What seemed to have started out as a problem with just Google’s Pixel 7a has now expanded to affect users across the entire Pixel 7 series, with owners of both the standard Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro reporting similar battery swelling incidents that cause screens to lift and separate from their devices.
Multiple news outlets have already highlighted the issue affecting the Pixel 7a. But it seems the same problem has mostly gone unnoticed on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
In May, one user posted a picture of their Pixel 7 Pro, which clearly shows the back glass panel separating from the rails of the phone. The OP noted:
I am writing to report a serious issue with my Pixel 7 Pro, which I purchased approximately two years ago. Recently, I noticed that the side panel of the device has started to separate, as clearly shown in the attached photo. Upon closer inspection, it appears the battery may be swelling, posing a significant safety risk including the potential for explosion or fire.
Their post garnered over a hundred votes from people claiming to also be facing the same problem. Others also began sharing images of their devices with a swollen battery. Here’s one from another Pixel 7 Pro owner:
Then there’s this picture from another user, which clearly shows the battery is swollen:
FYI, earlier this year, the company acknowledged widespread battery swelling issues affecting Pixel 7a devices and launched an extended repair program specifically for that model. However, I found these recent reports suggest the problem extends well beyond the 7a variant.
In India, Vishaly noticed their Pixel 7’s battery dropping rapidly from 30 percent to zero during a phone call in late August. “I suddenly felt my phone getting fat in my hand near my ear while I was on the call,” they wrote. The device continued swelling even after they placed it down, creating a gap large enough to fit two stacked credit cards between the screen and body.
Multiple users report similar experiences occurring roughly two years after purchase, suggesting a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
What makes these cases particularly concerning is how quickly the situation can escalate. Users describe scenarios where their phones appear normal one day, then develop significant screen separation overnight. Kyle Grant’s experience at a repair shop revealed another troubling detail: technicians warned him there was a “50/50 chance” the problem would return within months, even after battery replacement.
Google’s response has been inconsistent. Some users report receiving full device replacements or free repairs, while others encounter support representatives who initially claim the problem doesn’t exist. Tim’s case illustrates this inconsistency perfectly. Google support initially told him the screen wasn’t lifting despite physical evidence, but later offered a positive resolution after escalating his case.
Interestingly, my Pixel 7a seems to be holding up well (fingers crossed). There are no signs of battery swelling, but it’s also possible that I don’t perform any heavy tasks on the device like gaming, video editing, or even using the camera extensively in hot environments. This could explain why my phone’s battery isn’t malfunctioning yet.
That said, swollen batteries aren’t something to be taken lightly. They can pose fire hazards and should never be ignored. Google’s official guidance tries to downplay the problem and simply suggests users should allow their phones to completely discharge by leaving them “on a table or countertop and let it sit, unused.” But the best course of action is to either reach out to Google support or visit an authorized service center to have them take a look at the device.
For those interested, here are more reports about the problem: (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11)
Featured image source: @lvelily_ / X
