Google lays out the best ways to keep your Pixel battery running longer

what you need to know
- In a recent support article, Google provided some best practices for Pixel phone owners to keep their device and battery life long-lasting.
- The long-term health of your phone’s battery depends on the number of charge cycles it undergoes.
- Factors such as the ambient temperature when charging a mobile phone and the user’s unique usage patterns will affect battery capacity.
Google wants you to pay attention to your Pixel phone’s battery, because it determines the lifespan of the device. In a detailed article, the tech giant laid out the steps to maximize battery life, including charging temperatures and when to send them in for replacement.
Like most devices, Pixel phones use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which drain after a certain number of full charge cycles. A complete charging cycle usually refers to the time it takes for the phone to charge to 100% after being completely discharged. Different Pixel devices have different charging cycle limits before the battery needs to be replaced.
According to Google:
- Pixel 3 to Pixel 8 Pro, including Pixel Fold: Over approximately 800 charge cycles, up to 80% of capacity should be retained.
- Pixel 8a and later: Up to 80% of capacity should be retained for approximately 1000 charge cycles.
“The actual lifespan of your device depends on usage patterns and other factors,” the post added.
These factors include charging the Pixel at the ambient temperature the Pixel is charging at. Ideally, the room/space temperature should be approximately 25°C or 78°F, with minimal exposure to direct sunlight or heat. Or just turn off features that may be running in the background/that you don’t use.
Other ways to maximize battery life include updating your Pixel to the latest Android version, turning on adaptive charging, and storing your phone with at least 50% charge if you plan to store it for more than 30 days without using it. . We’ve also got a list of tips to help you extend your Android phone’s battery life that you might want to check out. Ultimately, this might help if you plan to keep your phone for the remainder of the software support cycle.
However, there may come a time when you need to replace your Pixel battery, depending on how the device performs in cold or warm ambient temperatures, you notice a decrease in device runtime, or the device reaches its limits. Users experiencing the above issues should replace the battery and visit Pixel’s support page for available options.
Google also mentioned that if the battery swells, it may make it easier for liquids or dust to enter the device, because the battery is more susceptible to accidental damage. Users should follow the steps below to restore the device to factory settings, let the phone discharge, and contact Google customer service. Users should not attempt to remove a swollen battery or repair the phone themselves as this can be dangerous.
To check the number of cycles on Pixel 8a and later phones:
Navigate to Settings > About phone > Battery informationwhich will provide you with an in-depth analysis of your daily usage and battery life. Users can also run battery diagnostics on their phone to check if there are any issues with the device.