August 3, 2026, 11:17 am | Read time: 3 minutes
A smartphone sits unused on the table for hours, yet the battery level drops significantly. This exact issue has been affecting users of various Pixel smartphones since the March 2026 update. After numerous complaints, Google claims to have identified the cause and has already released a fix for several devices.
Two Processes Caused the Increased Consumption
According to Google, the issue lies in two system processes. Both repeatedly prevented the affected smartphones from reliably switching to the particularly power-saving deep doze mode. One process handles signals between hardware components, while the other manages data exchange with the satellite navigation system.
As a result, the devices remained active even though the display was off and they were not in use. This led to higher energy consumption than intended, causing many users to experience a noticeable loss of battery charge.
Complaints Accumulated Over Months
How many devices were actually affected is not clear from the entries. However, the number of responses was so high that the original error report reached the comment limit allowed in the “Issue Tracker.”
Google then created a second entry and continued the investigation there. Further observations and tips were subsequently collected in this report. Thus, the problem remained active for several months since the first reports in March 2026 and was followed by numerous affected users.
These Pixel Models Receive the Fix
A fix is now available for several devices. According to Google, the fix has been integrated into the July version with build number CP2A.260705.006. Distribution is via the regular system update.
The fix reaches the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the Pixel 10a. Owners of these smartphones should check if the current system version is already installed. If not, it is recommended to install the update promptly.
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Some Devices Still Have to Wait for the Fix
The fix is not yet available for other models. For the Pixel 8a and Pixel 9a, it is expected to appear with the quarterly update scheduled for September 2026. Users of these devices will therefore have to continue dealing with increased battery consumption for the time being.
Google currently does not provide specific information on further models. Therefore, it remains unclear if and when other smartphones from the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 series will receive a corresponding fix.
Also of interest: Google confirms price increase for Pixel 11! Is the predecessor attractive again?
Effect of the Update Not Yet Definitively Clarified
How reliably the fix works cannot be conclusively assessed at this time. In the error log, several users report continued increased energy consumption even after installing the July update.
The feedback does not fundamentally question the published fix. However, it complicates a final assessment of its effectiveness. Affected users should continue to monitor battery consumption in standby mode and report ongoing anomalies via the “Issue Tracker.”