Google stops selling the Pixel 6a following reports of battery issues and units catching fire

• Google has removed the Google Pixel 6a from its online refurbished store
• No official reason has been given, though the action follows reports of battery issues and handsets catching fire
• We advise avoiding the Google Pixel 6a at third-party retailers and second-hand marketplaces

You can no longer purchase the cheapest refurbished Pixel phone directly from Google as the company has taken the Google Pixel 6a out of its online marketplace.

The withdrawal of the Pixel 6a comes after multiple reports of the devices overheating and even catching fire, although Google has not provided an official explanation or statement for the move.

We recently revealed that Google has released an update for the Pixel 6a that purposefully limited battery life and charging speed in an effort to prevent overheating.

• Also Check: 3 upgrades the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold needs to be taken seriously against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Google may be removing the Pixel 6a in response, however this is entirely unconfirmed. According to Android Authority, at least one Google Pixel 6a caught fire after the update was released.

I would still advise against purchasing the Google Pixel 6a while shopping at third-party stores or on the second-hand market, even though we cannot say that Google has discontinued the device as a result of these reports.

Although there haven’t been many cases of phones catching fire, there are still many fantastic phones available where this isn’t even an issue. For some inspiration, check out our guide to the top low-cost phones.

In July 2022, Google released the Pixel 6a, a less expensive variant of the flagship Pixel 6. Although we are unsure if this is connected to the currently reported problems, our assessment of the Pixel 6a at the time mentioned that battery life was a weak spot for this mid-range phone.

Additionally, Google probably wants to steer clear of any controversy during the Pixel 10 series launch timeframe. This year’s Made by Google event is scheduled for August 20 and is anticipated to include full reveals for Google’s next-generation flagships. Ironically, the festivities would be somewhat dampened if handhelds from three years ago caught fire.

As the Google Pixel 10 series is revealed, we’ll have the most recent information on the top Google Pixel phones. Stay tuned for updates by visiting our phones coverage.