Most phones and tablets, like Pixel phones, use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries which have a limited number of charge cycles and will eventually need to be replaced. All batteries are consumable components and aren’t meant to last indefinitely. Many factors like temperature, charging and discharging, and device usage contribute to a decrease in your battery’s capacity. This results in shorter battery runtime or a decreased ability to deliver power in extreme temperatures.
When charged as recommended, your Pixel phone’s battery is designed to keep at least 80% of its initial capacity up to a certain number of charge cycles. Capacity is estimated by the battery’s fuel gauge. Your battery’s actual lifespan depends on usage patterns and other factors.
Your Pixel battery’s charge cycle count is the number of times the battery has completed a full discharge and recharge of the battery, which includes partial discharges. For example, if you used your Pixel phone from 100% charge to 50% charge and then recharged it to 100%, this is calculated as 0.5 cycles.
Rated charge cycles by Pixel phone:
- Pixel 3 through Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel Fold: Should retain up to 80% capacity for about 800 charge cycles, after which battery replacement is recommended.
- Pixel 8a and later: Should retain up to 80% capacity for about 1000 charge cycles, after which battery replacement is recommended.
Tip: Charge your Pixel phone in a cool place, about 25℃ or 78℉, with a compatible USB-C PD or PPS charger.
To check your phone’s cycle count on Pixel 8a and later:
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap About phone
Battery information.
Battery information.Maximize your battery health
To help maximize the lifespan of your Pixel battery:
- Check and update your Android version.
- Charge your phone in a cool ambient, about 25℃ or 78℉ temperature, and limit exposure to direct sunlight and external heat sources. Help keep your Pixel phone from feeling too warm or hot.
- Use Adaptive Charging.
- Turn off features that you don’t need to reduce everyday battery drain.
- If you plan to store your phone for more than 30 days, store with at least 50% charge.
- Avoid prolonged, 6 or more hours, exposure to high ambient temperatures more than 35℃ or 95℉ ambient.
Battery health assistance
For Pixel 9a:
Lithium-ion batteries are consumable components that eventually require replacement. Your Pixel 9a will receive a software update that automatically helps manage the long term health and performance of its battery as it ages. This software will adjust the battery’s maximum voltage in stages that start at 200 charge cycles and continue gradually until 1000 charge cycles to help stabilize battery performance and aging.
You may notice small decreases in your battery’s runtime as your battery ages. Battery health assistance will also tune the phone’s charging speed based on adjusted capacity. You may notice a slight change in battery charging performance. Battery health assistance settings on Pixel 9a aren’t customizable by the user.
Replace your battery
Lithium-ion batteries have a limited number of charge cycles and will eventually need to be replaced. We recommend you replace your battery for:
- Pixel 3 through Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel Fold: When it's less than 80% remaining capacity or reaches 800 cycles.
- Pixel 8a and later: When it's less than 80% remaining capacity or reaches 1000 cycles.
When you replace your aged battery:
- It improves your phone’s performance in cold or warm ambient temperatures.
- It increases runtime.
- It may help prolong your Pixel phone’s useful life.
If you notice a decrease in your phone’s runtime or your battery reaches the rated cycle charge count, we recommend that you replace your battery. Go to Pixel’s support page for your available options.
For additional support:
- Learn how to find an authorized repair partner for your Pixel phone.
- Learn how to repair your Pixel phone.
- Your Pixel phone’s warranty provides coverage for defective batteries during the warranty period, along with any other rights granted by local consumer laws.
Manage devices with a swollen battery
A swollen battery doesn’t typically present a safety hazard provided you exercise extra caution. They can, however, cause liquids or dust to enter the device more easily. Exposed batteries are more susceptible to accidental damage (e.g. by puncture) and can potentially cause the battery to overheat and cause injury. Here are some best practices if you have a swollen battery.
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