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 so far. Nonetheless, to get there, Google skilled a couple of bumps alongside the street, particularly relating to battery health. It is no secret that Pixel smartphones prior to now have had critical battery overheating issues, and Google’s latest actions purpose to repair these.

Earlier this 12 months, 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 diminished the Pixel 4a’s battery capability and charging pace in an effort to handle battery well being issues like overheating. Whereas this negatively affected the telephone’s efficiency as a consequence of 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 12 months. This is because of a number of reviews of the telephone catching fire, which is actually not one thing you need your smartphone to do, because it poses a critical 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. Much like the Pixel 4a, Google is providing a alternative program for batteries in case your Pixel 6a is taken into account an “impacted machine.”

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

You possibly can examine 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 adjustments Google is making by way 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 when you cost the telephone from zero to 100% 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 doubtless 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 may even be out there 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 properly.

If you happen to personal a Pixel 6a and wish to examine in case your machine 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. Nonetheless, Google additionally states that if a battery alternative is not “handy” for you, you may 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 might in all probability go for the low cost on the Google Retailer relatively 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 contains 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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