Pixel 6a owners were forced to install a new update earlier this month that, for some, will have a considerable impact on battery life. Things seem to be going a bit better than expected, but Pixel 6a owners are indeed feeling the effects.
Google started rolling out this new Pixel 6a update on July 8, with the update set to enact a battery reduction after the battery hit a certain number of charge cycles. For any device with over 400 charge cycles and an affected battery (meaning not all units are affected), this update would limit battery life and charging speeds as a precautionary measure. This came after limited reports of Pixel 6a devices catching fire.
As mentioned, the update has since rolled out and is starting to affect Pixel 6a owners.
User reports on Google’s forums and Reddit threads show Pixel 6a owners with, as expected, much worse battery life, with some only able to use their phone for a matter of a few hours or less. Others have found that the phone is not charging, or charging very slowly. The reason for it not charging entirely, though, seems to simply be that this update enacts a battery cap at 80% for some, meaning the phone won’t charge if it’s over that level. On the battery info page, a large message says that a battery replacement is recommended.
The good news, though, is that this update seems to have far less wide-reaching impact compared to the Pixel 4a’s update. That suggests that not as many Pixel 6a owners have affected batteries in their devices, but it also just speaks to Google having handled this situation better than the last one. The Pixel 4a’s update was shrouded in mystery for a while, leaving owners in the dark as to why their device suddenly just didn’t work as it had.
Top comment by Akash Rajpal
Yes my pixel 6a battery software cap has made my phone virtually useless. The closest service centre is far away for me and there is no communication method to confirm a walkin replacement. The online repair claim dies not work and I've asked for a cash credit but haven't recieved one yet. They could have given warning prompts instead of making the battery virtually useless. I didnt have any issues with battery before the update. They should arrange a free pick and drop and replace battery.
If you have a Pixel 6a, Google is offering battery replacements as well as Google Store or cash credits towards a new device.
Are you still using a Pixel 6a? Have you seen any impact since the update? Let us know your experience in the comments below.
More on Pixel:
- Google will give Pixel 6a owners up to $150 towards a new phone amid battery reduction
- Android 16 July update rolling out with just two Pixel fixes
- Google preparing redesigned ‘Now Playing’ widget for Pixel lockscreen [Gallery]
Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments