The recall of the smartphone follows an automatic firmware update to Android 13 which was rolled out on the devices earlier this year, according to the competition watchdog. 

The phones have been available for sale nationally, internationally and online via Google Australia and other outlets including Telstra, Optus, TPG Telecom, Likewise Australia, JB HI-FI, Harvey Norman and Officeworks.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warned an overheating phone battery could present a fire danger. 

"An automatic firmware update to Android 13 was rolled out to Pixel 4a devices in Australia on January 8, 2025," the product safety recall notice stated on March 7. 

"The firmware update provides new battery management features to mitigate the risk of overheating.

"An overheating battery could pose a risk of fire and or burns to a user."

The recall, being conducted by Google, is relevant for its Pixel 4a smartphones carrying the model number G025N, purchased between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2022.

Impacted consumers may be eligible for an appeasement from Google, such as a refund or replacement, the ACCC said.

However, the issue does not affect all Google Pixel 4a devices.

"If a consumer’s device is not impacted by the issue, the firmware update will have no impact on battery management and the device will perform the same as before," the recall notice read. 

Customers have been urged to check whether their device has received the firmware update, or if they are unsure they can submit a request through this link. 

For more information, or appeasement eligibility, customers can contact Google Pixel Recall Support.