First Android 13 patch for Pixels fixes wireless charging and battery drain problems

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

The phones received the latest version of the operating system last month, which led to some bugs being fixed. Issues like unexpected battery drain and disabled wireless charging are addressed in the monthly update.

The patch won't be available on the new phone until later this month. One of the fixes included in the list is for the Pixel 6A. According to Consumer Reports, some owners of the new phone have found that it can be unlocked with a finger or fingerprints that are different from theirs.

Screenshot: Richard Lawler / The Verge

The increased battery drain is blamed on a background activity issue that has been fixed in the update. If your wireless charging wouldn't always work, this update is supposed to bring it back.

It isn't the first time that Google has had a rocky start to the launch of its mobile operating system. The first major Android 12 update last December was supposed to address a number of launch issues and add new features, but it was halted after finding that some phones wouldn't call. Hopefully, history doesn't repeat itself with the upcoming release of the Pixel 7 because it was one of the rockiest starts for a wide release ofAndroid yet.

Our September software update begins rolling out today to all supported Pixel devices running #Android13 and will continue over the next week. The updates include improvements to:

Battery & charging

Bluetooth connectivity

User interface



Learn more: https://t.co/AKJjt0ScUj

— Made By Google (@madebygoogle) September 6, 2022

Lock screen notifications that would only partially display are one of the issues being addressed. You can see the full changelog for the TP1A. 220905.004 version here.

Battery & Charging

Fix for issue occasionally causing increased battery drain from certain launcher background activities

Fix for issue preventing wireless charging mode to activate in certain conditions *[1]

Biometrics

Additional improvements for fingerprint recognition and response in certain conditions *[2]

Bluetooth

Fix for issue occasionally preventing certain Bluetooth devices or accessories from connecting

User Interface

Fix for issue occasionally causing notifications to appear truncated on the lock screen

Fixes are available for all supported Pixel devices unless otherwise indicated below.

*[1] Included on Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 5, Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro

*[2] Included on Pixel 6a