Google pushes necessary Pixel 6a replace to repair overheating battery

The Pixel 9 series that Google launched final yr was undoubtedly its greatest smartphone lineup to this point. Nonetheless, to get there, Google skilled just a few bumps alongside the highway, particularly relating to battery health. It is no secret that Pixel smartphones prior to now have had severe battery overheating issues, and Google’s current actions goal to repair these.

Earlier this yr, the tech large 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 lowered 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’ll push a software program replace subsequent week to “sure Pixel 6a telephones” that can modify their batteries. Just like the Pixel 4a, Google is providing a alternative program for batteries in case your Pixel 6a is taken into account an “impacted system.”

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

You may verify to see in case your Pixel 6a is eligible for a battery alternative 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 necessary computerized replace to Android 16. Nonetheless, Google clarifies that solely “Impacted Units will obtain the battery administration options,” which means not each Pixel 6a will get this replace.

The modifications Google is making by means of this necessary 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 one hundred pc, so in the event you cost the cellphone from zero to one hundred pc as soon as a day, it might take about 400 days to succeed in 400 cost cycles. For the reason that Pixel 6a was launched in 2022, most of the impacted units possible have already hit 400 cost cycles.

Google is providing a battery alternative 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 alternative program to Australia and a few components of Europe as effectively.

When you personal a Pixel 6a and wish to verify in case your system is eligible for a alternative battery, Google supplies a free software on its help web page for that goal, which you’ll be able to take a look at here. In case your cellphone qualifies, you’ll get a free battery alternative. Nonetheless, Google additionally states that if a battery alternative is not “handy” for you, you may choose different help choices, reminiscent of “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 largely clear about the issue and taking steps to repair it. If I had an impacted Pixel 6a, I might in all probability go for the low cost on the Google Retailer fairly than a battery alternative. The newly launched Pixel 9a is a strong improve, that includes a big 5,100mAh battery and Google’s Tensor G4 chipset. It additionally consists of Google’s new Battery Health Assistance characteristic, designed to forestall the battery well being points that affected the Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a.

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