Credit: /u/footymanageraddict

The Pixel 6a was a widely beloved phone when it launched in 2022, offering almost all the capabilities of the more expensive Pixel 6 phones at a much lower price. Just a few years into their Pixel love affair, though, owners have been dismayed to learn that a new software update will destroy the phone's battery life. Google says the update is necessary to limit the risk of battery failure, but it would seem that in at least one case, even this heavy-handed update wasn't enough—a user has reported their up-to-date Pixel 6a recently exploded overnight.

In early July, Google's monthly Pixel patch included a major change for the Pixel 6a. Due to the risk of battery fires, Google said that devices with more than 400 charge cycles could see their capacity and charging speed drastically reduced. The company offered a pittance in Google Store credit or a free battery swap in recompense, but taking advantage of either can be a pain. This came just months after a similar update rolled out to the Pixel 4a that killed its battery due to similar fire risks.

The mandatory Android 16 update will limit battery charging speed and capacity on affected phones.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam

A Redditor using the handle /u/footymanageraddict has posted photos of a pile of slag that used to be a Pixel 6a (spotted by Android Authority). This is not the first public report of a catastrophically failed battery in a 6a—a string of similar fires in the spring led Google to release this controversial update. Importantly, this phone reportedly had the battery safety update installed, which was supposed to prevent this kind of occurrence.

According to the Reddit post, the phone was plugged in to a standard USB-PD charger overnight (the OEM Steam Deck plug). The unlucky owner awoke to a burning smell and a face full of battery fumes but was able to fling the flaming phone onto the floor, where it thankfully expended its remaining energy without setting the house ablaze.

Half measures

A lithium-ion battery fire is hard to extinguish, which is why manufacturers take the risk of defective batteries so seriously. Google didn't take this one seriously enough to recall the phone, though. Pixel 6a owners are supposed to take Google's word that the "Battery Performance Program" will make the phone safe to use, even if it only lasts a few hours on a charge. It still feels like the company is doing the minimum to avoid liability.

The owner of the recently exploded phone says battery replacements are not available via retailers in their country. Shipping a phone in for a battery swap can take weeks and simply isn't an option for many people who rely on their device for communication. Google's $100 cash or $150 store credit options don't come anywhere close to covering the cost of a new phone, either.

Pixel 6a owners might be looking at their phones with more trepidation going forward. Google's half measures are forcing its customers to continue using hobbled devices that may still burst into flames, and that doesn't seem like a great way to manage the situation. We've reached out to Google for comment and will report back if we get a statement.