It’s one of the most popular Android handsets around the world.
But if you own a Google Pixel 6a, you might want to consider upgrading to a different model.
Several Pixel 6a devices have exploded – with at least five reports to date, according to Android Authority.
Four of these explosions happened earlier this year, prompting Google to release a mandatory update this month.
While the update was supposed to prevent battery heating issues, it seems it may have had the reverse effect.
Taking to Reddit this week, one user revealed that their Pixel 6a ‘caught fire right next to me on the nightstand’ after they installed the update.
The shocked user, @footymanageraddict, posted photos of the damage, describing it as a ‘terrible experience all around.’
‘I was lucky that the battery side was away from me and not facing towards me,’ they added.
Taking to Reddit this week, one user revealed that their Pixel 6a ‘caught fire right next to me on the nightstand’ after they installed the update
The shocked user, @footymanageraddict, posted photos of the damage, describing it as a ‘terrible experience all around.
On July 2, Google launched a mandatory software update for Pixel 6a phones, following reports of batteries overheating.
‘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,’ it explained on its support page.
‘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.’
The tech giant also offered Pixel 6a users free battery replacements at walk-in repair centers in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Singapore, Japan, and India.
As @footymanageraddict did not live in one of these countries, they opted for the software update.
However, on July 26, their smartphone caught on fire anyway, having been on charge overnight.
‘I got woken up with a horrible smell and a loud noise,’ they explained on Reddit.
‘Fire had already started and i managed to throw the phone on the tile floor pulling it by the cord.
On July 2, Google launched a mandatory software update for Pixel 6a phones, following reports on batteries overheating
After the fire subsided, the Redditor managed to take photos of the damage – revealing a melted screen, charred internals, and a partially melted case (pictured)
‘The phone was sitting less than 40 cms away from my head on my nightstand.
‘Sheets caught on fire. My ac (a floor unit) had damages on its surface from the fire.
‘My throat hurt the whole day from the fumes i inhaled (My room door was closed because of the ac being on so i basically breathed the smoke for a longer time than i would want trying to stop a fire from spreading).’
After the fire subsided, the Redditor managed to take photos of the damage – revealing a melted screen, charred internals, and a partially melted case.
Taking to the comments, several other Pixel 6a users have reported their devices overheating after the update.
‘mine reaches upwards of 140 degrees while charging and 120 during normal use, this is after the update. idk [I don’t know] if it made it better or worse,’ one user replied.
Another added: ‘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.’
And one wrote: ‘Google should recall all the units with the battery problem and also reimburse us the full price of the phone. This is unacceptable. I own a Pixel 6A and now im concerned even having it let alone use it.’
Google is yet to comment on the latest incident, although MailOnline has contacted them for further information.
