A heads-up about the Google Pixel 6a update
Potential resolution of Pixel 6a's battery problems through obligatory software update
Hey there! Got some news for all you Pixel 6a enthusiasts out there. Google's got a surprise software update coming your way, and it's a mandatory one, according to 9to5Google.
The search titan shared a statement stating that Pixel 6a owners could expect an update soon, touting it as a means to "lower the risk of potential battery overheating." With this update, users will be left with no other choice but to update.
Now, here's the scoop – the update will reportedly reduce both battery capacity and charging performance, but only after the device has undergone at least 400 charge cycles. Google has promised to reach out to affected users in July 2025, providing them with all the needed information.
Earlier this year, Google rolled out an Android 13-based update for the six-year-old Pixel 4a, aimed at stabilizing the phone's battery. Some believe it even reduced battery capacity and charging performance for eligible Pixel 4a users eligible for free battery replacements.
It's worth mentioning that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) Product Safety Recall program, back in March, disclosed that this battery management feature via the update was to "mitigate the risk of overheating" and was applicable to only certain Pixel 4a devices.
So if you're a Pixel 6a owner, hang tight for more information in July. Now, if you're hankering for more Android news, why not check out the latest phone deals, in-store and online, from Best Buy, Walmart, Samsung, Amazon, Verizon, or AT&T? Stay in the know!
Insights:
- This update is a safety measure aimed at reducing the risk of battery overheating in a subset of the Pixel 6a devices.
- Some users may experience decreased battery capacity and slower charging after the mandatory update (following 400 charge cycles).
- All Pixel 6a owners will be contacted by Google in July 2025 with instructions for addressing the issue.
- The update is mandatory and cannot be opted out of.
- The rollout timing may not be announced immediately after July and further updates may follow.
- This situation echoes a previous update for the Pixel 4a, where Google reduced battery life via a software patch and offered battery replacements for eligible users.
Breakdown:
- Affected Devices: Subset of Google Pixel 6a phones
- Update Purpose: Lower the risk of potential battery overheating
- Changes Introduced: Reduced battery capacity, slower charging (after 400 charge cycles)
- Notification: Impacted users contacted in July 2025
- Update Rollout: Mandatory, timing to be announced after notification
- All Users Affected? No, only a subset will be impacted
In light of the Google Pixel 6a update, smartphone users might want to reconsider their gadget choices, as the update may affect battery capacity and charging performance following 400 charge cycles. For those owning the Pixel 6a, it's worth noting that a mandatory update is coming to lower the risk of potential battery overheating, and all affected users will receive instructions in July 2025.
