“I hope it's not part of the exploding program:” users angry after this Google Pixel model catches fire

Some users are eligible for free battery replacement.

We hear fewer stories about smartphones catching fire these days, as they often include safety features that prevent it. However, on rare occasions, combustion can still happen.

This was the unfortunate experience of a Google Pixel 6a user, who shared how they were woken up by “a horrible smell and a loud noise,” with their smartphone already on fire.

While the phone owner managed to tackle the situation, it left them with a sore throat from inhaled fumes, burned sheets, and damaged air conditioning. The user noticed that they’re “the 3rd one posting this for this month,” later adding that they’ve noticed other Pixel smartphones catching on fire in the last two to three months.

At the beginning of July, Google announced that this particular model would receive a mandatory update this month to fix the battery problem.

The upgrade is needed to prevent Pixel’s smartphone battery from overheating.

The company previously announced that “all Pixel 6a devices will receive a mandatory automatic software update to Android 16, with a rollout starting July 8th, 2025.”

Google also noted that the changes will be implemented for “impacted devices” and for phones with battery packs that have completed 400 charge cycles.

Pixel 6a users with impacted devices will get a notification at 375 charging cycles, warning of the decline in battery capacity and charging performance.

The company also notes that owners of impacted devices can receive a free battery replacement.

How can users know that their Google Pixel 6a is somehow impacted? Phone Arena notes that they should look for signs such as shorter battery life between charges, reduced charging performance, and changes to the battery-level indicator.

While Google provides instructions on what to do in certain situations that involve the Google Pixel 6a battery, users online shared their own thoughts on the issue.

“My 6a says it's not part of the replacement program. I hope it's also not part of the exploding program,” wrote one user.

“I know I'll get downvoted, but your life was at risk just because Google, a two-billion-dollar company, cheaped out in hardware. Why isn't this a news headline or something?” noted another netizen.

I'm the 3rd one posting this for this month. Pixel 6a caught on fire right next to me on the nightstand.
byu/footymanageraddict inGooglePixel

“Exactly. It's very frustrating. I was a Google Pixel advocate for years. Even before I bought one. Very disappointing,” agreed another Redditor.

“I'm glad OP is ok. Things like this keep happening and happening, and then fanboys have the nerve to ask why so many Pixel users want to switch to another brand. What if this had happened on a flight or at a gas station or something?” contemplated another user.