Owners warned: Update your device now to prevent fire risk
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If you or someone you know ownst this phone, it’s time to pay close attention—especially if you bought your phone between June 16, 2022, and April 10, 2025.
Product Safety Australia (PSA) has issued an urgent warning about a potentially dangerous fault that could cause your device to overheat, and in some cases, even catch fire. Yes, you read that right—serious burn injuries have already been reported, so this is not one to ignore!
The problem centres around the battery management system in certain Google Pixel 6a devices.
According to PSA, the affected phones—specifically those in Chalk, Sage, or Charcoal colours—may experience overheating after a certain amount of use.
The risk becomes significant once the device reaches 400 battery cycles (that’s the equivalent of charging your phone from 0% to 100% and then using it all the way down, 400 times).
This overheating can pose a real risk of fire and/or burns to users. It’s a sobering reminder that even our trusty smartphones can sometimes turn into hazards if something goes wrong under the hood.
Also read: Firmware update addresses potential device concerns
Thankfully, you don’t need to return your phone or go without it. Google has released a mandatory firmware update as of July 8, which includes new battery management features designed to prevent overheating.
Once installed, this update will automatically kick in when your device hits that 400-cycle mark, helping to keep things cool and safe.
If you own a Google Pixel 6a in Chalk, Sage, or Charcoal, and you purchased it from a major retailer like Telstra, Optus, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, or Harvey Norman during June 16 to Apil 10, 2025, your device could be at risk. Not all Pixel 6a phones are affected, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
To check if your phone is included in the recall, you can visit Google’s official support page or Product Safety Australia’s website.
There, you’ll find instructions on how to check your device’s serial number and see if you’re eligible for a repair, cash payment, or discount credit.
What Should You Do Next?
Read more: Is your phone a danger to you? ACCC recalls smartphone unit over safety concerns
Have you experienced overheating with your Pixel 6a or any other device? Did you receive the update, and did it solve the problem? Share your stories, tips, or concerns in the comments below!
Product Safety Australia (PSA) has issued an urgent warning about a potentially dangerous fault that could cause your device to overheat, and in some cases, even catch fire. Yes, you read that right—serious burn injuries have already been reported, so this is not one to ignore!
The problem centres around the battery management system in certain Google Pixel 6a devices.
According to PSA, the affected phones—specifically those in Chalk, Sage, or Charcoal colours—may experience overheating after a certain amount of use.
An urgent firmware update has been released for Google Pixel 6a phones after incidents of overheating and fire risk, with some users suffering serious burn injuries. Image source: Amazon.
The risk becomes significant once the device reaches 400 battery cycles (that’s the equivalent of charging your phone from 0% to 100% and then using it all the way down, 400 times).
This overheating can pose a real risk of fire and/or burns to users. It’s a sobering reminder that even our trusty smartphones can sometimes turn into hazards if something goes wrong under the hood.
Also read: Firmware update addresses potential device concerns
Thankfully, you don’t need to return your phone or go without it. Google has released a mandatory firmware update as of July 8, which includes new battery management features designed to prevent overheating.
Once installed, this update will automatically kick in when your device hits that 400-cycle mark, helping to keep things cool and safe.
If you own a Google Pixel 6a in Chalk, Sage, or Charcoal, and you purchased it from a major retailer like Telstra, Optus, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, or Harvey Norman during June 16 to Apil 10, 2025, your device could be at risk. Not all Pixel 6a phones are affected, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
To check if your phone is included in the recall, you can visit Google’s official support page or Product Safety Australia’s website.
There, you’ll find instructions on how to check your device’s serial number and see if you’re eligible for a repair, cash payment, or discount credit.
What Should You Do Next?
- Check for Updates: Go to your phone’s settings and make sure you’ve installed the latest firmware update. This is the most important step to protect yourself and your device.
- Monitor Your Device: If you notice your phone getting unusually hot, especially while charging, stop using it immediately and contact Google support.
- Check Your Eligibility: If your phone is affected, you may be entitled to compensation or a repair. Don’t miss out—check online to see what you’re eligible for.
- Spread the Word: If you know anyone else with a Pixel 6a, let them know about this urgent update. A quick message could prevent a serious accident.
Read more: Is your phone a danger to you? ACCC recalls smartphone unit over safety concerns
Have you experienced overheating with your Pixel 6a or any other device? Did you receive the update, and did it solve the problem? Share your stories, tips, or concerns in the comments below!
