What started as an isolated problem with the Pixel 7a now appears to be spreading across the entire Pixel 7 lineup. In the past several months, growing numbers of Pixel 7 and 7 Pro owners have reported swollen batteries causing their screens and back panels to separate, sometimes as quickly as overnight. The trending issue raises a new safety concern for Google’s flagship devices, just months after multiple reports of Pixel 6as catching fire forced the company to halt sales of refurbished units.
An unfortunate, worrying trend
Some users see better support results than others
Reports first compiled by PiunikaWeb and Android Authority show dozens of complaints across Google’s own support forums in just the last few weeks. Our quick trip to Reddit uncovered a decent glut of users with batteries expanding severely enough to cause huge gaps between the frame and display. Others have noticed sudden battery drain, overheating, or devices shutting down entirely before discovering a bulging cell.
Most of the Reddit posts arose in the last several months, when the phones were just over two years old. While one would expect reduced battery health over two-plus years, dangerous swelling shouldn’t be so common after such a short time.
One Redditor summed up the problem bluntly: “Screen completely detached, never exposed to heat. Two years old. This is a serious safety hazard.” Another said their local repair shop warned them the issue could recur even after a replacement battery, calling it a “50/50 chance.”
Google’s response so far has been mixed. Some users report smooth resolutions, including free battery swaps or even full device replacements. In a few cases, refurbished Pixels shipped out within days. Others have been quoted $130 or more for out-of-warranty repairs or told the 7 series isn’t eligible for the free replacement program Google rolled out earlier this year for Pixel 7a owners.
That program, which offered free battery replacements and up to $456 in cash appeasements, was widely praised as Google taking responsibility for a known defect. But with Pixel 7 and 7 Pro users now seeing the same symptoms, pressure is mounting for the company to extend similar treatment to its higher-end models.
Battery issues aren’t new to Pixel owners. Over the last year, the Pixel 6a has been linked to multiple battery fires, and earlier Pixels also struggled with early degradation and swelling problems. The Pixel 7 series was supposed to represent Google hitting its hardware stride — instead, it’s reigniting questions about quality control.
For now, if you spot your Pixel 7 or 7 Pro screen separating, stop using and charging the device immediately. Contact Google support, document the issue with photos, and push for escalation. Even without a formal recall, users have reported success getting free repairs when they make the case that a swollen battery is a legitimate safety risk.
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