UPDATE 7/2: Google is notifying Pixel 6a homeowners {that a} necessary software program replace to Android 16 will roll out beginning July 8, 2025, “which is able to allow vital battery administration options.”
Google confirms that the replace “will cut back your system’s battery capability and charging efficiency in an effort to cut back the chance of potential battery overheating.” Nonetheless, you won’t discover something instantly.
“Some customers will see modifications earlier than others, as a result of the battery administration options activate solely after an Impacted System reaches 400 cost cycles,” Google says. Google will ship reminder notifications of the brand new battery administration options when your system is at 375 and 400 cost cycles.
In an electronic mail despatched to Pixel 6a clients, Google teases assist choices for individuals who won’t be thrilled with a degraded battery. That features a potential full battery substitute or money fee. A UK-based former PCMagger reviews that Google supplied him $100 money or $150 Google Retailer credit score. Examine right here to see what you are eligible for.
Unique Story 6/13:
Unhealthy information for Google Pixel 6a customers. The battery life on the 2022 cellphone is about to be artificially restricted by Google. After reviews of two Pixel 6a telephones catching hearth, the corporate is about to roll out an replace to restrict the charging pace and battery capability of “a subset” of telephones.
The replace shall be a compulsory obtain when it arrives in July. The corporate hasn’t confirmed the fires, however it seems the 2 points are related. Google says it would contact “impacted clients subsequent month” and supply them with every part they should “tackle the problem.”
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As a Google spokesperson tells Android Authority, “A subset of Pixel 6a telephones would require a compulsory software program replace to cut back the chance of potential battery overheating. The replace will allow battery administration options that can cut back capability and charging efficiency after the battery reaches 400 cost cycles.”
Google did one thing related on the Pixel 4a earlier this yr, and in some circumstances, it even supplied a free battery substitute. It’s unclear if Google will do related right here, however it might occur if the problem turns into extra widespread.
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There have been two publicly reported cases of a Pixel 6a catching hearth within the final month, with one consumer sharing their story with Android Authority and one other posting on Reddit. The pictures present telephones ruined by hearth, so it is clear this is a crucial security replace.
Many Pixel 6a customers are more likely to be impacted, as 400 cycles shall be round a yr to 2 years of utilization for most individuals. It is unclear how a lot the battery life shall be diminished.
In PCMag’s overview of the cellphone, we discovered the battery life to be “unimaginable.” On condition that the cellphone will proceed to obtain software program updates by means of 2027, chances are you’ll discover it helpful to maintain utilizing the cellphone by changing the battery. For the Pixel 4a, Google recommends changing the battery instantly after it reaches 400 cost cycles and the restrict is activated. Google has but to do this for the Pixel 6a.
The Google Pixel 9a: All of the Necessities, Half the Value
About James Peckham
Reporter
I’ve written tech information for over a decade, and as a Reporter at PCMag, I cowl the most recent developments throughout the devices and providers you utilize day by day. Beforehand, I labored for Android Police, TechRadar, and extra.
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