July 2, 2025
This program ended on July 8, 2026
Summary of program
Google has determined that certain Pixel 6a phones (“Impacted Devices”) require a mandatory software update to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating which could pose a risk to users. The update will enable important battery management features that will reduce battery capacity and charging performance on Impacted Devices after the battery reaches 400 charge cycles.
All Pixel 6a devices will receive a mandatory automatic software update to Android 16, with roll out starting July 8 2025, but only Impacted Devices will receive the battery management features. Some users will see changes sooner than others, because the battery management features activate only after an Impacted Device reaches 400 charge cycles.
Not all Pixel 6a devices are impacted by the reduction in battery capacity and charging performance. If your device is not impacted, your battery management features will remain the same as before, and you will not be eligible for these support options under this program.
Background
Pixel phones, like other smartphones on the market, use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are consumable components that may experience performance, capacity, or runtime degradation as they are used. That’s why we recommend that you consider replacing your battery if you notice a decrease in your battery’s capacity or runtime.
Changes coming to your device's battery management
Starting July 8, 2025, your Pixel 6a will automatically receive a mandatory software update to Android 16. This update is necessary to address a potential battery overheating risk in certain Pixel 6a devices which could pose a risk to users. These changes will ONLY activate if (1) you have an Impacted Device and (2) once your phone's battery has completed 400 charge cycles.
How it Works:
- The update will download automatically for all Pixel 6a users starting July 8, 2025. After the software update is downloaded, your device will restart automatically to apply the update.
- For Impacted Devices, the update includes new battery management features to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating, but these changes will only activate after your battery reaches 400 charge cycles. Until your battery reaches this point, you will not experience the battery-related changes and the new features will remain inactive, even though the update is installed.
- A reminder notification will be sent to Impacted Devices when your battery reaches 375 cycles.
- After the battery management features activate (at 400+ cycles), users of Impacted Device may notice the battery may last for shorter periods between charges. Users of Impacted Devices may also notice other changes, like reduced charging performance or short-term changes to how the battery-level indicator on your phone shows your battery capacity as your phone learns its revised battery capacity.
If you own a Pixel 6a, you can manually download the latest software update starting on July 8, 2025. Otherwise, the software update will be automatically downloaded to your device when the software is released and your device is charged and connected to the internet. Learn how to check and update your Android version.
Not all Pixel 6a devices will experience these changes. Only specific Pixel 6a devices, identified as Impacted Devices, will experience these battery management changes after their battery reaches 400 charge cycles. The software update does not impact any other Pixel phone models, such as Pixel 6 or 6 Pro.
Battery replacement at no charge and other support options for individual end-user owners of Impacted Devices
Battery Replacement
If your Pixel 6a is an Impacted Device, you may be eligible for a battery replacement at no charge.
Battery replacement is available:
- At walk-in repair centers in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Japan, Australia, India, and France.
- Via mail-in repair for customers in the United States and India.
Battery replacement is only available in eligible locations and while battery supplies last.
About the battery replacement program
The battery replacement program provides one battery replacement at no charge for eligible Pixel 6a devices following an initial eligibility check and physical inspection of your device. Initial eligibility is determined based on whether the phone is an Impacted Device.
If your Pixel 6a is eligible and you registered for a battery replacement, you can choose mail-in repair in the United States and India only, or take it to a walk-in repair location in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Japan, and India. Additional battery replacement capability is expected in Japan, France, some other parts of Europe, and Australia.
Even if an Impacted Device is eligible for a battery replacement at no charge, upon receipt, a physical inspection of your phone is conducted before starting the repair to verify that the phone is in suitable condition for repair.
Important:
- If your Pixel 6a device exhibits other forms of damage, like liquid damage, exposure to sharp objects, or excessive force, it may not qualify for a battery replacement at no charge under this program.
- If your phone has out-of-warranty damage, such as display or cover glass cracks, then there may be a fee to repair your phone. Before we start any repairs, we'll provide a cost estimate. You then have the option to proceed with the repair or have your device returned to you.
If your Impacted Device is not eligible for a battery replacement at no charge following physical inspection, you will be redirected to select a different support option based on availability.
Subject to any other local consumer rights which may apply, battery replacement doesn't extend the standard warranty coverage of your Pixel 6a. Your warranty will expire on the date it was originally set to expire, regardless of the battery replacement.
Tip: Before you bring in your phone or mail-in for repair, back up your data. Learn how to back up your data on your Pixel device.
Terms and conditions
Individual end users will have one year from the initial software release on July 8, 2025 to register and make a choice of one of the support options, which may vary by country of purchase, location, and warranty status. After July 8, 2026, these support options will no longer be available.
The options above are available exclusively for individual end-user consumers of Impacted Devices only (retailers, wholesalers, or owners of bulk devices other than for personal use are not eligible) that were purchased by or on behalf of that individual consumer prior to July 2, 2025. Eligibility for these specific support options may be affected by the original terms of sale. There is one support option per device after eligibility is confirmed.
Proof of ownership may be required when claiming your support option. Support options may not be available in all countries, as required by law. Certain support options may only be available to individuals who have reached the age of majority in their country or state of residence. You may be required to confirm that you are 18 years of age or older to redeem these specific options. Support options cannot be changed once your selection has been processed.
This Pixel 6a Battery Performance Program provides rights separate to rights provided to you by statutory law in the country where you purchased the device. Those statutory rights are not restricted by this program. If available to you, you may alternatively make a claim pursuant to those rights.
Google retains the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Additional details regarding this program are provided in the frequently asked questions below.
Frequently asked questions
What should I expect if my Pixel 6a battery has been impacted? Can I continue to use my Pixel 6a?You may also notice other changes, like reduced charging performance or short term changes to how the battery-level indicator on your phone shows your battery capacity as your phone learns its revised battery capacity.
Find your phone model in Settings > About phone > Model.
Important: Not all Pixel 6a devices are impacted by the battery health features and eligible for support options.
If you choose to request one battery replacement at no charge, eligible Pixel 6a devices can be taken to walk-in repair centers in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Japan, and India.
We recommend that you contact the walk-in repair location ahead of time and schedule an appointment. If you are in the United States or India, mail-in repair may also be available. We may send you a special box for mail-in repair. Battery replacement is only available at eligible locations and only while battery supplies last. Additional battery replacement capability in Japan, France, some other parts of the rest of Europe, and Australia is coming soon.
You will not be required to return your device. You can continue to use your Pixel 6a or you can dispose of it responsibly. For more information on recycling your phone, visit g.co/pixel/recycle.
Yes, you can continue to charge your Pixel 6a as before. As with all devices, use best practices for battery health and charging. Learn more about how to maximize your battery health.
Place your device in a well-ventilated area when charging or in-use. You can find additional safety-related information here or on your Pixel 6a at Settings > About phone > Safety & regulatory manual.
Impacted Devices that qualify and receive a battery replacement will be able to request future mail-in repair service where available.
If you have an Impacted Device and claim a support option other than a battery replacement, that device will not qualify for future mail-in repair service but can still receive other non-mail-in repair services, unrelated to this program, where available.
Yes. For Impacted Devices the battery management features that address battery overheating will remain inactive and only activate after 400 charge cycles. If your device is an Impacted Device but has fewer than 400 cycles, these specific features are not yet needed.
