Recently, several Pixel phones have faced significant issues, including battery overheating and even melting while charging. In response to these problems, Google is actively working to address them. The tech giant plans to introduce the Battery Health Assistance feature, which was first launched with the Pixel 9a, to other Pixel models, as indicated by the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 update.

Battery Health Assistance is a charging management feature that Google integrated with the Pixel 9a earlier this year. This feature is enabled by default and cannot be turned off manually. According to Google’s support page, the feature plays a crucial role in managing a phone’s long-term battery health and performance.

It aims to prevent severe issues, such as battery degradation, overheating, and the risk of batteries melting during charging. Some users have already noticed this new feature after updating to the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2. Google plans to make Battery Health Assistance available to older Pixel models soon.

The company explains that lithium-ion batteries eventually require replacement, and as they age, this feature helps manage their long-term health and performance by adjusting the battery’s maximum voltage gradually over time. Feedback from users testing Battery Health Assistance suggests that it may not be mandatory for future models as it was for the Pixel 9a. Users will have the option to disable it, although Google recommends keeping it enabled to ensure optimal battery health.

While enabling Battery Health Assistance might slightly reduce charging speed and overall battery life, it effectively protects the battery over time. Given the reports of older Pixel models experiencing overheating issues, this feature could prove vital in preventing such incidents. Recent incidents, including one user’s Pixel 6a catching fire while using a third-party charger, underscore the importance of battery management features.