Google pushes necessary Pixel 6a replace to repair overheating battery

The Pixel 9 series that Google launched final yr was undoubtedly its finest smartphone lineup up to now. 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 severe battery overheating issues, and Google’s current 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 remedy because the Pixel 4a earlier this yr. This is because of a number of stories of the cellphone catching fire, which is definitely not one thing you need your smartphone to do, because it poses a severe security danger (I am having Galaxy Note 7 flashbacks).

To repair the Pixel 6a’s overheating points, Google announced it’s going to push a software program replace subsequent week to “sure Pixel 6a telephones” that may modify their batteries. Much like the Pixel 4a, Google is providing a substitute 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 scale back battery capability and charging velocity

You possibly can examine 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 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 this necessary replace embrace decreasing 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 for those who cost the cellphone from zero to one hundred pc 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 probably 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 may also be out there for impacted customers within the US and India. Google plans to increase its Pixel 6a battery substitute program to Australia and a few elements of Europe as effectively.

For those who personal a Pixel 6a and wish to examine in case your system is eligible for a substitute battery, Google offers a free device on its assist web page for that goal, which you’ll try here. In case your cellphone qualifies, you’ll get a free battery substitute. Nonetheless, Google additionally states that if a battery substitute is not “handy” for you, you’ll be able to choose different assist choices, equivalent 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 largely clear about the issue and taking steps to repair it. If I had an impacted Pixel 6a, I would in all probability go for the low cost on the Google Retailer relatively than a battery substitute. 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 function, designed to forestall the battery well being points that affected the Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a.

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