Android Update for Pixel 6a Next Week: Battery Optimization for Certain Devices Enforced
Starting July 8, 2025, all Google Pixel 6a devices will receive a mandatory automatic update to Android 16. However, this update introduces a significant change for certain devices that Google has identified as being at risk of battery overheating.
### Changes to Battery Life and Performance
The update reduces the battery capacity and charging performance on Impacted Pixel 6a devices once the battery has completed 400 charge cycles. This reduction is intended as a safety measure to mitigate the risk of battery overheating that could pose a danger to users. The software update activates battery management features that limit capacity and charging speeds after reaching the 400-cycle threshold.
It's important to note that not all Pixel 6a phones will be affected; only those deemed to require this intervention will see changes in battery behavior. This situation resembles a previous forced battery capacity reduction update Google rolled out for the Pixel 4a, which substantially decreased battery life for some users.
### How to Check if Your Pixel 6a is Affected
All Pixel 6a devices will get the Android 16 update, but only Impacted Devices will have the battery management restrictions activated after 400 charge cycles. Google will contact owners of affected devices directly with information on how to address the issue, including possible battery replacement support based on warranty status, country, and location.
Users can monitor their device's charge cycle count using diagnostics tools or certain third-party apps that track battery health to see if they have reached or surpassed the 400 cycle threshold. It's estimated that it takes around 2 years (give or take) for most users to reach 400 total battery cycles on their Pixel 6a.
### Support and Remedies
For Pixel 6a users who experience the battery management changes, Google is offering battery replacement options, subject to eligibility criteria and warranty coverage. The measure is intended to improve safety but comes at the expense of battery runtime and charging efficiency.
In summary, the mandatory Android 16 update for Pixel 6a starting July 8, 2025, introduces new battery management features aimed at reducing overheating risk by lowering battery capacity and charging performance—but only for devices with batteries that have exceeded 400 charge cycles and are identified as impacted. Users can check their battery's cycle count to anticipate if the update will affect them and await communication from Google regarding next steps or support.
The update was first announced in mid-June, and Google is offering remedies for devices affected by the battery reduction update, similar to what was done for the Pixel 4a. The no-cost battery replacement for Impacted Devices can be done either through in-person or mail-in repairs. A reminder notification will be sent after the device reaches 375 battery cycles, giving users ample time to prepare for the changes.
- Due to the mandatory Android 16 update for Pixel 6a devices, some smartphones may experience a decrease in battery capacity and charging performance after completing 400 charge cycles, as a safety measure to mitigate the risk of battery overheating.
- In light of the changes to battery life and performance following the Android 16 update on Pixel 6a devices, users might find it useful to utilize gadgets like diagnostics tools or third-party apps that track battery health to monitor their device's charge cycle count and foresee if they will encounter battery management restrictions.
