Google Halts Pixel 6a Sales Amidst Battery Fire Concerns
Google has discreetly pulled the Pixel 6a from its refurbished phone store in response to numerous reports of battery overheating and fire incidents. The $249 refurbished device, which was the most affordable Pixel available with warranty, disappeared from Google’s store in late July, having been listed as recently as July 22.
The removal comes on the heels of a compulsory Android 16 software update aimed at reducing battery capacity and charging speeds for affected Pixel 6a devices as a safety measure. Despite this update, there have been reports of at least one more device catching fire, implying that the software solution may not be adequate.
In response to the issue, Google has initiated a Battery Performance Program offering affected users three options:
- Free battery replacement
- $100 in cash
- $150 in Google Store credit
The company began rolling out the mandatory update on July 8, 2025, which triggers battery management features after devices reach 400 charge cycles to mitigate potential overheating risks.