Latest news with #Pixel4a
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.
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Free ‘battery life' upgrades being handed out to phone owners – and how to tell if you've got dodgy mobile that needs it
How to check if you're eligible below CHARGE UP Free 'battery life' upgrades being handed out to phone owners – and how to tell if you've got dodgy mobile that needs it Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BIG update is coming to a popular mobile phone next week that could make the power run out faster. As such, Google is offering free battery upgrades to those affected. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 One Pixel 6a that allegedly caught fire Credit: Reddit / zaliver The update is coming to Pixel 6a handsets - and it's mandatory. It's all because of potential overheating, after a small number of users came forward claiming their phone caught fire. The issue and battery problems won't affect all Pixel 6a devices but the update is being issued as a precaution. Google confirmed to The Sun three weeks ago that an update was coming to a "subset" of users. On affected phones, the battery capacity will be reduced after they reach 400 charging cycles. If you do happen to have an impacted handset, a notification will appear when the phone has completed 375 cycles, to warn you that the new battery management features will kick into action soon. Google says this could result in the battery lasting "for shorter periods between charges" as well as "reduced charging performance or short-term changes to how the battery-level indicator on your phone shows your battery capacity". Now the company has revealed that it'll roll out the update next week. "All Pixel 6a devices will receive a mandatory automatic software update to Android 16, with roll-out starting on 8 July 2025, but only Impacted Devices will receive the battery management features," the firm said on its website. "Some users will see changes sooner than others, because the battery management features activate only after an Impacted Device reaches 400 charge cycles." Google reveals surprise Android upgrade including AI that answers phone for you It's not the first time Google has had to deal with battery issues, having run a similar programme for the Pixel 4a previously. You can check if you're eligible for a free battery replacement by using Google's special tool.
Phone Arena
03-07-2025
- Phone Arena
Popular mid-range Pixel model will receive an important battery update on July 8th
Google has already made it clear that some Pixel 6a users will receive a mandatory update this month that will fix an issue with the phone's battery. To get ready for the update, Google cleared all factory image files for the Pixel 6a . The last time something like this happened, Google cleared all factory images for the Pixel 4a, and within days. the Pixel 4a's battery update was released. The Pixel 6a needs a battery update because. without one, there is a good chance that the cell on some Pixel 6a units will overheat. Google said last month that only a subset of Pixel 6a units will need the update, which will lower the capacity of the Pixel 6a 's battery, and reduce its charging performance after 400 charge cycles. When the Pixel 4a battery was recently impaired by time, Google offered users a free battery replacement, $50 payments, or a $50 discount code from the Google Store to use toward the price of any replacement device available from the online Google Store. Google called all of this the "Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program." Like it did with the Pixel 4a, you can now see if your Pixel 6a qualifies for the Pixel 6a Battery Performance Program. Simply tap on this link and follow the directions on the screen. We first told you about this update last month and now we know exactly when the update will arrive. Google announced yesterday that the battery update for the Pixel 6a is coming July 8th, next Tuesday. Now that we know the date when it will arrive, you should know that all Pixel 6a models will receive this mandatory update. However, those with impacted Pixel 6a models will be eligible to receive a free battery replacement at no cost, a cash payment, or a hardware discount from the Google Play Store. Google will let you know if your device qualifies as an "impacted" model. "Impacted" models will also receive a notification from Google when they have completed 375 charging cycles. As we pointed out earlier in this article, Google cleared all of the factory images from the Pixel 6a stable and beta release pages. The Pixel 6a was also removed from the OTA files page. The only thing left for the Pixel 6a is a "Coming soon" notice on the factory images page explaining that a special battery update for the model will be coming soon. Just in time, starting July 21st, Google is debuting walk-in battery replacements in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Japan, and India. There will be mail-in repair available in the U.S. and India. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
News18
13-06-2025
- News18
Google Pixel 6a Users Warned About Battery Heating Issue: What The Company Said
Last Updated: Google has warned users about battery overheating issues with the Pixel 6a units that can be damaging for the device and the user Pixel 6a users have been warned by Google about a major issue with the battery that can be only fixed by reducing its charging hold and capacity. The company is going to roll out an update that will throttle the battery usage on the Pixel 6a model and this will be mandatory for most users. Google has started the process of reaching out to the affected Pixel 6a owners and they will be informed about the next steps in July and helping them address the issue. Pixel 6a Battery Update: What's The Issue? It seems the new Android 16 beta version has forced Google to rethink its OS strategy for the Pixel 6a model, which can face potential battery overheating issues. The new Android version is available for the Pixel 6a device and somehow it feels like the culprit behind these problems. Google has mentioned that the update will be mandatory for the Pixel 6a users which will reduce the capacity of the battery as well as its charging speed to control the possible heating issues. The company will apply these throttles once the Pixel 6a unit reaches 400 charging cycles. Pixel 6a is the latest device to face overheating issues, and this confirmation from Google makes it a worrying situation. Google faced similar issues with the Pixel 4a model earlier, for which the company has offered free battery replacement if the particular model/unit was affected and eligible for the free of cost change. You could avail it by heading to the near service centre and get it replaced by the company. Google is likely to take some time before issuing this battery-related update for the Pixel 6a users and we will gradually come to know about the affected number of users and how they will be helped with the process. Either Google will change the battery like the Pixel 4a or should consider other ways to mitigate the problem for the consumer. First Published: June 12, 2025, 14:53 IST
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
