The newest Pixel replace recalibrates this battery...

Google recently pushed out its massive March 2025 Pixel Drop, introducing numerous new software program options to appropriate Pixel units. This over-the-air (OTA) Android 15 replace, which was seeded on March 4, brings updates to Gemini Live, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, and introduces a brand new Rip-off Detection instrument into the Google Messages app.

Quickly after downloading and putting in this newest software program construct, nonetheless, some Pixel customers started to note that the charging optimization setting on their handsets gave the impression to be damaged. Seemingly, their telephones started bypassing the prevailing battery charging restrict function of the OS, topping as much as 100% capability versus the user-imposed 80% restrict.

Many took to Reddit and different on-line boards to precise their concern over what gave the impression to be an unintentional bug launched by this new Pixel Drop. As reported on by Android Authority, nonetheless, it seems that there are no bugs to fret about in any case. Slightly, it appears to be like like Google has made an intentional change to the function in an effort to hold Pixel telephones operating in tip-top form.

Because it seems, when enabling the Restrict to 80% function on a Pixel telephone, the gadget wants to sometimes prime as much as 100% battery capability to recalibrate its battery capability, and to maintain issues operating easily under-the-hood. Different telephones that provide an identical function, including the iPhone, perform a lot in the identical manner.

Google’s retooling of the Pixel charging optimization function can also be corroborated by an announcement on the GrapheneOS Dialogue Discussion board. The official GrapheneOS mission account means that the recalibration course of was truly damaged pre-update, and that the problem has been resolved as of the March 2025 OTA launch. In consequence, many customers are merely experiencing an overdue calibration upon booting up their freshly-updated Pixel telephone.

It is actually a aid to listen to that Google has resolved this obvious subject, and that Pixel telephones can now carry out their charging optimization duties as initially supposed. In fact, this raises an essential query: simply how worthwhile is it to make use of the Restrict to 80% function, and the way do you entry charging optimization settings on a Pixel telephone to start with?

Associated

The Pixel 9 Pro is great, but here are 5 reasons why I’m waiting for the Pixel 10 Pro

Google’s Pixel 9 Professional is a slam-dunk success, however I am nonetheless not satisfied it is time to take the Pixel plunge.

Why ought to I allow an 80% charging cap on my Google Pixel telephone?

The function counteracts the chemical growing old technique of your telephone’s energy pack

As with most different smartphones in the marketplace, Google Pixel phones are powered by non-removable lithium-ion batteries. For so far as trendy battery tech has come, longevity stays a weak hyperlink. The charging course of itself places pressure on the chemical composition of your battery over time, and that is notably pronounced when in a completely charged state or in a completely depleted state.

The tip results of repeatedly topping up your telephone to 100% (say, by leaving your telephone plugged in in a single day) is an excessively strained battery, which deteriorates faster and due to this fact looses its efficacy at a sooner charge. Toggling on the 80% cost restrict setting, then, retains your telephone’s battery at a more healthy degree, and extends its general lifecycle.

Associated

The Pixel 9’s desktop mode offers a broken, but tantalizing glimpse of a future I want

There is not any purpose Samsung needs to be the one firm turning smartphones into desktop computer systems.

The best way to allow charging optimization in your Google Pixel telephone

Charging choices will be tweaked from throughout the Settings app

Google gives two separate charging optimization settings on its trendy Pixel telephones: Adaptive Charging, and Restrict to 80%. The previous makes use of AI to “end charging to 100% proper earlier than you usually unplug,” whereas the latter places a tough upward cap on the battery at precisely 80% capability.

To entry and modify charging optimization settings, comply with these steps:

1. Launch the Settings app in your Pixel telephone.
2. Navigate to Battery > Charging optimization.
3. Toggle on Use charging optimization.
4. Choose Adaptive Charging or Restrict to 80%, relying in your choice.

As talked about, your Pixel will sometimes prime again as much as 100% capability even when Restrict to 80% is enabled, and this is done by design to maintain your telephone correctly calibrated over time.

Google’s official support page gives further data, troubleshooting guides, and insights on the Pixel’s charging optimization function set, together with tips about the right way to eke out probably the most juice out of your handset.

Associated

New Pixel 9a leak offers the best look yet at the upcoming phone

A hands-on video of what could possibly be the Pixel 9a has leaked.