New Android Update Cuts Battery Life to Prevent Google Pixel Phones From Overheating or Catching Fire

Google has issued an emergency Android software update that deliberately limits battery performance on certain Pixel smartphones, in an effort to address a serious overheating issue that, in rare cases, could lead to phones “catching fire.”

The update, which rolled out quietly over the weekend, targets several Pixel models—primarily the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro—after multiple users reported instances of excessive battery heating and swelling. A few isolated cases even involved smoke emissions and melting phone cases, raising widespread concern about user safety.

Why Google Had to Act Fast

According to a spokesperson from Google’s Android engineering team, the decision to curb battery usage and restrict background processes came after “a small but significant number of reports involving thermal incidents tied to power management irregularities.”

“These software changes are meant to reduce processor stress and cut down on maximum battery drain under specific high-performance use cases like gaming, video streaming, and wireless charging,” the company stated in a press briefing.

They emphasized that this is a temporary fix and that a long-term hardware-specific update is in the works.

What Users Are Experiencing

The most immediate result of the update is a noticeable decrease in battery life, especially among users who rely on their devices for power-intensive tasks. Some have reported losing up to 20% of their screen-on time, while others have noticed reduced device performance during multitasking.

"I used to get a full day's use from my Pixel 7 Pro, and now I’m barely making it to dinner without charging," said one Reddit user. “But I guess it’s better than the phone becoming a fire hazard.”

Despite frustration from power users, many Pixel owners are acknowledging the trade-off as a necessary safety precaution.

Devices Affected

So far, the update is being automatically pushed to:

Pixel 6 / 6 Pro

Pixel 7 / 7 Pro

Pixel 7a

Notably, the Pixel 8 series is not currently included in this update, though Google says it is “actively monitoring” battery and temperature data across all models.

What Caused the Overheating?

While Google has not officially confirmed the root cause, early findings suggest the issue may stem from a combination of software-level power management bugs and thermal throttling limitations in some of the Tensor chipsets powering the affected phones.

Independent analysts speculate that a recent app update, possibly related to Google Photos or Android System Intelligence, may have been triggering excessive background CPU activity, overheating the battery and internal components.

Google’s Official Advice

In the meantime, Google advises users to:

Keep phones updated with the latest system software

Avoid using power-intensive apps while charging

Remove phone cases during extended charging sessions

Use certified chargers and accessories only

Contact support if your phone becomes hot to the touch or if the battery appears swollen

If you’re experiencing extreme heating or see physical signs of battery bulging, Google urges users to stop using the device immediately and seek service support.

How Users Can Check for the Update

To ensure you’re protected by the latest patch, head to:

Settings > System > Software Update > Check for Update

The update is rolling out in phases, so not all users may see it immediately.

Industry Implications

This unexpected safety update could have broader consequences in the smartphone industry, where manufacturers are already facing regulatory pressure over battery safety standards. It also raises questions about AI-based power management systems and whether they’re introducing new risks with poor optimization.

Looking Ahead

Google has assured users that a more optimized fix is coming soon, likely through another Android patch that restores battery performance without risking overheating. Until then, the company is prioritizing safety over performance—a move that may inconvenience some users but ultimately protects them from potential harm.

As this story develops, Pixel owners are encouraged to monitor their device’s temperature, battery swelling, and performance behavior, and report any concerns directly to Google Support.