The Pixel 6a will get a mandatory update that will ‘reduce battery capacity’ soon – and other Pixel phones could be next

Coming on July 8

· TechRadar

News By James Rogerson published 3 July 2025

The Google Pixel 6a (Image credit: Future)

  • Some Pixel 6a units will soon have much worse battery performance
  • Affected users can claim a free battery replacement, or may be able to get cash
  • Other Pixel models could be next in line

Usually, software updates bring desirable new features or bug fixes, but one upcoming Google Pixel 6a update could actually make your phone worse.

Google has announced that it will be rolling out a mandatory update to some Pixel 6a models, which “will reduce battery capacity and charging performance” after the phone reaches 400 charging cycles. So if your phone isn’t yet at 400 charging cycles then these changes won’t kick in yet, even once you download the update.

There are good reasons for these changes though, with Google stating that this will “reduce the risk of potential battery overheating which could pose a risk to users” – and we know how that can play out, as there have been multiple reports of Pixel 6a units catching fire.

Still, a battery that charges slower and needs charging more often than before isn’t exactly going to be desirable to users.

The Google Pixel 6a (Image credit: Future)

This update will start rolling out on July 8 as part of Android 16 – so at least you’ll get some Android 16 goodies to go with your battery downgrade.

Interestingly though, only some Pixel 6a units will get these new battery management ‘features’. It’s unclear why that is – perhaps Google used different batteries in some versions of the phone, but to see whether yours is affected, you can head to this support page.

If it is, then you will have some options other than just putting up with a battery downgrade.

Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox

Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors