, you’re not on this list—Google’s offering a different kind of olive branch. Out-of-warranty Pixel 7a owners could get $200 (converted to local currency), while in-warranty folks might score $456. There’s also an option for $300 toward a new Pixel, which could nudge you toward upgrading to something like the Pixel 9a or 9.

Battery swelling isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it’s a safety concern. When a lithium-ion battery swells, it’s usually because of gas buildup from chemical reactions inside. This can happen due to manufacturing defects, overcharging, or even just the battery aging poorly. In rare cases, a swollen battery can rupture or catch fire, though Google hasn’t reported anything that dramatic with the Pixel 7a. Still, a phone that’s puffing up is a phone you don’t want to ignore. The fact that Google’s addressing this head-on is a win for consumers, especially since swollen batteries can sometimes be a gray area in warranty claims.