Pixel 6a can get too hot: Google reduces battery capacity with update

After the Pixel 4a and 7a, the Pixel 6a is the next smartphone from the manufacturer to experience battery problems. As the company writes, overheating issues have emerged in a certain number of devices. A “mandatory software update” is now to reduce the battery capacity.

Pixel 6a: Mandatory update to reduce battery capacity

Google spokesperson Alex Moriconi confirmed to The Verge that a certain number of Pixel 6a smartphones will receive a mandatory software update. This update will activate a battery management function that will reduce both the capacity and the charging performance after 400 charging cycles.

In addition, affected users will be contacted directly by Google in the coming month and informed of all the necessary steps.

Even if the battery issue apparently does not impact all or only a few Pixel 6a devices, the case appears to be acute, as Android Authority reports. At least two cases are known in which a Pixel 6a has caught fire. One Person on Reddit said that the Pixel 6a “spontaneously combusted at night” while it was on the charging dock.

Google has been aware of battery problems

Google has apparently been aware of the problem for some time, as Android Authority discovered a corresponding warning in the strings of Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2, which should alert users of a Pixel 6a to “a possible battery overheating problem” as soon as the device reaches 375 charging cycles. The notice also refers to a support page at g.co/pixel/6abattery, which has not yet been activated.

This is now the third case of battery issues with Google's Pixel devices within six months. After the Pixel 4a in January, where an update similar to the current case is supposed to protect against overheating, Google reported issues with the Pixel 7a in April. Batteries of some Pixel 7a smartphones can inflate. The company has launched an extended repair program for affected devices.

(afl)