Google pushes necessary Pixel 6a replace to repair overheating battery

The Pixel 9 series that Google launched final 12 months was undoubtedly its finest smartphone lineup to this point. Nevertheless, to get there, Google skilled a number of 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 12 months, 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 steadiness 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 telephone’s efficiency on account of worse battery life, Google compensated customers by providing free battery replacements for “impacted” Pixel 4a gadgets.

Now, historical past is repeating itself, and the Pixel 6a is receiving the identical remedy because the Pixel 4a earlier this 12 months. This is because of a number of stories of the telephone catching fire, which is actually 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 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 gadget.”

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

You possibly can test 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 automated replace to Android 16. Nevertheless, Google clarifies that solely “Impacted Units will obtain the battery administration options,” that means not each Pixel 6a will get this replace.

The adjustments Google is making by means of this necessary replace embrace decreasing the utmost battery capability and charging efficiency, however solely after the telephone reaches 400 cost cycles. A cost cycle is one full cost from zero to 100%, so should you cost the telephone from zero to 100% as soon as a day, it might take about 400 days to achieve 400 cost cycles. For the reason that Pixel 6a was launched in 2022, lots of the impacted gadgets seemingly 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 obtainable for impacted customers within the US and India. Google plans to increase its Pixel 6a battery alternative program to Australia and a few elements of Europe as nicely.

Should you personal a Pixel 6a and wish to test in case your gadget is eligible for a alternative battery, Google offers a free instrument on its assist web page for that objective, which you’ll be able to try here. In case your telephone qualifies, you can get a free battery alternative. Nevertheless, Google additionally states that if a battery alternative is not “handy” for you, you’ll be able to choose different assist 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 principally clear about the issue and taking steps to repair it. If I had an impacted Pixel 6a, I would most likely go for the low cost on the Google Retailer quite than a battery alternative. The newly launched Pixel 9a is a stable improve, that includes a big 5,100mAh battery and Google’s Tensor G4 chipset. It additionally consists of Google’s new Battery Health Assistance function, designed to stop the battery well being points that affected the Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a.

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