Pixel 6a Battery Alert: Mandatory Android 16 Update to Limit Capacity After 400 Cycles Due to Overheating Risk

Last month, we reported that following multiple incidents involving device batteries overheating and causing fires, Google issued a safety advisory to users of the Google Pixel 6A, warning of a potential battery overheating risk. As a countermeasure, Google will roll out a mandatory software update to limit battery charging capacity.

This situation mirrors earlier issues observed with the Google Pixel 4A, where batteries could overheat and potentially ignite once their charge cycle count reached a critical threshold. Google’s solution remains consistent: limit the battery’s charging capacity via a software update—reducing the risk of overheating by avoiding a full charge.

Recently, Google announced that beginning next week, it will push a compulsory update based on Android 16 to all Pixel 6A devices. For units affected by the overheating risk (limited to certain battery batches), the update will implement restrictions on battery charging behavior.

Specifically, when the battery cycle count reaches 400, the system will impose a charging cap. Although Google has not specified the exact limit, similar measures on the Pixel 4A capped charging at approximately 80% of full capacity. The update will adjust dynamically based on the battery’s condition.

Google further stated that when the battery nears 375 charge cycles, a notification will be displayed alerting users that the new battery management system is about to be activated. For affected devices, Google is offering complimentary battery replacements—users can contact the company to arrange shipment and receive a new, fully functional battery.

In addition to the Pixel 4A and 6A, the Pixel 7A has also exhibited battery-related issues, notably swelling. Users of the Pixel 7A can likewise seek repairs through Google’s support program. It remains unclear what type of batteries Google has employed in these mid-range devices, but the recurrence of such problems is concerning.

Finally, to deter users from circumventing the update—refusing to replace the battery while also avoiding the imposed charging cap—Google has removed all legacy firmware versions for the Pixel 6A, preventing any attempts to downgrade post-update.

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