Google Pixel 6a

Google confirms ‘mandatory’ Pixel 6a update that will reduce battery capacity

Ben Schoon | Jun 11 2025 - 2:20 pm PT

Following discovery in the latest Android 16 beta, Google has confirmed that Pixel 6a owners will receive “mandatory” software update that will reduce battery capacity.

In a statement shared with 9to5Google, Google has confirmed that Pixel 6a owners should expect an update soon that will “reduce the risk of potential battery overheating.” The update will be “mandatory” and will reduce both battery capacity and charging performance after the battery has reached 400 charge cycles.

Google explains:

A subset of Pixel 6a phones will require a mandatory software update to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating. The update will enable battery management features that will reduce capacity and charging performance after the battery reaches 400 charge cycles. We’ll contact impacted customers next month, with all the information they need to address the issue.

Not all Pixel 6a devices will be impacted, but Google notes that customers with affected devices will be contacted “next month” (in July) with more information on how to “address the issue.” Google has clarified to 9to5Google that while customers will be contacted next month, the update itself may not be rolled out that quickly. The code that first revealed this update was spotted in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 release.

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This comes after several reports of Pixel 6a devices catching fire while charging have surfaced online in recent weeks.

The situation also mirrors that of an unexpected Pixel 4a update that significantly decreased battery life, while Google provided battery replacements for some customers. It’s unclear to what extent the Pixel 6a’s battery will be affected, but owners should be gearing up for a battery replacement or a new device entirely.