Android phone ‘MELTS' as shocked user woke up to ‘horrible smell and loud noise' after installing update
The incident involved
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The phone had been charging overnight using a 45W Steam Deck charger when it suddenly burst into flames
Credit: Getty
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This incident is one of several involving the Pixel 6A catching fire while charging
Credit: Reddit
The phone had been charging overnight using a 45W Steam Deck charger when it suddenly burst into flames.
The user, who goes by footymanageraddict on Reddit, said the fire damaged their bedsheets and even scorched the surface of a nearby air conditioner unit.
'The phone was sitting less than 40 cms away from my head on my nightstand,' the post reads.
'Sheets caught on fire. My ac (a floor unit) had damages on its surface from the fire. My throat hurt the whole day from the fumes I inhaled.'
Read more on Technology
The user had installed Google's recent mandatory battery performance update, which was designed to reduce overheating risks.
However, they didn't replace the battery because there were no walk-in support options available in their country, and mailing the phone in wasn't feasible.
This incident is one of several involving the Pixel 6A catching fire while charging.
Another Reddit user, zaliver, described a similar situation when their device started 'shooting out hot gas' during the night.
Most read in Technology
'Luckily, I was able to smother the fire, then throw the still-smoking phone into the toilet before the fire spread,' they wrote. 'My wife and I are pretty shook up about it.'
In response to growing concerns,
Three little-known ways 'unknown tracker alerts' on Android can keep you safe
The tech giant said the update will automatically enable battery management features that limit capacity and charging performance once the phone reaches 400 charge cycles.
'We'll contact impacted customers next month, with all the information they need to address the issue,' Google added.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) also issued a warning last week, stating that Pixel 6A phones may have an 'overheating battery' that 'could pose a risk of fire and/or burns to a user,' and confirmed that 'incidents have occurred resulting in serious burn injuries'.
How does Google Play Protect work?
Here's what Google Play protect does...
Checks Google Play store apps for safety before download
Checks for non-Play store apps that may be harmful
Warns you about harmful apps
Deactivates or removes harmful apps
Warns you about apps that violate policy by hiding or misrepresenting themselves
Sends you privacy alerts about apps that can use permissions to access your personal data
Reset app permissions to protect your privacy
Google's protection feature might not catch all instances of bad behaviour – so you still need to be careful online.
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Google says the update will limit battery capacity and charging after 400 cycles
Credit: Alamy
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