Latest news with #Pixel6a
News18
10 hours ago
- News18
Pixel 6a Catches Fire While Charging Once Again: What Is The Problem?
Pixel 6a catching fire has been a regular event which will be a concern for Google ahead of the Pixel 10 launch next month. Google's Pixel 6a issues continue and another case of the Pixel phone catching fire has made the headlines this week. The worrying part of the incidents is that Google has been aware of the problems facing the Pixel 6a battery and has even issued a free replacement of the units affected. But the latest news about a Pixel 6a catching fire while charging do send the alarm bells ringing once again at the search giant. The new Pixel 6a fire issue has been reported by a user from India, who shared the gruesome details about the device getting burned and how it happened. Pixel 6a On Fire, Not Good The user posted the images of the charred Pixel 6a lying on the bed, and shared them on X along with the charging cable that has burned and some damages to the bed as well where it was kept. The user says the phone was charged using the original adapter and cable, and he had kept the device for charging overnight near his bed side. 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. Google started reaching out to the affected owners and asking them to get the Pixel 6a battery replaced free of cost. They have to visit the nearest Google service centre to avail this program. The company has seen most of these fire incidents caused by Pixel 4a or Pixel 6a models and their batteries seem to be the culprit. However, Google seems to have fixed these recurring issues with the other Pixel phones launched since then, but the company should look to avoid similar incidents for its premium lineup, especially when the fire events happen so regularly. More importantly, the Google Pixel 10 series is launching in the next few weeks, and the last thing Google needs is an outburst around the Pixel 6a battery issues. view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 08:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
a day ago
- 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
a day ago
- 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.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Google Pixel 6a Owners Angry After Update That ‘Killed' Phone
Google's Pixel 6 and 6 Pro isn't affected by the battery problem. Earleir this month, Google began rolling out its battery throttling update for Pixel 6a devices affected by a bug that has caused overheating and, in some cases, fires. Predictably, this has not gone down well with Pixel 6a owners. In a popular thread on the Google Pixel Reddit sub, the top comment summed up the community's frustration. 'It killed my battery, now I have to get a new phone. Yippee.' On another thread (there are a few), another commenter said that 'Google killed my 6A. Never had any issues with it, woke up to it refusing to charge...' If you missed the news, Google began rolling out a mandatory update on July 8th that throttles the battery of the Pixel 6a. This is in response to reports of overheating phones that surfaced earlier this year. A similar problem hit the Pixel 4a, with the update ultimately limiting the phone's battery life to a couple of hours. The new update reduces Pixel 6a battery capacity once it hits 400 charge cycles, or if the device is identified as one affected by the problem. The Search company will replace your battery for free, depending on where you live, give you a discount on a new Google phone or cash compensation. While some users have taken the opportunity to get a newer Pixel phone, some are sceptical. 'I was tempted to just go back to Samsung but decided to give Pixel another shot,' one affected Reddit user said. Others, however, are done with Google phones. 'Went for the $100 cash payment and moved to another phone and will not be looking back to Pixels for a long time.' Another repeated a common sentiment, 'yeah, no more Google for me. Only now I understand how deeply I rely on all Google products.' The issue for Google is that this isn't the first Pixel phone to suffer from battery overheating issues, which has then led to a compensation offer from the company. The Pixel 4a dealt from a similar problem, while some Pixel 7a owners complained about swollen batteries last year. Google's fix for the Pixel 4a also resulted in an update that throttled the phone's battery life. In both cases, a free battery replacement or money towards a new phone was offered. In the case of the Pixel 7a. That's a track record that doesn't inspire much trust. One Pixel 6a owner on Reddit also made a good point about Google (and Samsung's) promise of software support for seven years. It doesn't mean much if a mandatory battery throttling update—that dramatically reduces the phone's functionality—can be rolled out when a serious bug is unearthed. Essentially forcing users to upgrade. Take Advantage Of Google Pixel 6a Trade-In Deals If you're affected and willing to give Google phones another go, there are some money-saving options on the table. Google will pay out $150 store credit for affected Pixel 6a users, or $100 cash. Either could be combined with a trade-in if Google is running a decent deal. The Search company's current prices are not good, offering $75 for the Pixel 6a. But only last month, Google U.K. was paying a huge £384 ($512.46) for the budget phone. That deal has ended, but the Pixel 10 launch will almost certainly come with pre-order discounts and enhanced trade-in prices. Keep an eye on the Google Store, or hit the follow button below, to get the latest information on Google's next trade-in promotion.
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Google released an update to stop Pixel 6as catching fire — then another one caught fire
Those of you who are still using a Pixel 6a might want to be careful. Earlier this year, reports started surfacing about the phones catching fire, forcing Google to release an update designed to stop overheating. Unfortunately, that might not have been enough to solve the issue. Android Authority spotted another instance of the Pixel 6a combusting while charging over on Reddit from u/footymanageraddict. Apparently, the phone caught fire while the user was sleeping on Saturday night (July 26) while plugged into a 45W Steam Deck charger. The user claims they were woken by a "horrible smell and a loud noise," at which point the fire had already started. They managed to throw the phone to the tile floor via the charging cord, but before that, it had been less than 40cm (15.7 inches) from their head on the nightstand. Needless to say, being this close to the bed meant there was extra damage, including burnt sheets and damage to the surface of a nearby A/C unit. The user also mentioned that their throat "hurt all day from the fumes [they] inhaled" — exacerbated by the fact that their door was shut and the time they spent trying to stop the fire spreading. As someone who has been woken up by a phone smoking and the panic that caused, I can't imagine how much worse it must be to wake up and see a fire so close to your head. The worst part is that the phone apparently already had Google's "Battery Performance Program" Update installed. That update was supposed to stop batteries from overheating and avoid further instances of Pixel 6a phones going up in flames. If what this user says is true, that update may not be working exactly as intended. Google has also recommended getting a battery replacement for all affected devices. This is free and available via mail or as a walk-in appointment. Sadly, u/footymanageraddict claims a walk-in replacement wasn't available in their area. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. They also claim that they didn't take advantage of the mail-in replacement for reasons relating to time, uncertainty about the process and the fact that Google only "recommended" getting it done. So it sounds like they thought the update would be enough. While we don't know if there were any other underlying problems with this phone, any Pixel 6a owners should proceed with caution. Get the battery replaced, even if it means mailing your phone away and stick to Google's own charging advice — and use official chargers and cables wherever possible. If that's not possible, don't charge the phone while you're sleeping or otherwise occupied. I'd also avoid using any kind of fast charging, since those extra speeds can lead to excess heat building up — which is the last thing you want with a potentially volatile phone. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
