July 21, 2025, 10:49 am | Read time: 3 minutes

In early 2025, Google released a surprising update for the Pixel 4a that rendered a number of otherwise functional devices unusable. Now, more Pixel models are affected by a battery tool delivered via update, which particularly impacts older devices.

Battery App for Pixel Devices Is a Good Idea but Poorly Implemented

Google is currently rolling out a new feature to Pixel smartphones via update to counteract battery wear. The tool, called “Battery Health Assistance” (BHA), brings significant limitations for users. The battery management can, in the worst case, lead to devices functioning increasingly poorly without a battery replacement.

The purpose of the BHA is fundamentally sensible: The feature assesses the battery’s health and adjusts basic system settings when it detects increased wear. These measures are intended to extend the device’s lifespan and protect the battery from damage. However, the settings made by the BHA come at the expense of usage time. They involve reducing battery capacity and charging speed. In other words, the phone takes longer to fully charge and lasts for shorter periods.

Nothing Works Without a Battery Replacement

Affected Pixel users cannot resist this approach of the new battery tool–it is a forced update, and the function cannot be turned on or off without a battery replacement by a professional. This is made very clear in the description: “Battery health monitoring can only be changed when the battery is replaced.”

As mentioned earlier, this approach is reminiscent of the update Google released in January 2025 for the Pixel 4a. Complaints then mounted about previously perfectly functioning smartphones that were downgraded to electronic waste after the update. The update significantly shortened battery life and cut charging speed to preserve the battery cells.

Google justifies this approach by stating that lithium-ion batteries are wear parts whose performance decreases over time. The internet giant offered a free battery replacement for the Pixel 4a. However, the replacement only took place as long as the battery supply lasted–those who were late had to choose between compensation and a discount in the Google Store.

Also read: Battery Calibration Makes the Smartphone Significantly More Enduring

Pixel 6a and Newer Also Receive Battery Tool

Google is also bringing the BHA to Pixel 6a and newer via update, which in certain cases can lead to significant usage restrictions. For affected Pixel 6a users, the company again offers battery replacement or compensation. Starting July 21, 2025, they can have their device’s battery replaced once for free. Alternatively, Google provides a $150 discount code for purchasing a new smartphone in the Google Store. Those who do not wish to use either option can receive compensation of $100.

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Battery Tool Cannot Be Removed

Unfortunately, users have little recourse once the BHA is installed. Once on the smartphone, the tool is difficult to remove from the system. Under normal circumstances, Android allows users to roll back to a previous system version via firmware update to undo harmful changes. However, Google has already blocked this path, as noted by the online magazine “DroidLife.” Earlier firmware versions have disappeared from official sources.