Latest news with #Pixel6a
Android Authority
4 days ago
- Android Authority
Disturbing photos show yet another Pixel 6a melting due to battery overheating
Arielle / Android Authority TL;DR Android Authority was contacted by a reader who saw their Google Pixel 6a melt due to an overheating battery — a trend plaguing A-series Pixels for some time now. was contacted by a reader who saw their Google Pixel 6a melt due to an overheating battery — a trend plaguing A-series Pixels for some time now. The photos show a completely destroyed phone that could have caused a house fire if the owner hadn't been there to stop it. Google is issuing a Pixel 8a as a replacement for the user. The A-series of Pixel phones is where Google launches its mid-range takes on premium Pixel flagships. They end up being some of the best Android phones you can get. While the series has been rightfully lauded for packing incredible Pixel-exclusive features into inexpensive hardware, a more disturbing trend has plagued the line recently: overheating batteries that literally melt the phone. Recently, Arielle, an Android Authority reader, reached out to us with photos of a Google Pixel 6a that had been totally destroyed in just such an event. As with other similar situations, Arielle's Pixel 6a was charging with a non-OEM charger when it sounded off an overheating alert. This happened while she was sleeping at around 4:00 AM, which woke her up. However, this warning sound didn't give her much time, as Arielle heard a popping noise immediately after and smelled burning. Rushing to the phone, she found that it was already too late, as the device's case had melted into her clothes, the display had separated from the chassis, and the internal components had all been destroyed. Check out the photo gallery below to see the damage. Google Pixel 6a melting photos Arielle purchased the phone through Google Fi in 2023. Once she had made sure the device wouldn't burn down her house, she contacted Fi support to explain the situation. After going through hours of chats, including sharing the above photos with various representatives, she was eventually told that a specialist would be reaching out to her. In the late evening that same day, Arielle received the email you see below: Arielle / Android Authority The email says that Arielle will receive a Google Pixel 8a as a replacement. This is interesting considering the Pixel 9a is the newer and better device. For someone whose phone literally melted while she slept, you'd think Google would provide the latest and greatest in the A-series — or even a Pixel 9 Pro. Regardless, we're happy that Arielle and her family are safe and that no significant damage occurred to her home. However, based on this event and previous similar ones, it's becoming clear that if you own a Pixel 6a, you should think about upgrading sooner rather than later. Likewise, we're surprised Google hasn't already done a recall, considering the high potential of an event like this causing some serious damage to someone's life or property. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
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
Phone Arena
18-05-2025
- Phone Arena
Pixel 6a explodes and catches on fire. The one clue to look for that can give you an early warning
Many users just love the mid-range Pixel "a-series" which started with 2019's Pixel 3a. The big attraction for buyers was the ability of Pixel's cheaper "a-series" phones to take great pictures rivaling those snapped with a flagship Pixel model. Google was able to achieve this using its outstanding computational photography system. Google has refined its mid-range Pixels allowing them to be more than just a lower-priced camera. If you do own a Pixel a handset, beware. Lately, there have been some battery issues involving the Pixel 6a, and the Pixel 7a. Back in February, we told you about a swollen battery that pushed out the body of a Pixel 6a, turning the phone into a ticking time bomb. Some Pixel 7a models have also been damaged by swollen batteries. and Google said that some device owners "may be eligible for a battery replacement repair at no charge or another form of appeasement option from Google." Swollen batteries on the Pixel 6a and Pixel 7a are one thing, but now there is a report that a Pixel 6a model exploded and caught on fire. A swollen battery that is not replaced can cause a phone to explode and catch on fire. This Pixel 6a had a swollen battery and exploded in the middle of the night. | Image credit-Zach Raulston -zaliver, Pixel 6a owner The Pixel 6a owner had a case on the phone while it was charging, but more importantly, he was using a third-party charger. Even though that can be risky, zaliver said that he had been using the same charger for as long as two years. He says that the fire started in the phone as he tried to shift the blame from using what he called "not a 'Pixel brand' charger." For their own safety, Pixel owners should try to stick with an official Pixel charger or use one that belongs to the Made for Google program and has been tested by the company. Note how the sides were separated on this Pixel 6a by a swollen battery. | Image credit-Zach Raulston There were some interesting responses to the post. The most important replies came from a few Redditors who pointed out that the battery was probably swelling well before it exploded. The point is that if you start to see something that doesn't look right about your Pixel, such as the casing expanding, or the body of the phone feeling swollen, you need to turn off the phone and bring it in for repairs ASAP. Make sure to contact Google; depending on the situation, you might be entitled to a free battery replacement.
Android Authority
16-05-2025
- Android Authority
Battery failures return to haunt Google's Pixel A lineup — now the Pixel 6a is catching fire
TL;DR Multiple reports reveal instances of the Google Pixel 6a catching fire, often while charging overnight with off-brand chargers. Battery-related incidents have plagued various A-series models, including battery swelling in the Pixel 7a and overheating risks in the Pixel 4a. The Pixel 9a's release was delayed due to an unspecified 'component quality issue.' Afterward, Google released the phone with a mandatory battery health update that will reduce battery capacity and charging speed over time to maintain long-term battery health. Pixel 9a teardowns have also revealed excessive adhesive used in securing the battery, making it difficult to remove without damage. Pixel A-series users can't seem to catch a break with battery issues these days. After the Pixel 4a's infamous 'battery update of death,' Google also recently started offering free battery replacements for Pixel 7a users with a swollen battery. Now, a few reports have emerged of battery explosions for the Pixel 6a. Reddit user zaliver shared that their Pixel 6a 'spontaneously combusted' in the middle of the night. The phone was charging overnight using an off-brand charger, though the user claims that they had been using the charger for over a year with the phone with no issues. The Pixel 6a was in a case at the time. This isn't the first time we've heard about battery fires on the Pixel 6a. In December 2024, Reddit user GroundAny1309 also complained about their Pixel 6a catching fire while charging overnight using an off-brand charger, though they didn't present any images for the issue. Last month, another user complained about their Pixel 6a catching fire on Google's support forums. The user claims the device was sitting idle when it burst into flames, and in the images, we can see a rugged case on the phone, cases which are notorious for not dissipating heat quick enough. Swollen phone batteries are a dangerous but unfortunately common problem that plagues all smartphone OEMs. If the swollen battery gets accidentally punctured, it will catch fire. Phones can also catch fire if other battery and charging-related parts malfunction, which is why users are advised to stick to chargers and charging cables from reputable manufacturers. Off-brand chargers can compromise your safety, though the phone OEM is also responsible for building enough protective measures within the phone to prevent any untoward incident. Unfortunately for Google, there seems to be a pattern to battery issues on the Pixel A-series. The company did not share the technical details on the Pixel 4a's infamous battery update. However, we know from a product safety recall notice that the Pixel 4a's battery is at risk of overheating, which poses a risk of fire and/or burns to a user. It doesn't look good for the new Pixel 9a, either. YouTuber Zac from JerryRigEverything raised a red flag over the Pixel 9a's battery, mentioning how it is secured within the phone with too much adhesive, making it extremely difficult to remove and replace. That isn't great news for the phone's longevity, as you risk damage to the phone, or worse, to the battery, during a battery replacement. Unfortunately, chances are that you'd want a battery replacement eventually, as the Pixel 9a comes with a new and mandatory battery health feature that will decrease the battery's runtime and charging speed over time, in order to manage its long-term health and performance. Google didn't confirm a correlation, but the Pixel 9a's release was delayed due to an unspecified 'component quality issue.' We've contacted Google for a statement on the Pixel 6a's above-mentioned battery fire issues. We'll keep you updated if and when we learn more. If you are using a Pixel A-series phone, we recommend sticking with Google-branded chargers and charging cables. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Google warns millions of phone owners to check setting TODAY as crooks ‘targeting' victims with mystery attack right now
GOOGLE is urging millions of phone owners to update their devices as soon as possible. The company says it fixes dozens of security loopholes – some of which crooks may be using to "target" victims right now. 3 An important update is rolling out to millions of Android phones Credit: Google If you don't update your Android phone, you risk leaving your handset wide open to being attacked by cyber-criminals. Google even warned that for some of the most severe bugs, user interaction "is not needed for exploitation". That means you could be targeted even if you do nothing – you don't need to click a link or open a message to become a victim. The only way to guarantee safety is to update your Android phone with the May fixes. Google's latest update includes two patches – named 2025-05-01 and 2025-05-05 – which include 28 and 22 security bug fixes respectively. "We encourage all customers to accept these updates to their devices," Google said. Google is rolling out the patches right now, which means you should see it appear on your phone in the coming hours. To check your phone's Android version, go to Settings > About Phone > Android Version. Then to claim the latest updates, go to Settings > System > Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions. DANGER PHONES The list of devices getting the patch includes: Protect your bank accounts: Enable Google's identity check today Pixel 6 Pixel 6 Pro Pixel 6a Pixel 7 Pixel 7 Pro Pixel 7a Pixel Tablet Pixel Fold Pixel 8 Pixel 8 Pro Pixel 8a Pixel 9 Pixel 9 Pro Pixel 9 Pro XL Pixel 9 Pro Fold Pixel 9 Pro Fold Pixel 9a Google hasn't revealed exactly what happens to victims of the attack. The company warned that one bug "may be under limited, targeted exploitation". But it typically avoids explaining exactly how attacks work – to prevent savvy crooks from taking advantage of it. 3 Make sure you update your Android phone regularly to get the best protections Credit: Google After all, it's unlikely that all potential targets will install the latest Android security fixes right away. Updating your phone is one of the best ways to keep it safe, as Google regularly dishes out security upgrades. And if your phone is so old that it no longer receives updates, that puts it in serious danger of being compromised by crooks. It's worth considering upgrading to a newer phone model that can get the latest upgrades – or hackers could take advantage of bugs that Google hasn't fixed on your mobile. DON'T DELAY! UPGRADE TODAY Here's what The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach has to say... I know, I know – another update! It seems like everything wants to update all of the time. Your phone, the apps, your living room telly, that smart toaster you got for Christmas. Updating everything constantly is a real pain – and that's great news for hackers. Digital crooks prey on people who don't bother updating their devices. Tech giants go to great lengths to close down bugs in their gadgets and apps – delivering the fixes to you over the internet in the form of updates. And if you're not installing those updates, you're not getting those protections. It's like a tech company is telling you that someone has stolen your key, and is offering you a free lock change. Only it's almost instant, and far easier to sort. If you don't take the update, the crooks can walk right in through your virtual front door. Depending on the severity of the bug, a crook could spy on you, steal your private info, and maybe even pilfer your cash or defraud you. It's just not worth the risk. Security updates are one of your best defences against hackers, and they don't cost you a penny. Plus you'll usually get some bonus features chucked into these updates too, so that's something to look forward to. Picture Credit: Sean Keach Google has also fixed a few non-security bugs for phone owners in the latest update too. For instance, Google users spotted a strange bug that was making the quality of WhatsApp microphone quality very poor. Google has fixed this, as well as some language issues and Bluetooth pairing problems for smartwatches. If you want to make your Android phone even safer, check for an important Google security trick now.
