Reportedly, another Pixel 6A has caught fire, as noted by Android Authority, this time seemingly after applying Google’s recent update intended to curb overheating issues. A user on Reddit recounted waking up to a “horrible smell and a loud noise,” only to find their phone ablaze while charging on their nightstand.
According to the Redditor, the phone was connected to a 45W Steam Deck charger when it ignited, damaging the phone’s screen and case. “The phone was positioned under 40 cms from my head on the nightstand,” writes u/footymanageraddict in their post. “Bed sheets caught alight. My ac (a floor unit) had surface damage due to the fire. I suffered throat discomfort all day from inhaling the fumes.”
Google didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Earlier this year, after several Pixel 6A fire incidents were reported, Google issued a mandatory software update to reduce battery capacity and decrease charging performance after 400 cycles. Additionally, Google offered a complimentary battery replacement for eligible devices. The Reddit user mentioned that they had installed the update but hadn’t replaced the battery due to the lack of walk-in options in their country, leaving mail-in as their only choice.
As noted by Android Authority, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warned customers last week that Pixel 6A devices may have an “overheating battery could pose a risk of fire and/or burns to a user,” adding that “incidents have occurred resulting in serious burn injuries.”
