- Some Pixel 6A phones have overheated while charging
- Google says it will solve the problem of a software update
- The update limits the battery capacity and charging speed
You may have seen several reports on Google Pixel 6A phones that catch fire and burn up in recent weeks, and Google is now taking steps to stop any future events by limiting the battery capacity and charging speed of 2022 handsets.
In a statement to Android Authority, a Google spokesman said a “subgroup” of Pixel 6A phones will soon get a “mandatory” software update, reducing battery capacity and charging performance when 400 cycles are reached.
This should “reduce the risk of potential overheating of batteries” according to Google, though it will leave you with a phone that charges slower and does not last as long between charges – not good for a handset that has only been out three years.
Google says users with affected phones will be contacted next month with details of what to do. Meanwhile, the Android Authority team has seen a warning of a potential battery overheating problem on Pixel 6A in the latest Android 16 beta.
Keep an eye on your phone
It is difficult to measure how widespread this problem is, but Android Authority has already recorded two separate events and there are images such as evidence. It is scary to think that your phone could suddenly blow up in flames while charging.
Given that Google only mentions a “subgroup” of Pixel 6A phones, it is possible that only certain handsets are affected. We may not see this update roll out for every single Pixel 6A, but right now it is not clear in any way.
If you own a Google Pixel 6A, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it while charging: Take care of any deformation and check that the handset doesn’t get too hot for touch. Very short battery life can also indicate a battery health problem.
Swelling and overheating can potentially happen with any lithium-ion battery if it becomes physically damaged or somehow malfunctioning, but it is a problem that continues to happen with pixel phones test with Google Pixel 7A.
