Key Takeaways
1. Google has confirmed a potential battery overheating issue with the Pixel 6a, following reports of the device catching fire.
2. To address the problem, Google will release a software update to reduce battery capacity and charging speed, similar to the update for the Pixel 4a.
3. Affected users will receive information next month about the update and necessary actions to mitigate the overheating risk.
4. The upcoming update will activate battery management features after the battery reaches 400 charge cycles, with warnings shown in the settings.
5. It is unclear if Google will offer free battery replacements or compensation for Pixel 6a users, as it did for the Pixel 4a.
After the trouble with the Pixel 4a’s battery earlier this year, which led Google to lower battery performance via a software update and provide free battery replacements, the company is now dealing with another battery problem, this time with the Pixel 6a.
Reports of Overheating
Recently, there have been two different reports of the Google Pixel 6a catching fire. Initially, these incidents seemed to be just one-off cases, but Google has now confirmed “a potential battery overheating issue.” To tackle this, the company plans to roll out a software update similar to the one for the Pixel 4a, which will intentionally decrease battery capacity and charging speed.
Google’s Official Statement
A spokesperson from Google shared the following with Android Authority:
“Some Pixel 6a devices will need a required software update to lower the risk of possible battery overheating. This update will activate battery management features that will limit capacity and charging performance after the battery hits 400 charge cycles. We’ll reach out to affected customers next month, providing all the necessary information to resolve the issue.”
Details from the Android Beta
Hints about the forthcoming battery limitations for the Pixel 6a have been found in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2. According to Android Authority, the code in this new beta shows that the phone will display a warning under Settings > Battery > Battery health once it reaches 375 charge cycles. This alert will inform users that battery capacity and charging performance will decline after 400 cycles, and it will recommend a battery replacement.
It remains uncertain if Google will provide free battery replacements or monetary compensation to Pixel 6a users, as they did for the affected Pixel 4a owners. Google mentions that users can find more details about support options at g.co/pixel/6abattery; however, at the time of writing this, that webpage is not yet operational.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply