Google pushes obligatory Pixel 6a replace to repair overheating battery

The Pixel 9 series that Google launched final yr was undoubtedly its finest smartphone lineup thus far. Nevertheless, to get there, Google skilled a couple of bumps alongside the highway, particularly relating to battery health. It is no secret that Pixel smartphones previously have had severe battery overheating issues, and Google’s latest actions intention to repair these.

Earlier this yr, the tech big rolled out an update for the Pixel 4a after figuring out that “sure Pixel 4a telephones require a software program replace to enhance the soundness of their battery’s efficiency.” The replace diminished the Pixel 4a’s battery capability and charging velocity in an effort to handle battery well being issues like overheating. Whereas this negatively affected the cellphone’s efficiency resulting from worse battery life, Google compensated customers by providing free battery replacements for “impacted” Pixel 4a units.

Now, historical past is repeating itself, and the Pixel 6a is receiving the identical therapy because the Pixel 4a earlier this yr. This is because of a number of reviews of the cellphone catching fire, which is definitely not one thing you need your smartphone to do, because it poses a severe security threat (I am having Galaxy Note 7 flashbacks).

To repair the Pixel 6a’s overheating points, Google announced it is going to push a software program replace subsequent week to “sure Pixel 6a telephones” that may modify their batteries. Just like the Pixel 4a, Google is providing a substitute program for batteries in case your Pixel 6a is taken into account an “impacted gadget.”

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Google’s Pixel 6a replace will cut back battery capability and charging velocity

You possibly can test to see in case your Pixel 6a is eligible for a battery substitute now

Google states that the software program replace for affected Pixel 6a telephones will start rolling out subsequent week, on July 8. It’s a obligatory computerized replace to Android 16. Nevertheless, Google clarifies that solely “Impacted Units will obtain the battery administration options,” which means not each Pixel 6a will get this replace.

The adjustments Google is making by way of this obligatory replace embrace lowering the utmost battery capability and charging efficiency, however solely after the cellphone reaches 400 cost cycles. A cost cycle is one full cost from zero to 100%, so for those who cost the cellphone from zero to 100% as soon as a day, it could take about 400 days to achieve 400 cost cycles. Because the Pixel 6a was launched in 2022, most of the impacted units doubtless have already hit 400 cost cycles.

Google is providing a battery substitute program for impacted Pixel 6a telephones at no cost. This system will begin on July 21 at walk-in restore facilities within the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Singapore, Japan, and India. Mail-in repairs can even be accessible for impacted customers within the US and India. Google plans to increase its Pixel 6a battery substitute program to Australia and a few components of Europe as nicely.

In case you personal a Pixel 6a and wish to test in case your gadget is eligible for a substitute battery, Google offers a free instrument on its help web page for that function, which you’ll try here. In case your cellphone qualifies, you can get a free battery substitute. Nevertheless, Google additionally states that if a battery substitute is not “handy” for you, you possibly can choose different help choices, corresponding to “money or a Google {hardware} low cost code” to buy a brand new Pixel from the Google Retailer.

Whereas these battery points with the Pixel 6a are irritating and should not have occurred, I am simply glad Google is being principally clear about the issue and taking steps to repair it. If I had an impacted Pixel 6a, I might most likely go for the low cost on the Google Retailer quite than a battery substitute. The newly launched Pixel 9a is a stable improve, that includes a big 5,100mAh battery and Google’s Tensor G4 chipset. It additionally contains Google’s new Battery Health Assistance function, designed to forestall the battery well being points that affected the Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a.

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