The latest Google Pixel Drop changes the way your phone charges. Here’s what’s new
- Pixels can now limit their battery charging to 80%
- This keeps the batteries healthy for longer
- The feature also adds support for ‘bypass charging’
One of the updates now being sent to Pixels users in December’s Pixel Drop is a new option to limit battery charge to 80% – and Google has just clarified how exactly the feature works.
In a statement to Android AuthorityGoogle has confirmed that the update means bypass charging will be enabled once the battery reaches 80% Limit to 80% option is enabled in the Battery > Charging optimization section of Android settings.
Bypass charging is, as the name suggests, bypassing the battery. With the phone still plugged in, power is sent directly to the components inside the phone, leaving the battery alone – instead of constantly charging the battery.
It should mean a cooler, healthier battery once it reaches the 80% limit because no more power is being sent to it. It also means you can continue to use it while it’s plugged in without worrying about too much heat building up.
Know your limits
The idea of only charging a phone to 80% is that it keeps the battery in a healthier condition for longer: filling a battery all the way to 100% isn’t dangerous, but the part will gradually wear out a little faster.
It’s actually a feature that’s been around for a while on Samsung phones, iPhones and several other models, due to its battery health benefits – so it’s good to see it finally appear on the Google Pixel range.
Which models can the Limit to 80% option is currently unclear. It is not specifically mentioned Announcing Google’s blog postand the Android Authority team also couldn’t get any clarification from Google.
The easiest way to check if you can use this on your Pixel is to see if the option is there: Go to Battery Than Charging optimization from Settings. If it is available, Limit to 80% appears below the existing one Adaptive charging setting.
