Overview
- Google introduced an 80% charging limit for Pixel phones to help prolong battery life, but some users have observed their devices still reaching 100% in charge.
- This occurrence is not a malfunction; the phone occasionally exceeds the limit to recalibrate the battery, providing more accurate charge readings.
- Once the battery is fully charged, a shield icon appears, indicating that the recalibration process is finished and the 80% limit will resume.
Google has recently implemented a new charging feature for its Pixel smartphones, setting a cap at 80% to enhance battery longevity. However, some users have reported that their phones still manage to charge fully to 100%. This isn’t a technical error but a necessary part of the battery’s recalibration process.
Many users have taken to platforms like Reddit and the Google support forum to share their experiences concerning the inconsistency of this 80% charge limit. Instead of adhering to the intended cap, some Pixel devices are charging to full capacity.
Related
Charging optimization in Android 15: What it is and how it works
An explanation of the advantages of an 80% battery charge limit
This charging feature has been designed to address concerns about the potential negative impact of leaving your phone plugged in for extended periods. By limiting the charge to 80%, Google aims to slow down battery deterioration and enhance the device’s overall lifespan. Nonetheless, since the arrival of Android 16 Beta 2, several users have pointed out that the function does not seem to operate correctly.
Fortunately, this isn’t a frustrating design problem. As discussed on the GrapheneOS forum, the occasional full charge is a part of the recalibration process necessary for the battery’s estimated capacity. This step helps the device accurately gauge the battery life, minimizing errors.
Not a glitch, but intended functionality
Prior to the Android 15 QPR2 update, the battery recalibration system faced some issues and didn’t consistently function correctly. Fortunately, those problems have been resolved, making the system much better at monitoring battery health over time.
After your Pixel completely charges, it’s recommended to leave it plugged in for a moment. You will see a shield icon appear, which indicates that the charging process is recalibrating. Once that stage is done, the 80% charge limit will resume, and regular charging practices will be restored.
This phenomenon, where devices sometimes charge up to 100% despite charging limits being set, is not exclusive to Google. iPhones exhibit similar behavior, even with optimized charging enabled. Apple confirms that this is a typical operation that helps maintain better battery health and accurate readings of battery life.