Android 16 brings a handy new feature for Pixel phones: a Battery Health indicator. This tool lets you see how your battery is doing by estimating its current capacity compared to when it was brand new.
You’ll find it in the Settings app. There, you also get battery care tips and articles, and you’ll notice Adaptive Charging has been moved into this section too.
But here’s the catch: this feature only works on newer models like the Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Google says older Pixel devices can’t use it because of hardware limitations.
It’s pretty clear Google’s focusing on making the latest Pixels feel more premium. The Battery Health menu definitely adds to that experience.
Key Takeaways
- Android 16 adds a Battery Health feature for recent Pixel devices.
- Older Pixel devices are excluded due to hardware constraints.
- The feature offers battery capacity details and care tips.
More on Android 16:
Android 16 debuts a battery health feature that helps users keep tabs on their phone’s long-term battery health. The battery health menu appears in the Android 16 beta for newer devices like the Pixel 9 series, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8a.
It shows charge cycles, battery capacity, and gives you tips to keep your battery healthy. It’s a practical addition, especially if you plan to keep your phone for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I view the battery health of a Pixel phone using Android 16?
Open the Settings app, tap Battery, and you’ll see the Battery Health option. This tells you the current state of your battery and how much capacity remains.
What actions help maintain or improve battery performance on a Pixel phone?
Try not to let your battery fully die or stay plugged in at 100% for too long. Use adaptive charging features, turn on battery saver, and avoid heavy use while charging to prevent overheating.
Are there new tools in Android 16 for tracking battery health on Pixel devices?
Android 16 offers a Battery Health menu on supported Pixels. You’ll get info on remaining charge capacity and usage patterns, but only on certain newer models.
Is it possible to replace the battery in a Pixel phone? What does the process involve?
You can get your Pixel battery replaced by Google’s authorized repair services or some third-party shops. Check out the Google Repair Center for details on locations and services.
What indicators suggest that a Pixel battery might be wearing out on Android 16?
If your battery drains fast, gets hot during use or charging, or the max health drops a lot, that’s a red flag. When these issues happen often, it might be time for a replacement.
Does Android 16 include built-in options for managing battery health on Pixel phones?
Android 16 rolls out features like smart charging that aim to stretch out your battery’s life. You’ll also spot improved battery usage tracking, which helps you keep tabs on how your phone’s doing over time.
Google hid the Battery Health menu in the initial beta builds of Android 16 before making it available to public Pixel beta testers with the third beta. However, only Pixel 9 and Pixel 8a users could see the battery capacity and its remaining health. Many users chalked it up to an inadvertent bug on Google’s side. Turns out, that’s not the case.
Replying to the bug report on the Google Issue Tracker, a Google engineer confirmed (via Android Authority) that “the Battery Health Indicator feature is currently supported in Beta 3 on Pixel 8a and Pixel 9 products including 9 Pro Fold. Due to product limitations, this feature will not be available on older in-market Pixel devices.”
It’s puzzling that Google will only support the Battery Health menu on the Pixel 8a while leaving out its more expensive siblings. The feature would make more sense on older devices, which are far more likely to need a replacement cell due to aging. By comparison, Apple allows users to check the battery capacity on iPhones dating back to 2014.
Comments 2