Another Google Pixel 6a has burst into flames, and this time it happened even after Google’s supposedly protective battery update was installed. If you own a Pixel 6a, this latest incident should have you seriously considering your options for staying safe.
The Latest Fire Incident: A Wake-Up Call That Shook the Community
On July 26, 2025, a Pixel 6a owner woke up to what they described as a “horrible smell and loud noise” – their phone had caught fire while charging on their nightstand, just 40 centimeters from their head. The device had completely melted, with photos showing a burned screen, case, and motherboard that looked like something from a disaster movie.
What makes this incident particularly alarming is that the owner confirmed their device was running Google’s latest Android 16 update, which was specifically designed to prevent exactly this type of overheating. The fire was so intense that it spread to the bed sheets and caused damage to the floor, while the smoke was thick enough to irritate the owner’s throat for the entire day.
This marks the fifth reported Pixel 6a fire in the past 12 months, but crucially, it’s the first to occur after Google’s safety measures were implemented. The previous four incidents all happened before Google’s “Battery Performance Program” update, which was supposed to solve the problem once and for all.
Understanding Google’s Response: The Battery Performance Program
After multiple reports of Pixel 6a devices catching fire, Google took action by implementing what they called the “Battery Performance Program.” Starting July 8, 2025, Google began rolling out a mandatory Android 16 update to all Pixel 6a devices worldwide.
Here’s what this update actually does:
For Impacted Devices Only: Not every Pixel 6a is affected by this battery issue. Google has identified specific units as “impacted devices” that pose a higher risk of overheating and potential fire.
The 400 Cycle Trigger: The battery management features only activate after your phone completes 400 charge cycles – roughly equivalent to about two years of typical use. At 375 cycles, users receive a warning notification about the upcoming changes.
Reduced Performance: Once activated, the update significantly limits both battery capacity and charging speeds as a safety precaution. Some users report their phones now cap charging at 80% and charge much more slowly than before.
Automatic Implementation: This isn’t optional – Google made the update mandatory for safety reasons, and it downloads and installs automatically when your device is charged and connected to the internet.
Real User Experiences: Living with the “Fixed” Devices
The impact of Google’s update has been dramatic for affected users. One user shared their experience: “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.”
Many users report that their phones now only last a few hours on a single charge, making them essentially unusable for a full day without multiple charging sessions. The charging speed reduction has been equally frustrating, with some devices taking significantly longer to reach even the reduced 80% capacity limit.
Some users have found creative workarounds, like charging their phones during work hours at their desks to ensure they have enough power for evenings and overnight charging. However, these aren’t ideal solutions for a device that’s supposed to be reliable and convenient.
One user noted an interesting side effect: “I feel like their update that nerfed the battery actually made it worse. I never had any overheating issues with my 6a, then after the update, it started getting super hot. I got the battery replacement and it’s fine now.”
Why Google’s Safety Measures Aren’t Enough
The latest fire incident exposes a critical flaw in Google’s approach. While the battery management features reduce the risk of overheating, they clearly don’t eliminate it entirely. The fact that a device caught fire despite having the safety update installed suggests that the underlying battery defect is more serious than initially thought.
Several factors contribute to why the update isn’t a complete solution:
Existing Damage: Batteries that were already compromised before the update may still pose risks, even with reduced performance. The safety measures can’t reverse damage that’s already occurred at the cellular level within the battery.
Limited Scope: The update only addresses overheating through software limitations, but it doesn’t fix the fundamental hardware problem that’s causing certain batteries to become unstable.
Charging Behavior: Many of the fire incidents have occurred during overnight charging, when devices are plugged in for extended periods. Even with reduced charging speeds, this prolonged connection to power sources may still create risks.
Third-Party Chargers: Some incidents have involved third-party charging equipment, which may not communicate properly with Google’s safety protocols or may deliver power in ways that bypass the protective measures.
Your Options: What Google is Offering
Recognizing that their software solution isn’t perfect, Google has established several support options for owners of affected devices:
Free Battery Replacement: If your device is identified as “impacted,” Google will replace your battery at no charge. You can check your eligibility by entering your device’s IMEI number on Google’s registration page.
Store Credit: Google offers up to $150 in Google Store credit that you can use toward purchasing a new device.
Cash Compensation: Some users have received direct cash payments, though the process can be complicated and involves third-party payment processors like Payoneer.
Device Inspection Requirements: Before approving a battery replacement, Google requires an inspection of your device. Certain types of damage or modifications may disqualify you from receiving free service.
Regional Limitations and Accessibility Issues
One significant problem with Google’s response has been the limited availability of solutions in different regions. The user whose device caught fire after the update noted that walk-in battery replacements weren’t available in their country, leaving them with mail-in options that take time and leave users without their devices.
This geographical disparity in support options creates an unfair situation where users in some regions have immediate access to solutions while others must wait or accept less convenient alternatives. For a safety-critical issue like potential fires, this delay could put users at continued risk.
What This Means for Current Pixel 6a Owners
If you’re still using a Pixel 6a, the latest fire incident should serve as a serious wake-up call. While Google’s update reduces the risk, it clearly doesn’t eliminate it entirely. Here’s what you should consider:
Check Your Device Status: Visit Google’s registration page and enter your IMEI number to see if your device is considered “impacted.” You can find your IMEI by going to Settings > About Phone or by dialing *#06#.
Monitor for Warning Signs: Watch for unusual heating, battery swelling, or performance changes that might indicate your battery is deteriorating.
Consider Replacement: Given that fires can occur even after the protective update, the safest option may be to replace your battery or upgrade to a newer device entirely.
Safe Charging Practices: If you continue using your Pixel 6a, avoid overnight charging and use only official Google charging equipment when possible.
The Bigger Picture: Trust and Accountability
This situation raises important questions about how tech companies handle safety issues. While Google deserves credit for taking action and offering solutions, the fact that fires continue to occur after their “fix” suggests that the initial response may have been insufficient.
The comparison to Google’s previous issues with the Pixel 4a is particularly concerning. That device also experienced widespread battery problems that led to reduced performance and safety risks, ultimately requiring extensive battery replacement programs and even regulatory intervention in some countries.
For consumers, this highlights the importance of staying informed about potential issues with their devices and not assuming that software updates will always solve hardware problems. When safety is involved, hardware solutions like battery replacement or device replacement are often more reliable than software workarounds.
Google Pixel 6a: Your Safety First
The bottom line is clear: if you own a Google Pixel 6a, especially one that’s been identified as “impacted,” you should take action sooner rather than later. The risk of fire is real, as multiple users have experienced, and Google’s software-based solution isn’t foolproof.
Whether you choose a free battery replacement, trade up to a newer device using Google’s credit options, or simply upgrade on your own, the important thing is prioritizing your safety and that of those around you. Phone fires can cause serious property damage and pose genuine risks to personal safety.
Don’t wait until you experience overheating or other warning signs – by then, it might be too late. Take advantage of Google’s support programs while they’re available, and consider this an opportunity to upgrade to a device without these inherent safety concerns.
Your phone should enhance your life, not put it at risk. In the case of the Google Pixel 6a, the safest choice may be to move on to something more reliable and secure.