A mandatory update for Google‘s mid-range Pixel 6A phones is coming next week that should reduce the risk of battery overheating on some devices. According to a post on the support page, Google is rolling out the mandatory Android 16 update starting July 8 for all Pixel 6A devices. However, only users with “Affected Devices” will see any impact on their battery.
As Google’s Alex Moriconi told The Verge, the update will reduce the battery capacity on affected phones after 400 charging cycles. The move comes after at least two people reported that their Pixel 6As caught fire.
Google says affected users will receive a notification when the phone has completed 375 cycles, warning that new battery management features will soon be activated. Once these management tools take effect, the battery will not last as long between charges.
According to Google, users may notice other changes as well, “such as a decrease in charging performance or short-term changes in how the battery level indicator on the phone shows battery capacity when the phone learns of a changed battery capacity.” It’s unclear why some Pixel 6A phones are affected and others aren’t, but if your phone is affected, Google is offering a free battery replacement – you can check here to see if you qualify for this program.
The company has already solved a similar problem with the Pixel 4A, offering owners a free battery replacement or a $100 credit toward a new phone. The Pixel 7A currently has an extended repair program to address battery bloat issues.
