Pixel 9a owner claims Google wanted to charge them nearly $300 for non-existent damage
Source: Android Authority
Joe Maring / Android Authority
TL;DR
- A Pixel 9a owner sent their phone in for a warranty‑covered repair to fix eSIM connectivity issues.
- Google allegedly tried to charge $287.44 for damage to the screen, frame, and cameras, despite the device being in mint condition.
- The phone was returned without any of the claimed external damage.
The Incident
The owner posted on Reddit, stating that their Pixel 9a was in excellent condition but was experiencing problems downloading and setting up eSIMs. After sending the phone in for a warranty repair, they received a message from Google indicating a charge of $287.44 for damage to the screen, frame, and cameras. It was unclear whether the damage occurred during transit.
The owner attempted to dispute the bill with Google support, but according to their account, the support team stopped responding after the owner asked for escalation. When the owner refused to pay, the case timed out, and Google notified them that the device was being shipped back—potentially with new damage and the eSIM issue still unresolved.
The phone was later returned, and the owner confirmed via the IMEI that it was the same device they had sent. The packaging included a note from Google stating:
“No repairs were done on your device because you either denied or did not respond to the change order request that was sent to you via email.”
Aftermath
The owner says they are filing formal complaints with their state’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, as well as with the California Better Business Bureau.
- Original Reddit post: r/GooglePixel – “I sent in my mint condition Pixel 9a to Google…”
- Update post confirming return: r/GooglePixel – “Update: I sent in my mint condition Pixel 9a…”