ACCC flags battery overheating risks as users report painful incidents; Google silent so far
Some Pixel 6a owners in Australia are being warned to switch off their phones immediately. A formal recall has been issued after a string of overheating cases, with at least one user reportedly suffering serious burns.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced the urgent alert on Monday, citing concerns that the battery in certain devices could overheat and potentially catch fire. The fallout could be broader than expected, and so far, Google hasn’t made a public statement.
Heat, fire, and phones in pockets
Nobody expects their smartphone to burn them. But that’s exactly what happened to a few unlucky Australians.
The ACCC didn’t list exact numbers but confirmed that multiple incidents had already occurred. Their warning was blunt: the Pixel 6a “could pose a risk of fire and/or burns to a user.” In one confirmed case, a person suffered painful burn injuries after the phone heated up in their pocket.
One-sentence paragraph, right here:
No explosions, but serious enough to leave marks — physical and emotional.
Customers have taken to online forums in recent weeks, complaining about battery swelling, hot backs, and sudden shutdowns. Some had already replaced their handsets before the recall notice arrived. Others didn’t even realise the phone was overheating until it started damaging surfaces.
Which phones are affected?
Here’s where things get murky.
The ACCC recall only applies to some units of the Pixel 6a, a mid-range model released in 2022. Not every Pixel 6a is affected — just a subset that appears to be tied to specific production batches sold through major Australian retailers.
If you’re holding one of these phones right now, don’t panic. But maybe double-check your box.
Let’s break it down in a quick list:
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Device: Google Pixel 6a
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Region: Australia only (for now)
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Issue: Battery overheating risk
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Hazard: Burns and fire potential
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Action: Stop using immediately and contact retailer
And here’s the kicker — no mention yet of a global recall. That has many wondering: are other regions at risk too?
Radio silence from Google leaves users frustrated
Despite the recall being public since Monday, Google hasn’t responded with its own statement or support notice. That’s unusual.
The company typically issues safety guidance and refund options swiftly. But this time, customers have been left with vague directions from retailers, and a few are still waiting for return instructions.
Several JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman outlets reportedly struggled to verify return eligibility for Pixel 6a buyers as of Tuesday morning.
A Sydney user shared their chat with Google’s support team. “They didn’t even know about the recall. Told me to restart my phone. I’ve already got blisters!”
Meanwhile, Reddit threads are filling with Pixel users nervously watching their battery levels. “Mine runs hot all the time. I thought it was normal,” one wrote. “Guess not.”
Pixel’s reputation takes a hit… again
This isn’t the first hardware issue for Google’s Pixel line.
While the Pixel 6a was praised for its performance and camera quality, earlier models — including the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4 XL — also suffered from battery or screen-related complaints. Most of those were minor. But the word “burn injury” changes the tone completely.
And in a fiercely competitive smartphone market, public trust can evaporate fast.
Take a look at some past complaints:
| Pixel Model | Issue Reported | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 4 XL | Battery swell | 2021 | Acknowledged |
| Pixel 5 | Screen lift | 2020 | Limited returns |
| Pixel 6a | Overheating | 2025 | Recalled in AU |
It’s not Samsung Galaxy Note 7-level disastrous — but it’s a reputational bruise for a brand that prides itself on clean Android and reliability.
What should affected users do?
If you own a Pixel 6a in Australia, here’s what consumer regulators recommend:
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Stop using the phone immediately. Don’t charge it, don’t leave it plugged in overnight.
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Check the recall notice on the ACCC website to see if your unit is included.
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Contact the retailer you bought it from — whether it’s Telstra, JB Hi-Fi, or the Google Store itself.
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Request a replacement or refund. Under Australian law, customers are entitled to remedies if a product poses a safety risk.
One-liner again:
Don’t wait for it to get hot before acting.
There’s no word yet on whether customers will be offered new Pixel models or full cash refunds. Retailers are being asked to handle replacements directly, while Google assesses the fault with battery manufacturers.
Broader questions about battery safety linger
The recall reignites a broader debate about smartphone battery safety. Lithium-ion batteries are powerful — but they’re also volatile. When compressed, punctured, or damaged, they can overheat and ignite.
And because most users charge overnight or carry phones close to the body, the risks are personal.
One battery engineer told us off the record, “Heat should never sneak up on you. But it does. And when it does, it moves fast.”
Australia’s strict product safety laws mean recalls like this are taken seriously. But without global action or acknowledgment from Google, many are asking: what if the problem isn’t just down under?
