A year has passed since then, and as originally scheduled, the “Google Pixel 6a Battery Performance Program” will reach its conclusion on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. In Japan, “iCracked,” an authorized Google Pixel repair provider, has been offering “free battery replacements,” but this service will also end on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
The “Google Pixel 6a Battery Performance Program” and the “free battery replacement” are special initiatives designed to address a potential battery overheating issue in some “Pixel 6a” units that could pose a safety risk to users. This program is offered for “Pixel 6a” devices that may be affected by this issue, even after applying the software update released on July 8, 2025, which forcibly enables the “Battery Health Assistant.”
You can check whether your “Pixel 6a” is affected by this potential battery overheating issue here. If you are eligible for a “free battery replacement,” please bring your device to an “iCracked” location by Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Note that “iCracked” also accepts mail-in repairs.
Google Pixel 6a Battery Performance Program
July 2, 2025
Program Overview
Google has determined that a software update is required for some Google Pixel 6a devices (“affected devices”) to mitigate the risk of battery overheating, which could pose a danger to users. When this update is applied, a critical battery management feature will be enabled that intentionally reduces battery capacity and charging performance after the battery has reached 400 charge cycles.
Starting July 8, 2025, a mandatory Android 16 software update will be automatically delivered to all Google Pixel 6a devices; however, the battery management feature will only be delivered to affected devices. This feature activates only after the affected device reaches 400 charge cycles, so the timing of the change will vary by device.
To ensure you get the best out of your Google product, users with affected devices will be offered Google’s support options based on the country of purchase, your current region, and warranty status, in accordance with the terms and conditions below. Not all Google Pixel 6a devices are affected by reduced battery capacity and charging performance. If your device is not affected, the battery management feature will remain as it was, and you will not be eligible for the support options under this program.
Google Pixel phones, like other smartphones on the market, use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are consumables; they degrade over time with use, which may result in lower performance, capacity, and runtime. Therefore, if you notice a decline in battery capacity or runtime, we recommend considering a battery replacement.
Upcoming changes to device battery management
Starting July 8, 2025, a mandatory Android 16 software update will be automatically delivered to Google Pixel 6a devices. This update is necessary to mitigate the risk of battery overheating, which could pose a danger to users, in some Google Pixel 6a devices. These changes will only take effect if (1) you have an affected device and (2) the battery charge cycle reaches 400.
How it works:
This update will be automatically downloaded to all Google Pixel 6a devices starting July 8, 2025. Once the download is complete, the device will automatically restart to apply the update.
The update includes a new battery management feature to reduce the risk of battery overheating in affected devices, but these changes will only become active after the battery reaches 400 charge cycles. No battery-related changes will be applied until this threshold is reached, and the feature will remain inactive even after the update is installed.
Once the battery reaches 375 charge cycles, affected devices will receive a reminder notification.
Once the 400-cycle threshold is reached and the battery management feature is enabled, affected devices may experience shorter intervals between charges. Users of affected devices may also notice other impacts. For example, charging performance may decrease, or the battery percentage indicator may briefly change based on the revised battery capacity.
If you own a Google Pixel 6a, you can download the latest software update manually starting July 8, 2025. If you do not download it manually, the update will be downloaded automatically when your device is charging and connected to the internet once released. For more details, see: Check and update your Android version
Not all Google Pixel 6a devices will be affected by these changes. Only some Google Pixel 6a devices identified as “affected devices” will have the battery management changes applied after reaching 400 charge cycles. Only these “affected devices” are eligible for the support options. You can check if your device is affected on the registration page. This software update does not affect other Google Pixel models, such as the Google Pixel 6 or Google Pixel 6 Pro.
Free Battery Replacement and Other Support Options for Individual End Users with Affected Devices
Battery Replacement
If your Google Pixel 6a is an affected device, you may be eligible for a free battery replacement. Please check the registration page for battery replacement options available in your region.
Starting July 21, 2025, battery replacements will be available in the following countries:
If you reside in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Singapore, Japan, or India, you can receive a battery replacement at a walk-in repair center.
If you reside in the US or India, mail-in repair services are also available.
Additional battery replacement options will be available soon in Japan, France, other parts of Europe, and Australia. Battery replacements are only available in eligible regions and will be provided while supplies last. If out of stock, other support options will be available. Full eligibility details
Other Options
If battery replacement is not available in your country, does not suit your needs, or you prefer another option, you may request one of the other support options via the registration page, provided they are applicable. Other options may include cash or a Google hardware discount code usable toward the purchase of another Google Pixel on the Google Store; however, options may be limited by region or other factors.
About the Battery Replacement Program
The battery replacement program provides one free battery replacement for eligible Google Pixel 6a units, following an initial eligibility check and a physical inspection of the device. Initial eligibility is determined by whether the phone is identified as an affected device. You can verify if your Google Pixel 6a is eligible on the registration page.
If your Google Pixel 6a is eligible and you have registered for a battery replacement, customers in the US or India can request a mail-in repair. Alternatively, you can visit a walk-in repair center in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Singapore, Japan, or India. Additional options will be available soon in Japan, France, other parts of Europe, and Australia. For more information about our repair partners, please visit the registration page.
Even if an affected device is eligible for a free battery replacement, a physical inspection will be performed before repairs begin to ensure the device is in a repairable condition.
Important:
If your Google Pixel 6a shows signs of other damage, such as liquid damage, puncture from sharp objects, or excessive force, it may not be eligible for a free battery replacement under this program.
For phones with out-of-warranty damage, such as a cracked display or cover glass, repair costs may be incurred. We will provide an estimate before starting repairs, and you can then decide whether to proceed or have the device returned.
If your affected device is found ineligible for a free battery replacement after physical inspection, we will offer other support options based on availability.
Subject to applicable consumer rights in your country, a battery replacement does not extend the standard warranty period of your Google Pixel 6a. Regardless of the battery replacement, your warranty will end on its originally scheduled date.
Important: Only some Google Pixel 6a devices are affected by reduced battery capacity and are eligible for support options. Check eligibility here.
The period during which individual end users can register and select one of the support options is one year from the initial software release on July 8, 2025. Available support options may vary depending on the country of purchase, your region, and warranty status. After July 8, 2026, these support options will no longer be available.
Payment amounts and Google hardware discount code values may fluctuate due to currency exchange rates at the time of conversion. Payments will be converted to local currency, with the final amount calculated based on the exchange rate effective at the time you select your support option.
The above options are only available to individual end users of affected devices who purchased them prior to July 2, 2025, either personally or through an agent (resellers, wholesalers, or owners of bulk-purchased devices for non-personal use are not eligible). Eligibility for certain support options may be subject to the original terms of sale. Once verified, you may select one option per device.
You may be required to provide proof of ownership when applying for a support option. In some cases, support options may be unavailable due to local or regional laws. Some 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 you are 18 or older to access these options. Once selected, your support option cannot be changed.
This Google Pixel 6a Battery Performance Program provides you with rights that are separate from any statutory rights granted by the laws of the country where you purchased the device. These statutory rights are not limited by this program. You may also claim compensation based on those rights where applicable.
Google reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. For more details about this program, please refer to the FAQ below.
