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All Google Pixel 6a devices will begin receiving a mandatory upgrade to Android 16 starting tomorrow, to address concerns on the device’s safety.
While the update is universal, it specifically introduces new battery management features for a subset of Pixel 6a units identified as vulnerable to overheating risks due to battery degradation.
The update is part of Google’s newly launched Pixel 6a Battery Performance Program. According to the announcement, some Pixel 6a smartphones have been found to carry a higher risk of battery overheating once their lithium-ion batteries reach 400 charge cycles. To mitigate the issue, Android 16 will implement safeguards that automatically reduce battery capacity and charging performance once that threshold is crossed.
The issue appears to be related to battery aging behavior under specific usage conditions. Google has not disclosed how many devices are affected or the exact nature of the underlying defect, but emphasized that these changes are necessary to ensure user safety. Affected users will begin to see warning notifications once their battery approaches 375 charge cycles, with the new thermal management features activating automatically at 400 cycles.
The Pixel 6a, released in mid-2022, is part of Google’s budget phone lineup, offering flagship-level performance through its in-house Tensor SoC. It remains one of the most widely adopted Pixel models globally, particularly in the U.S., India, and parts of Europe. With millions of units likely still in use, the update rollout is expected to reach a large user base over the coming weeks.
Only users with Impacted Devices will experience functional changes after the update. For those devices, once 400 charge cycles are surpassed, the update introduces mechanisms that can lead to shorter battery runtimes, slower charging speeds, and temporary recalibration of the battery-level indicator as the phone adapts to revised capacity values. Devices not flagged as impacted will still receive Android 16 but will not undergo any battery management changes.
To support affected users, Google is offering a one-time free battery replacement for eligible Impacted Devices. This program begins on July 21, 2025, and is available through walk-in repair centers in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, Singapore, Japan, and India. Mail-in repair options are also supported in the U.S. and India, with expansion planned for France, Australia, and parts of Europe. Users must complete a registration process and undergo eligibility and physical condition checks before any repair is performed.
For those unable or unwilling to replace their battery, Google is offering alternative support, such as cash compensation or discount codes for new Pixel devices via the Google Store. These options vary by country and are subject to terms and conditions.
It’s important to note that the update and the associated battery management features do not apply to other Pixel 6-series devices, such as the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro. Click here to determine if your device is impacted by the issue.
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Bill specializes in explaining complex technical topics to a non-technical audience. In his 30+ year career, he has covered many of the technological advances that shape our lives. Today, Bill uses those skills to help people protect their privacy and security against the ever-growing assaults on both.
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