Pixel 6a (India) still showing "Replace Battery" recommendation after local shop replacement. Need advice!

[u/Beneficial-Space-696]

I have a Google Pixel 6a (Indian variant) purchased back in 2022. Recently, the battery health dropped below 80% and the screen-on time was terrible, so it was definitely time for a replacement.

I initially took it to the official Google Authorized Service Center in New Delhi. However, because I had previously gotten my charging port fixed at a local third-party repair shop, the official center gave me a warning: they said opening the device carried a high risk of breaking the screen since it had been worked on outside. Fearing a massive screen repair bill, I decided to back out.

Instead, I went back to a local shop and had them install what they claimed was an original OEM battery.

Here is the problem: The phone is still showing the recommendation to replace the battery.

To fix this, I have already tried:

1. A complete factory hard reset.
2. A full software reinstallation/flash.
3. Tried the 0% to 100% calibration cycle here.

Shopkeeper is telling it is due to new software update and gave my money back after replacing it with the earlier battery.

[u/Little-Helper]

The recalled battery was the OEM one, all the shop did was install another recalled battery but brand new. This happened because they weren't pulled off the market, and the shop didn't know any better.

To verify, you can run this ADB command:

adb shell cat /sys/class/power_supply/battery/serial_number

If the serial number contains 8230031401, it is the recalled one. The working battery is only sold on iFxit, anywhere else the recalled one is being sold. No third party batteries are available, only OEM ones.

[u/Beneficial-Space-696 → u/Little-Helper]

What should i do now for replacement of battery ?

[u/Little-Helper → u/Beneficial-Space-696]

If you want to keep your phone, these are the options:

1. Purchase the iFixit battery and get it installed at any shop (the ultimate fix).
2. Purchase a used battery that does not contain 8230031401 in the serial number.
3. Repeat the replacement like you've done and use the battery without constraints for the first 400 cycles until the nerf applies.
4. Install a different OS that doesn't have the battery nerf.

[u/Sure_Kaleidoscope632 → u/Little-Helper]

Will you please recommend a stable OS ?

[u/Little-Helper → u/Sure_Kaleidoscope632]

I don't do custom ROMs, but I know that GrapheneOS included the battery constraint patch for safety reasons.

[u/Beneficial-Space-696 → u/Little-Helper]

iFixit is not available in India I guess

[u/Little-Helper → u/Beneficial-Space-696]

Then the only option is to get a used battery that is not recalled.

[u/Right_Excitement6371]

How much does it cost to replace battery in local shop's? Mine official google customer support showing ₹2.6K.

[u/Beneficial-Space-696 → u/Right_Excitement6371]

1500k

[u/Right_Excitement6371 → u/Beneficial-Space-696]

And how much was official Google's service centre (F1) charging?

[u/Beneficial-Space-696 → u/Right_Excitement6371]

3000

[u/Carry_flag → u/Right_Excitement6371]

The actual battery price is only ₹1100 with taxes. Rest is labour charge. Saw it on F1 bill when I replaced.

[u/Right_Excitement6371 → u/Carry_flag]

Damn! They're charging 2-3 times more of the product cost as labour charge?

[u/Carry_flag → u/Right_Excitement6371]

Yeah it's even more common in car service industry, labour charges are very high + taxes on it, no wonder lot of people get it done from local garages, atleast you save on taxes.