If you’re a Pixel 6a owner, you’ve likely noticed some changes to your device recently—or you’re about to. Google has rolled out a mandatory software update to all Pixel 6a devices starting July 8, 2025, and this isn’t your typical monthly security patch. This update addresses serious safety concerns but comes with significant trade-offs for some users.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about this update, why it happened, and what options you have as a Pixel 6a owner.
Why Google Made This Update Mandatory
The story begins with safety concerns that emerged over the past few months. Google determined that certain Pixel 6a phones require a mandatory software update to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating which could pose a risk to users. This wasn’t a decision made lightly—there were limited but concerning reports of Pixel 6a devices overheating, and in some extreme cases, catching fire.
This situation isn’t entirely new for Google. Earlier in 2025, the company faced similar issues with the Pixel 4a, leading to what many users called the “update of death” due to its impact on device performance. Google learned from that experience and has tried to handle the Pixel 6a situation more transparently.
Understanding “Impacted Devices”
Not every Pixel 6a will experience changes from this update. Google has identified specific devices they call “Impacted Devices”—phones with batteries that pose a potential overheating risk. The company hasn’t provided detailed technical specifications about what makes a device “impacted,” but it appears to be related to battery or charge-management hardware variations.
If your Pixel 6a isn’t classified as an impacted device, you’ll receive the update but won’t experience any battery-related changes. Your phone will continue working normally.
The 400 Charge Cycle Threshold
Here’s where things get specific: the battery management features activate only after an Impacted Device reaches 400 charge cycles. For most users, this represents roughly two years of typical use.
For those who haven’t already reached this number, a reminder notification will be sent after the device reaches 375 cycles. This gives you a 25-cycle heads-up before the changes take effect.
What Happens After 400 Cycles
Once your impacted Pixel 6a hits 400 charge cycles, you’ll notice several changes:
- Shorter battery life: Users of Impacted Device may notice the battery may last for shorter periods between charges
- Slower charging: Reduced charging performance to minimize overheating risk
- Battery indicator changes: Your phone’s battery level display might behave differently as the system learns the revised battery capacity
User reports on Google’s forums and Reddit threads show Pixel 6a owners with, as expected, much worse battery life, with some only able to use their phone for a matter of a few hours or less.
Real User Experiences
The update has been live for several weeks now, and affected users are sharing their experiences. One user reported: “After the update, battery life and even performance seem to be reduced. My battery is at 570 cycles. Opening apps, scrolling in some apps, and other daily interactions just feel a little less snappy”.
However, there’s some silver lining compared to the Pixel 4a situation. This update seems to have far less wide-reaching impact compared to the Pixel 4a’s update. That suggests that not as many Pixel 6a owners have affected batteries in their devices.
Your Support Options from Google
Google isn’t leaving affected users without recourse. The company has established the Pixel 6a Battery Performance Program, offering several support options:
Free Battery Replacement
The most straightforward solution is a no-cost battery replacement. Starting July 21, 2025, battery replacement became available at walk-in repair centers in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Japan, and India, with mail-in repair options for customers in the United States and India.
Additional battery replacement services are expected to expand to Japan, France, other parts of Europe, and Australia soon. However, battery replacement is only available while supplies last.
Cash Payment or Store Credit
If battery replacement isn’t available or convenient, Google offers a cash payment or Google Store hardware discount credit towards another Pixel phone. Some users report receiving $100 deposits to their bank accounts, while Google Store credits can go up to $150 depending on your device’s eligibility.
How to Check If You’re Affected
Before worrying about battery life, determine if your device is impacted. Google has created a registration page where you can enter your IMEI number to check eligibility for the Battery Performance Program.
To find your IMEI:
- Go to Settings > About phone
- Look for “IMEI” in the device information
- Enter this number on Google’s eligibility page
Technical Details of the Update
All Pixel 6a devices receive a mandatory automatic software update to Android 16, with roll out starting July 8 2025, but only Impacted Devices receive the battery management features. The update downloads and installs automatically when your device is charged and connected to the internet.
Google has been thorough in preventing users from avoiding this update. Google pulled all of the Pixel 6a factory image files from their stable release pages, as well as all current beta pages, making it nearly impossible to revert to an older software version.
Looking Forward
This update represents Google’s commitment to user safety, even when it requires difficult decisions about device performance. While the battery life reduction is frustrating for affected users, it’s designed to prevent potentially dangerous overheating situations.
If you’re still using a Pixel 6a and haven’t been affected yet, monitor your charge cycles through battery usage settings. If you receive notifications about approaching the 400-cycle threshold, start considering your options—whether that’s a battery replacement, upgrading to a newer device, or accepting the reduced performance for safety.
Final Thoughts
The Pixel 6a battery update situation highlights the challenges device manufacturers face when balancing performance, longevity, and safety. While no one wants reduced battery life, Google’s proactive approach to preventing potential safety hazards shows responsibility toward user welfare.
For affected users, the available support options—free battery replacement, cash payments, or store credits—provide pathways to continue using your device or upgrade to something newer. The key is staying informed about your device’s status and taking advantage of Google’s support programs while they’re available.
Remember to check Google’s registration page to see if your Pixel 6a qualifies for any of these programs, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Google support if you’re experiencing issues with your device.