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I'm semi homeless and Google's forced update on the Pixel 4a ruined it

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21–30 of 53 posts

Re: I'm semi homeless and Google's forced update on the Pixel 4a ruined it

#21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've been to many religious places and they've been very helpful. But this is more of a phone issue... I just want my phone back. I don't want a new phone... I've never heard of this ever happening ever.

You keep saying how important your files are but you need to have them backed up in a cloud. Your life cannot end because you wake up one morning and your phone stops booting.

The files aren't the only issues, it's that now I have to buy a new phone for no reason. It was working perfectly. I can't even buy a used Pixel 4a as all the phones now have the update of death.

Re: I'm semi homeless and Google's forced update on the Pixel 4a ruined it

#22

I'm sorry to have to say this, but this whole thread reeks of someone refusing to help themselves. Several people have given you legitimately helpful advice and you have just come back with excuses as to why it won't work for you. This includes: - Using a wireless power bank. Android phones will work with a completely dead/useless battery if they are plugged into a power bank. If your power bank doesn't work that way…

> Instead of blaming all your problems on an external entity like Google

But it's not his fault. I can easily empathize with how he's feeling.

Power bank probably doesn't work well because the update limits charging speed.

What if he doesn't have money for buying a new phone? Also, transferring files via cloud storage can be a non-trivial process, especially for a non-technical person.

Re: I'm semi homeless and Google's forced update on the Pixel 4a ruined it

#23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've been to many religious places and they've been very helpful. But this is more of a phone issue... I just want my phone back. I don't want a new phone... I've never heard of this ever happening ever.

Dude you need a new phone And yeah that sucks but guess what. Back up your data. And it won't happen again

I am backing up data, or trying my best to. It's just now I have to buy a new phone because Google can't help me even though they said they would. I don't keep everything on the cloud, not something I trust.

Re: I'm semi homeless and Google's forced update on the Pixel 4a ruined it

#24

I'm sorry to have to say this, but this whole thread reeks of someone refusing to help themselves. Several people have given you legitimately helpful advice and you have just come back with excuses as to why it won't work for you. This includes: - Using a wireless power bank. Android phones will work with a completely dead/useless battery if they are plugged into a power bank. If your power bank doesn't work that way…

Hi, I'm not sure if you've saw it but not only is the battery is close to dead but the charging is super slow and it struggles to work plugged in. So I cannot use it well. The only option will to get a new phone, but it's been taking a toll on me. I am not looking to be a charity case. I'm just flustered at what Google did. Something that never happened in history, without warning, ending my phone.

[flagged]

Re: I'm semi homeless and Google's forced update on the Pixel 4a ruined it

#25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Hi, I'm not sure if you've saw it but not only is the battery is close to dead but the charging is super slow and it struggles to work plugged in. So I cannot use it well. The only option will to get a new phone, but it's been taking a toll on me. I am not looking to be a charity case. I'm just flustered at what Google did. Something that never happened in history, without warning, ending my phone.

[flagged]

This isn't about an old device, it's just a few years old (2020, on Android 13). I understand that things break, but this is not about that. It's how Google lied to users about the update, then the update wrecking their phones to a point where it doesn't work. If my phone were to have naturally been destroyed then I get it, I have to move on.

I'm sure a lot of people have Pixels here, if all of a sudden it is forced to update, and the phone becomes unusable, would you not be angry? What if Microsoft forcefully updated and made all processors around 2018 bricked? I've browsed here so much and everyone loves to use old and cheap CPUs for their crafts which are beautiful here. I'm sure many people use old phones for many reasons as well, such as mobile servers, gadgets, etc. The Pixel 4a was a budget phone and perfect for those who want a phone with a headphone jack and that just works. Pixel 4a was also one of the phones used for many Android projects.

At this point I just want to tell people on here what Google did and let people know that this can happen to your phone at any time. Hopefully you are all prepared as Pixel 5/6 have been having battery issues as well and a forced update might be coming for that. I hope everyone is prepared.

Re: I'm semi homeless and Google's forced update on the Pixel 4a ruined it

#26

I'm sorry to have to say this, but this whole thread reeks of someone refusing to help themselves. Several people have given you legitimately helpful advice and you have just come back with excuses as to why it won't work for you. This includes: - Using a wireless power bank. Android phones will work with a completely dead/useless battery if they are plugged into a power bank. If your power bank doesn't work that way…

> Instead of blaming all your problems on an external entity like Google But it's not his fault. I can easily empathize with how he's feeling. Power bank probably doesn't work well because the update limits charging speed. What if he doesn't have money for buying a new phone? Also, transferring files via cloud storage can be a non-trivial process, especially for a non-technical person.

This person is on HackerNews, implying at least enough technical expertise to use a website. Google Drive is a website. Other people have offered this person alternative devices free of charge. Yet they are so fixated on a specific outcome (Google just fixing this for them) that they can't see another solution when it's offered up on a plate. They are also neglecting to think beyond the immediate problem: say they get the firmware rolled back somehow - what happens when the device stops charging/is stolen/is dropped and all their files are still on it? Have you never know anyone like this before? Someone who needs all their problems solved for them because they refuse to take responsibility for the situations they have created for themselves through action or inaction?

Re: I'm semi homeless and Google's forced update on the Pixel 4a ruined it

#28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

[flagged]

This isn't about an old device, it's just a few years old (2020, on Android 13). I understand that things break, but this is not about that. It's how Google lied to users about the update, then the update wrecking their phones to a point where it doesn't work. If my phone were to have naturally been destroyed then I get it, I have to move on. I'm sure a lot of people have Pixels here, if all of a sudden it is forced…

[flagged]

Re: I'm semi homeless and Google's forced update on the Pixel 4a ruined it

#29
Will https://old.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1ic55ki/succesfull... help you undo what was done? It links to Android 13 S1 version August 5, 2023.

I was fortunately able to catch my 4a after it had downloaded the update but still needed a reboot to install. Followed https://old.reddit.com/r/Pixel4a/comments/1i0zih0/the_only_w... , installing NextDNS to prevent the update from downloading.

Re: I'm semi homeless and Google's forced update on the Pixel 4a ruined it

#30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This isn't about an old device, it's just a few years old (2020, on Android 13). I understand that things break, but this is not about that. It's how Google lied to users about the update, then the update wrecking their phones to a point where it doesn't work. If my phone were to have naturally been destroyed then I get it, I have to move on. I'm sure a lot of people have Pixels here, if all of a sudden it is forced…

[flagged]

Your reply is completely uncalled for. I hope you're able to get professional help for whatever it is in your life that drove you to be this callous toward someone.
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