Latest news with #GooglePixel6a
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Popular mobile discontinued just weeks after controversial phone model linked to ‘overheating and fires'
Some users have reported their device bursting into flames SWITCHED OFF Popular mobile discontinued just weeks after controversial phone model linked to 'overheating and fires' A POPULAR mobile has been discontinued just weeks after the controversial model was linked to overheating and catching fire. The device has been facing multiple battery issues lately with many users complaining about the increasing heating problems. Advertisement 2 The Google Pixel 6a has been facing multiple battery issues lately Credit: Getty 2 The battery issue has led to some units overheating or even catching fire Google has been rolling out a battery reduction update over the past month for its Pixel 6a in the interest of user safety. An issue with the batteries inside some of the devices has been leading to some units overheating. There have been several incidents where the phone has randomly caught fire or burst into flames while being charged. Google has now quietly removed the Pixel 6a refurbished unit from its official store as a result. Advertisement Battery update issues As a precautionary measure, Google recently rolled out a mandatory software update that cuts battery capacity and charging speeds for affected devices. This was in an effort to ensure that the battery temperature stays under the limit and the potential issues are avoided. However, despite installing the update, many have still reported concerns. If you are an owner of the Pixel 6a, the only way to stay safe from the potentially dangerous issue is to get a new battery or replace the device entirely. Advertisement A Pixel 6a user in Australia recently said their device suddenly caught fire and melted beside them as they slept. This is despite installing Google's recent mandatory battery performance update. Inside Google's new AI button and chatbot trick for holidays Removed from the store The Google Store sells a handful of discounted, refurbished Pixel phones including the Pixel 6 series and Pixel 7 series. They are available for hundreds off their original retail price and the Pixel 6a was included until very recently. Advertisement While it's not known exactly when the change was made, the refurbished Pixel 6a was still available on July 22. The Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7a and Pixel 7 Pro all remain for sale at unchanged prices. This is only the second update Google has made to its refurbished Pixel lineup since introducing it in 2024. It is expected the Pixel 8 devices will be joining the list as Pixel 10 approaches. Advertisement The news of Google's battery issues comes as a woman won £150,000 after her phone went up in flames after she left it on charge overnight. A laptop and two mobile phones, a Samsung Galaxy S7 and LG K8, were left charging on a couch before Denise and Robert Parks retired for the night. Denise has successfully sued former phone manufacturer LG for nearly £150,000 after one of its devices sparked a fire in her home in North Lanarkshire.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Time of India
If you own a Google Pixel 6a, you may need to replace the battery or buy a new phone: Here's why
If you own a Google Pixel 6a, it may be time to consider replacing the battery—or even upgrading to a new phone. The Pixel 6a, which became one of Google's most popular devices following its 2022 launch, is now facing a serious battery issue. Google has issued an urgent advisory to Pixel 6a users, urging them to install a mandatory software update to prevent the battery from potentially failing—or, in extreme cases, exploding. However, the update comes with a drawback: it can reduce battery life. 'Starting July 8, 2025, your Pixel 6a will automatically receive a mandatory software update to Android 16. This update is necessary to address a potential battery overheating risk in certain Pixel 6a devices, which could pose a risk to users. These changes will ONLY activate if (1) you have an Impacted Device and (2) once your phone's battery has completed 400 charge cycles,' Google stated on its Help Center page. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Operations Management Data Analytics PGDM Data Science MBA Digital Marketing Leadership Others Design Thinking Public Policy Project Management MCA Management others Data Science Artificial Intelligence Product Management Cybersecurity Technology Healthcare Finance CXO Degree Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details While Google's swift action has calmed some concerns, users who installed the update have reported serious issues. In some cases, phones have still caught fire while charging overnight. One user even claimed their Pixel 6a exploded during charging. Though these incidents appear isolated, they all point to a deeper battery problem that Google has yet to clearly explain. The software update is expected to resolve the issue for most users, but evidently, it hasn't worked in every case. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Desert Order Undo Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Google is now offering free battery replacements or discounts on new phones. While replacing the battery is the more economical option, especially since it's free, customers who prefer upgrading can apply a trade-in credit toward a new device. 'You could get a Pixel 9a, which starts at ₹49,999.' However, despite providing solutions, Google has been criticized for not adequately informing users about the severity of the issue. The lack of communication may be contributing to the rising number of reports involving battery explosions in Pixel 6a devices. Live Events If you own a Pixel 6a, you're strongly advised to visit an authorised service centre and request a free battery replacement. Users who have done so report significantly improved battery life, comparable to a brand-new phone. For those leaning toward an upgrade, Google is also offering a credit for the Pixel 6a that can be used toward the purchase of the newer Pixel 9a.
The Hindu
30-07-2025
- The Hindu
Google Pixel 6a warning issued by Australian product safety regulator
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) published a product recall notice for the Google Pixel 6a, and warned that it had battery overheating issues. The notice came on July 25, with the product safety regulator warning that incidents had occurred which resulted in serious burn injuries. The overheating battery could also lead to a fire, per the regulator. 'The battery may overheat. An automatic firmware update to Android 16 was rolled out to Pixel 6a devices in Australia on 8 July 2025. Google advises that the firmware update provides new battery management features that mitigate the risk of overheating. Consumers do not need to return their devices,' noted the ACCC in its product statement. However, the ACCC said the issue did not affect all Pixel 6a devices. For affected devices, the new battery management system will be activated once the device gets the firmware update and reaches 400 battery cycles. For others, the firmware update will have no impact on battery management and the device will be as before. Tech outlet Android Authority also highlighted cases of Reddit users who claimed that their Google Pixel 6a phones had caught fire or started burning. There have been complaints about other Google smartphone models from the A-series seeing similar issues. Users noted battery swelling in the Pixel 7a and overheating in the Pixel 4a, per Android Authority. While some pointed to the use of off-brand chargers as a possible cause for the phone catching fire, Google is yet to formally address the issue and confirm its underlying cause.
7NEWS
27-07-2025
- 7NEWS
Google rolls out software update on Pixel 6a phones following battery overheating issue
An important software update has been rolled out on some Google Pixel phone to stop the device's battery from overheating and catching on fire. Google Pixel 6a smartphones in Chalk, Sage and Charcoal colours sold between June 16, 2022 and April 10, 2025 have been impacted by the overheating issue. 'An overheating battery could pose a risk of fire and/or burns to a user,' Product Safety Australia (PSA) said.'Incidents have occurred resulting in serious burn injuries.' An automatic software update to Android 16 was rolled out to the devices in Australia on July 8. The update provides new battery management features that reduce the risk of the battery overheating. According to PSA, the new battery management system will be activated once the impacted device receives the update and reaches 400 battery cycles. 'If your device is not impacted by the issue, the firmware update will have no impact on battery management and the device will perform the same as before,' it said. Consumers do not need to return the phone. Once the update has been installed, users can continue using the phone. Some Google Pixel 6a users may be entitled to some form of compensation.
Perth Now
27-07-2025
- Perth Now
Urgent update over smartphone ‘fire risk'
An urgent update has been pushed to a range of Google phones due to the risk they could overheat and even cause fires. Product Safety Australia said incidents involving Google Pixel 6a devices have resulted in 'serious burn injuries'. A mandatory update has been pushed to a number of phones to reduce the risk, and devices only need to be updated rather than returned. A range of Google Pixel smartphones have been recalled over risks they could catch fire and burn users. Supplied Credit: Supplied The firmware update was released on 8 July, which included battery management features which mitigate the risk. Not all Pixel 6a devices are affected by the issue, and the new battery management system will be activated once affected devices reach 400 battery cycles. People whose phones are affected may be eligible for compensation from Google, and can check online to see if they can get a repair, cash payment or discount credit. The phones have been sold at major retailers across the country, including Telstra, Optus, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks and Harvey Norman. The affected devices were sold between 16 June 2022 and 10 April 2025.
