Google’s Pixel 6a update will lower battery performance to avoid literal meltdowns

The Google Pixel 6a has been having issues with the battery overheating, and that’s led to some serious problems for some users, including a device melting and becoming a potential fire hazard. These are definitely problems you don’t want your phone to be having, and it looks like Google is going to be taking certain measures to ensure the problem won’t continue.

Google’s solution isn’t new, as the company has implemented it before when there were problems with the Pixel 4a battery overheating. And ultimately, those with a Pixel 6a may want to consider upgrading to a new device at this point. Mainly because it’s probably easier and less hassle than the alternative, which is replacing the battery.

Google will reduce the charging performance of the Pixel 6a battery due to overheating

Google’s solution to this problem is to essentially reduce the battery charging performance and the battery capacity. As noted by Android Authority, Google will be pushing out an update to the Pixel 6a with the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update that alerts users of this change. The battery charge performance reduction will be reduced after the battery has reached 400 charge cycles, which has likely happened for many at this point, given that the Pixel 6a is a few years old now.

After this, Google apparently recommends that users look into a battery replacement. However, as mentioned above, it’s probably just easier to upgrade. And there are several reasons why you should consider it.

For one, it’s more convenient than going through a battery replacement process. Additionally, a new Pixel phone, so long as it’s the Pixel 8 or newer, is going to get many more software updates than the Pixel 6a. Google started pushing 7 years of software updates with the Pixel 8 series. Which means you’ll be able to keep newer Pixel phones for longer than the Pixel 6a and get necessary software improvements. Plus, you shouldn’t have to deal with an overheating battery that could potentially melt your device.

Google has acknowledged the battery problem

Following Android Authority’s report about the Pixel 6a battery performance reduction change, Google has also now acknowledged the issue with the Pixel 6a’s battery, and confirmed that there will be an update pushed out to users with the Android 16 QPR1 Beta update. The company says it will contact impacted customers next month with instructions on how to fix the issue.