Latest news with #Pixel7a
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Yahoo
You can now check to see whether your Pixel 6a has a defective battery
The Pixel 9 series birthed some of the best Android phones that you can buy right now. But this type of success doesn't come overnight, with Google delivering plenty of misses with its previous phone releases. With that said, they weren't all bad, but they definitely didn't have the polish that current models have. And while most will have transitioned from those older models to something new, we're now starting to see just how durable these previous-generation phones really are. The Pixel 4a saw a surprise update that reduced battery life, and the Pixel 7a had issues with its battery, prompting the brand to replace it. And just last month, we got word that the Pixel 6a would also get a battery update as well. With that said, it was reported earlier by Droid Life that Google had removed firmware for the Pixel 6a, and now, Google has made things official, announcing its Pixel 6a Battery Performance Program, which is set to officially launch on July 8 (via Droid Life). As far as the details go, Google has determined that some Pixel 6a devices will require an update in order to "reduce the risk of potential battery overheating." Now, similar to previous actions taken by Google, this update will reduce battery capacity and charging performance, but will only affect devices that have exceeded 400 charging cycles. Again, this update will only occur if you have a device that is affected. Not all Pixel 6a phones will need this update. Of course, this is something that is quite inconvenient, and it appears that Google is offering some compensation for the matter in the form of "a repair at no cost to you, a cash payment, or a Google Store hardware discount credit." You'll need to enter your IMEI in order on the support page to see whether you qualify. If you want to get your battery replaced, and your device qualifies, you'll be able to head to a support center in these countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Japan, and India. Those in the US and India will also have the option to mail in their device to get support. As a Pixel owner, it's going to be disappointing to experience something like this, but at least Google is taking some steps in order to ensure that its past devices aren't exposing customers to any kind of serious issues. Furthermore, it also has a variety of solutions available that will allow affected users to get proper support. Of course, if you're someone that owns a different phone or tablet, and wants to be proactive in maintaining battery health, we have some tips to offer that will help you preserve the battery inside your device.
India Today
12-06-2025
- India Today
Google reducing battery life of Pixel 6a with software update, says it has a good reason for it
Google says it will reach out to users who will be impacted by this update It says the update is necessary for safety Google will contact impacted users in July Google will soon release a mandatory software update for certain Pixel 6a smartphones that will reduce the device's battery capacity and charging performance. While the news will certainly disappoint Pixel 6a users, the company claims it has valid reasons for doing so. According to Google, the update will be released to prevent the risk of battery overheating in Pixel 6a devices after extended use. In a statement (via 9to5Google), Google confirmed that it will release a mandatory update for the Pixel 6a that will reduce battery capacity and charging performance after the device's battery reaches 400 charge cycles. Google says the update is necessary for safety and will also introduce new battery management features that kick in once the phone reaches that threshold. 'A subset of Pixel 6a phones will require a mandatory software update to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating,' Google said. 'The update will enable battery management features that will reduce capacity and charging performance after the battery reaches 400 charge cycles. We'll contact impacted customers next month, with all the information they need to address the issue.' However, not all Pixel 6a units will be affected. According to Google, only some 6a devicesâ€'presumably identified based on their battery health or manufacturing batchâ€'will be impacted. The company says it will directly contact affected users in July. However, the actual rollout of the software update may take longer, and Pixel 6a owners may not see the change immediately. Google's plan to release an update to tackle overheating issues was first spotted when code referencing a 'battery overheating issue' was found in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 release. The code pointed to a support page that is not yet live, but it hints at Google's ongoing efforts to pre-empt hardware failures. The update follows after many users flagged the issue of Pixel 6a units experiencing battery failures. As reported by Android Authority, at least two users recently shared that their Pixel 6a devices caught fire while charging. One Reddit user claimed their phone 'spontaneously combusted in the middle of the night.' Although these are isolated cases, they appear to have triggered Google's latest preventive action. Notably, the situation is similar to what some Pixel 4a users faced. In that case, some users received an update that quietly reduced battery life in response to overheating risks. At the time, Google had offered battery replacements to those affected. It remains to be seen if Google will take similar steps for Pixel 6a users. Meanwhile, Google also announced an extended repair programme earlier this year for Pixel 7a units with swollen batteries. Google will soon release a mandatory software update for certain Pixel 6a smartphones that will reduce the device's battery capacity and charging performance. While the news will certainly disappoint Pixel 6a users, the company claims it has valid reasons for doing so. According to Google, the update will be released to prevent the risk of battery overheating in Pixel 6a devices after extended use. In a statement (via 9to5Google), Google confirmed that it will release a mandatory update for the Pixel 6a that will reduce battery capacity and charging performance after the device's battery reaches 400 charge cycles. Google says the update is necessary for safety and will also introduce new battery management features that kick in once the phone reaches that threshold. 'A subset of Pixel 6a phones will require a mandatory software update to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating,' Google said. 'The update will enable battery management features that will reduce capacity and charging performance after the battery reaches 400 charge cycles. We'll contact impacted customers next month, with all the information they need to address the issue.' However, not all Pixel 6a units will be affected. According to Google, only some 6a devicesâ€'presumably identified based on their battery health or manufacturing batchâ€'will be impacted. The company says it will directly contact affected users in July. However, the actual rollout of the software update may take longer, and Pixel 6a owners may not see the change immediately. Google's plan to release an update to tackle overheating issues was first spotted when code referencing a 'battery overheating issue' was found in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 release. The code pointed to a support page that is not yet live, but it hints at Google's ongoing efforts to pre-empt hardware failures. The update follows after many users flagged the issue of Pixel 6a units experiencing battery failures. As reported by Android Authority, at least two users recently shared that their Pixel 6a devices caught fire while charging. One Reddit user claimed their phone 'spontaneously combusted in the middle of the night.' Although these are isolated cases, they appear to have triggered Google's latest preventive action. Notably, the situation is similar to what some Pixel 4a users faced. In that case, some users received an update that quietly reduced battery life in response to overheating risks. At the time, Google had offered battery replacements to those affected. It remains to be seen if Google will take similar steps for Pixel 6a users. Meanwhile, Google also announced an extended repair programme earlier this year for Pixel 7a units with swollen batteries. Join our WhatsApp Channel
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Google will reduce battery life for some Pixel 6a phones to prevent overheating
Google's Pixel 6a has been a winner in many respects, but a new issue with the smartphone's battery may pose a safety concern. After Android Authority reported on a pair of instances where a Pixel 6a battery overheated to the point where the device caught fire, the publication spotted some details in the latest Android 16 beta indicating that as a precaution, the Pixel 6a battery capacity and charging speed will be reduced. In addition, Android Authority received this statement from Google: A subset of Pixel 6a phones will require a mandatory software update to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating. The update will enable battery management features that will reduce capacity and charging performance after the battery reaches 400 charge cycles. We'll contact impacted customers next month, with all the information they need to address the issue. The Pixel 6a is due to receive software support until July 2027, but it's just the latest entry in this device line to have battery problems this year. In January, Google rolled out an update that reduced battery life of the Pixel 4a to increase stability for the 2020 phone model. Then in April, the company launched a program of repairs and payments after some instances of batteries "swelling" in the Pixel 7a.
Engadget
11-06-2025
- Engadget
Google will reduce battery life for some Pixel 6a phones to prevent overheating
Sam Rutherford for Engadget Google's Pixel 6a has been a winner in many respects, but a new issue with the smartphone's battery may pose a safety concern. After Android Authority reported on a pair of instances where a Pixel 6a battery overheated to the point where the device caught fire, the publication spotted some details in the latest Android 16 beta indicating that as a precaution, the Pixel 6a battery capacity and charging speed will be reduced. In addition, Android Authority received this statement from Google: A subset of Pixel 6a phones will require a mandatory software update to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating. The update will enable battery management features that will reduce capacity and charging performance after the battery reaches 400 charge cycles. We'll contact impacted customers next month, with all the information they need to address the issue. The Pixel 6a is due to receive software support until July 2027, but it's just the latest entry in this device line to have battery problems this year. In January, Google rolled out an update that reduced battery life of the Pixel 4a to increase stability for the 2020 phone model. Then in April, the company launched a program of repairs and payments after some instances of batteries "swelling" in the Pixel 7a.
India Today
22-05-2025
- India Today
Pixel 7a users in India, Google will replace your battery for free if you are facing this issue: Check full details
Google has acknowledged that some Pixel 7a units are prone to battery swelling and announced a free replacement program for impacted users. The extended repair program covers Pixel 7a users internationally. Users in India are eligible as be clear, this repair program is not new. Google announced it in late April, presumably after receiving many complaints and after due diligence of the matter. Pixel 7a (and even some Pixel 6a) users in India have been taking to various social media platforms like X (previously Twitter) to report having gone through the issue with their phone's battery and narrate their experience while getting it notes that this is not a widespread issue, which is to say that it believes only a select few users might be affected. On its online page that gives you more information about how to avail the free repair scheme, it has jotted down the tell-tale signs your Pixel 7a must show to qualify. Since the issue is related to battery swelling, you will be able to see most of these signs for yourself. According to the Google page: -The phone may appear thicker than usual, or the back cover might be bulging.-Phone cover bulging or separating from the device. This is noticeable by gaps or openings along the edges of the you might also be eligible if you notice that your phone's battery is 'draining significantly faster than usual, even with minimal use, or fails to charge.'Regardless, if you feel that your Pixel 7a is suffering from the issue, you have the option to check just in case. Google has set up an online page where you can register, fill in your issue, and Google will tell you if you're eligible for the repair. The online test will then be followed by a physical test in which case, you must go to one of Google's authorised service centres where a trained executive will inspect your device to give you the final status. If your phone has said issue, Google will replace the battery at no cost. The company notes that this is a one-time thing and also, it doesn't extend your In
