The latest Pixel update recalibrates this battery feature (that you should be using)

Google recently pushed out its big March 2025 Pixel Drop, introducing a number of new software features to compatible Pixel devices. This over-the-air (OTA) Android 15 update, which was seeded on March 4, brings updates to Gemini Live, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, and introduces a new Scam Detection tool into the Google Messages app.

Soon after downloading and installing this latest software build, however, some Pixel users began to notice that the charging optimization setting on their handsets appeared to be broken. Seemingly, their phones began bypassing the existing battery charging limit feature of the OS, topping up to 100% capacity as opposed to the user-imposed 80% limit.

Many took to Reddit and other online forums to express their concern over what appeared to be an unintentional bug introduced by this new Pixel Drop. As reported on by Android Authority, however, it appears that there aren’t any bugs to worry about after all. Rather, it looks like Google has made an intentional change to the feature in order to keep Pixel phones running in tip-top shape.

As it turns out, when enabling the Limit to 80% feature on a Pixel phone, the device needs to occasionally top up to 100% battery capacity to recalibrate its battery capacity, and to keep things running smoothly under-the-hood. Other phones that offer a similar feature, including the iPhone, function much in the same way.

Google’s retooling of the Pixel charging optimization feature is also corroborated by an announcement on the GrapheneOS Discussion Forum. The official GrapheneOS project account suggests that the recalibration process was actually broken pre-update, and that the issue has been resolved as of the March 2025 OTA release. As a result, many users are simply experiencing an overdue calibration upon booting up their freshly-updated Pixel phone.

It’s certainly a relief to hear that Google has resolved this apparent issue, and that Pixel phones can now perform their charging optimization duties as originally intended. Of course, this raises an important question: just how worthwhile is it to use the Limit to 80% feature, and how do you access charging optimization settings on a Pixel phone to begin with?

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Why should I enable an 80% charging cap on my Google Pixel phone?

The feature counteracts the chemical aging process of your phone’s power pack

As with most other smartphones on the market, Google Pixel phones are powered by non-removable lithium-ion batteries. For as far as modern battery tech has come, longevity remains a weak link. The charging process itself puts strain on the chemical composition of your battery over time, and this is particularly pronounced when in a fully charged state or in a fully depleted state.

The end result of regularly topping up your phone to 100% (say, by leaving your phone plugged in overnight) is an overly strained battery, which deteriorates quicker and therefore looses its efficacy at a faster rate. Toggling on the 80% charge limit setting, then, keeps your phone’s battery at a healthier level, and extends its overall lifecycle.

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How to enable charging optimization on your Google Pixel phone

Charging options can be tweaked from within the Settings app

Google offers two separate charging optimization settings on its modern Pixel phones: Adaptive Charging, and Limit to 80%. The former uses AI to “finish charging to 100% right before you normally unplug,” while the latter puts a hard upward cap on the battery at exactly 80% capacity.

To access and adjust charging optimization settings, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Settings app on your Pixel phone.
2. Navigate to Battery > Charging optimization.
3. Toggle on Use charging optimization.
4. Select Adaptive Charging or Limit to 80%, depending on your preference.

As mentioned, your Pixel will occasionally top back up to 100% capacity even when Limit to 80% is enabled, and this is done by design to keep your phone properly calibrated over time.

Google’s official support page offers additional information, troubleshooting guides, and insights on the Pixel’s charging optimization feature set, including tips on how to eke out the most juice from your handset.

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