Google’s budget-friendly Pixel A series is in the news again, but for all the wrong reasons. A shocking episode related to the Pixel 6a has raised some serious safety concerns. Tests and reports show that the phone can overheat and even melt while charging.
Pixel 6a Overheating: Phone Melts While Charging, Raising Safety Concerns
Android Authority says that a user, Arielle, got a frightening wake-up call on her Pixel 6a. She had charged the phone overnight on a third-party charger. Hours after, she was awakened by the phone’s overheating warning. A few seconds after the warning, she heard a loud pop and a burning smell.
The damage was severe. Her Pixel 6a had melted while it was being charged. Photos show the phone screen peeling off the body. The melting was so severe that parts of the phone stuck to nearby clothing. The phone was completely ruined and could not be operated.
This is not an isolated incident. Other users earlier reported the same issues, raising alarm about the device’s safety when they used non-official chargers.
Arielle immediately called Google Support after the event. Google responded quickly and apologized for the incident. As a goodwill gesture, they gave her a new Pixel 8a. They also requested that she send back the burned Pixel 6a so that they could investigate the reason behind the issue.
Even though Google moved swiftly, the incident has left Pixel users concerned. It serves to highlight the risk of third-party charging equipment and also brings into question the thermal safety design of the Pixel 6a.
For now, users should use OEM chargers and actively monitor their phones while charging. Google has not announced a broader recall yet, but this incident could prompt a deeper investigation into the Pixel 6a’s safety.
