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Following reports of batteries overheating and catching fire, Google has confirmed it will issue a software update for the Pixel 6a. The "mandatory update" aims to limit the risk by intentionally reducing the battery's capacity and charging speed once it reaches 400 charge cycles.
After the Pixel 4a’s battery debacle earlier this year —which forced Google to nerf battery performance with a software update and issue free battery replacements—the company is now facing another battery headache, this time with the Pixel 6a.
Two separate reports of Google Pixel 6a catching fire have surfaced over the past few weeks, and while they seemed like isolated incidents at first, Google has now officially acknowledged "a potential battery overheating issue." To address this issue, the company will release a software fix similar to that of the Pixel 4a, which will intentionally degrade the battery capacity and charging speed.
A Google spokesperson issued the following statement to 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. We’ll contact impacted customers next month, with all the information they need to address the issue.
Evidence of the upcoming battery nerf for the Pixel 6a has already been spotted in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2. As per Android Authority, code within the new beta reveals that the phone will display an alert under Settings > Battery > Battery health once the battery hits 375 charge cycles. The alert will warn users that battery capacity and charging performance will be reduced after 400 cycles and that battery replacement is recommended.
It’s unclear whether Google will offer free battery replacements or cash compensation to Pixel 6a users—the company did extend these benefits to affected Pixel 4a owners. Google says users will be able to learn more about available support options at g.co/pixel/6abattery; however, as of the time of writing this article, the page isn’t yet live.
A burnt and melted Google Pixel 6a after the battery overheated and caught fire. (Image credit: Reddit user u/zaliver)
Kristen Spradlin - Tech Writer - 60 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
Kristen is a technology writer based in Toronto. He's primarily interested in smartphone hardware, Android, Apple ecosystem, audio gear, and the intersection of technology and climate change. His first smartphone was the HTC Dream, and while he regards himself as an Android loyalist, he doesn’t mind using an iPhone as a secondary phone. When he’s not scouring his RSS feed for the latest tech news, you’ll likely find him glued to his Kindle Paperwhite reading his favorite non-fiction titles. He has also traveled extensively, having visited Australia, England, Nepal, and India.
Kristen Spradlin, 2025-06-12 (Update: 2025-06-12)
