Google Pixel 6a’s Battery Will Soon Be Limited to Stop Overheating

The battery life on 2022’s Google Pixel 6a is set to get worse as the company is planning to roll out protective measures to stop the phone overheating. This comes soon after reports of two Pixel 6a phones catching fire after overheating.

Google has now confirmed it’s working on an update to limit the battery, which will be mandatory for all users to download and is set to arrive in July. The company hasn’t confirmed the reports of phone fires, but it appears the two issues may be connected.

A Google spokesperson told Android Authority, “A subset of Pixel 6a phones will require a mandatory software update to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating. The update will enable battery management features that will reduce capacity and charging performance after the battery reaches 400 charge cycles.”

Google did similar on the Pixel 4a earlier this year, and in some circumstances it even offered a free battery replacement. It’s unclear if Google will do similar here, but it could happen if the issue becomes more widespread.

There have been two publicly reported instances of a Pixel 6a catching fire in the last month with one user sharing their story with Android Authority and another posting on Reddit. The photos show phones ruined by fire, so it’s clear this is an important safety update.

Many Pixel 6a users are likely to impacted here as 400 cycles will be around a year to two years of usage for most people. It’s unclear how much the battery life will be reduced by.

In PCMag’s review of the phone, we found the battery life to be “incredible.” Given the phone will continue to see software updates through to 2027, you may find it beneficial to keep using the phone by replacing the battery. For the Pixel 4a, Google recommended replacing the battery immediately after it reached its 400 charge cycles and the limit activated. Google has yet to do that for the Pixel 6a.

Google confirmed it will be contacting “impacted customers next month” where it will provide you everything you need to “address the issue.”

About James Peckham

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I’ve written tech news for over a decade, and as a Reporter at PCMag, I cover the latest developments across the gadgets and services you use every day. Previously, I worked for Android Police, TechRadar, and more.

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