Pixel 6a Smartphone Catches Fire During Charging
Google's Pixel 6a smartphone caught fire while charging in Osaka Prefecture on June 29, 2025. The incident was initially reported as an accident with unknown links to the product, but after further investigation, Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency reclassified it as a serious product-related accident.
The user suffered minor injuries from burn wounds caused by the fire, which occurred when the device was being charged using a third-party USB cable and AC adapter. The built-in lithium-ion battery cell is believed to have overheated abnormally, leading to ignition.
Google had already identified overheating risks in some Pixel 6a units in 2025 and distributed software updates aimed at mitigating the issue. A battery replacement program was also launched through July 8, 2026.
The latest incident raises concerns about lithium-ion battery safety and may put pressure on Google to revise its recall measures or initiate a new program if the cause of the accident remains unidentified.