July 4, 2025, 7:41 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Google has introduced a controversial update for Pixel devices that limits battery performance through the Battery Health Assistance (BHA). This could result in smartphones becoming unusable without a battery replacement.
In early 2025, Google rendered a number of otherwise functional Pixel 4a devices unusable with a surprising update. Now, the same fate could affect more, if not all, Pixel smartphones. A new battery tool delivered via update is particularly impacting older Google Pixel models.
Overview
Battery App for Pixel Devices Is a Good Idea but Poorly Implemented
Data miners from the online magazine “AndroidAuthority” have discovered traces in the system app “Battery Health Assistance” (BHA) released with the Pixel 9a that bring significant restrictions for users. The battery application could soon appear on more Google Pixel smartphones and, in the worst case, lead to phones functioning 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 the app detects battery 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 currently have no way to counter this approach of the new battery tool—it’s a mandatory update, and the function cannot be disabled without a battery replacement by a professional. This is made very clear in the leaked code lines. The description text states, among other things: “Battery health monitoring can only be changed when the battery is replaced.”
As mentioned earlier, the approach is reminiscent of the update Google delivered for the Pixel 4a in January 2025. Complaints mounted about previously perfectly functioning smartphones that were degraded to electronic waste after the update. The update significantly shortened the usage time of the phones.
Google justified the patch at the time by stating that lithium-ion batteries are wear parts whose performance decreases over time. The internet giant offered a free battery replacement. However, the replacement only occurred as long as the battery supply lasted—those who were late had to choose between compensation and a discount in the Google Store.
Read also: Battery Calibration Makes the Smartphone Significantly More Enduring
Pixel 6a Will Be Optimized Next
Google currently offers the BHA only on the Pixel 9a. So far, no negative effects have been noticed on the relatively new smartphone. But the next older model to “benefit” from this battery optimization is already determined.
According to a recently published announcement from Google, the function will be available for the Google Pixel 6a starting July 8, 2025. This is the Lite version of the popular Pixel 6 family, following the Pixel 4a. The series has been on the market for four years now, and thus Google might target the batteries of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro next.
Following the example of the Pixel 4a, Google is again offering Pixel 6a owners a battery replacement or compensation. Starting July 21, 2025, they can have their device’s battery replaced once for free. Alternatively, Google offers a discount code for purchasing a new smartphone in its own Google Store. Those who do not wish to use either option can receive compensation. However, the internet giant does not reveal exact amounts. The registration page is now online.
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App Cannot Be Removed
Unfortunately, users have little recourse if the BHA is installed. Once on the smartphone, the app is difficult to remove from the system. Under normal circumstances, Android allows for a firmware update to install a previous system version and thus reverse harmful changes. However, Google has already blocked this path, as noted by the online magazine “DroidLife.” Previous firmware versions have disappeared from official sources.