Google removes Pixel 6a factory images prior to mandatory battery update

The Pixel 6a will receive an involuntary update next week that will significantly affect battery life due to reports of battery issues. Prior to that rollout, Google removed all OTA and factory images for the Pixel 6a.

With the issues a number of Pixel 6a devices are facing, Google is trying to play damage control. The latest reports indicate that Google will push a mandatory update next week to every Google Pixel 6a. This update will be required, and the goal is to limit battery power so more issues don’t crop up, or worse, someone is injured due to faulty battery.

Pixel 6a users noticed today that the “Factory Images for Nexus and Pixel Devices” page on Google’s developer portal has removed all downloads for the Pixel 6a, with a small “coming soon” placeholder taking up the space where a download link would normally appear.

The mandatory update will be the next update Google pushes to the device, and the company seems to be ensuring that this is the case for every Pixel 6a, whether users like it or not. Google notes this update will take effect after the device reaches 400 charging cycles – about two years of normal use.

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The same thing took place earlier this year when Google removed all factory images for the Pixel 4adue to similar battery issues. When Google rolled out the next mandatory update, that download was the only image available under the device’s spot on Google’s website. Every other device has a plethora of OTA image versions available to download.

Google has noted that users will have further options, including a no-cost battery replacement or a possible “cash payment” with credit towards a different Pixel device.

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