Google Pixel 6A battery overheating fix rolls out next week
If your Google Pixel 6A has been running hot or showing signs of battery swelling, Google is finally rolling out a fix. Starting July 8, 2025, a mandatory Android 16 update will target overheating issues specifically affecting some Pixel 6A units. This update comes after reports of batteries catching fire, prompting Google to reduce battery capacity on impacted devices after 400 charging cycles. While it won’t affect all users, those with affected phones will receive a notice at 375 cycles, giving them time to prepare for the changes.
Why the Pixel 6A battery is being limited
To prevent further risks, Google is taking the unusual step of decreasing the maximum charge capacity in affected Pixel 6As. This proactive safety measure may result in shorter battery life, but it’s intended to reduce the chance of overheating or battery damage. While it’s not clear how many devices are impacted or why only certain units are affected, this change has become necessary after serious incidents — including phones catching fire — raised alarms. This update mirrors similar action Google took with the Pixel 4A and is part of its broader push to improve device safety and reliability.
What Pixel 6A users should expect after the update
Once the new battery management features are activated, users may notice their phone doesn’t last as long between charges. Charging speeds may also be slower, and the battery-level indicator may behave unexpectedly for a short time as the system recalibrates. Google says this is normal and part of the phone adjusting to the reduced capacity. For users with affected devices, the company is offering a free battery replacement — an important gesture that echoes Google’s handling of battery swelling issues in other Pixel models like the Pixel 7A.
How to check if your Pixel 6A qualifies for a free battery replacement
Worried your device might be on the list? Google has set up a support page where Pixel 6A owners can check if their phone qualifies for a free battery replacement. If you receive the update and your device is identified as impacted, Google will notify you. This is part of a growing trend among tech companies taking responsibility for hardware flaws through free replacements or credit toward new devices. If your Pixel 6A starts behaving differently after the update, it’s best to follow the support instructions to get your phone serviced or replaced.
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