Pixel Phones Now Support Battery Bypass Charging
The December 2024 Pixel update introduced a new feature that limits battery charging to 80% to improve battery health. This update also seems to enable "bypass charging."
Bypass charging allows the phone to draw power directly from the charger when the 80% limit is reached, rather than cycling power through the battery. This reduces battery degradation and heat generation, particularly beneficial for mobile gaming.
How Bypass Charging Works
- When the battery reaches 80%, the phone stops charging it.
- The phone then draws power directly from the charger for its operations.
- Power consumption varies depending on usage, from 0.1W while idle up to 7.6W during benchmarking.
- Re-enabling "Adaptive Charging" returns to normal charging behavior.
Benefits and Availability
Bypass charging offers several advantages, including prolonged battery life and reduced heat. While particularly useful for gamers, it generally benefits anyone concerned about battery health. This feature aligns with Google's goal of extending Pixel phone usability up to 7 years. Currently, bypass charging has been confirmed on the Pixel 8 Pro, but it's likely available on other recent Pixel models like the Pixel 8, 8a, and potentially the Pixel 9 series. For more information on Pixel updates, check out iOS 18.2: Enhanced AI, Security, and Bug Fixes and iOS 18.2: Key Features and Enhancements. You can also learn about other Android updates, such as Android App & Game Deals + Samsung Discover Sale.