Google tackles overheating issues in Pixel phones with Adaptive Thermal

Have you ever worried your Pixel phone might melt in your hands? You’re not alone. Pixel phones have had a bit of a reputation for running hot, especially after certain software updates. But fret no more, Pixel users, because Google seems to be working on a solution.

According to a recent discovery by Mishaal Rahman at Android Authority, there are clues hidden within the code of the Pixel’s Device Health Services app that hint at a new feature called “Adaptive Thermal.” This feature appears designed to warn users when their phone is getting a little too toasty and offer ways to cool it down before things get out of hand.

Here’s how it might work: if your Pixel’s temperature starts creeping towards 120 degrees Fahrenheit (~ 48.88 Celsius), you’ll receive a notification with the not-so-subtle message that your “phone needs to cool down.” The notification will also warn you that you might experience slower performance on your device.

But Google isn’t just leaving you hanging with a cryptic message. The code suggests that Adaptive Thermal will also offer some helpful tips for cooling down your phone. These might include things like keeping it out of direct sunlight, letting it breathe in a well-ventilated area, or even closing down any battery-hungry apps like games or video streams.

Now, let’s say you ignore the warnings and your Pixel continues to heat up. Adaptive Thermal seems to be keeping a watchful eye on things, checking your phone’s temperature every five minutes. If the temperature climbs even higher, reaching 126 degrees Fahrenheit (~ 52.22 Celsius) or above, the feature will kick into “emergency” mode. Exactly what happens in this emergency mode remains a bit of a mystery, but it’s safe to assume it won’t be pleasant.

And if things get truly critical, with temperatures reaching a scorching 131 degrees Fahrenheit (~ 55 Celsius) or higher, Adaptive Thermal will deliver a final, urgent warning: your phone is about to shut down in 30 seconds to protect itself.

While there’s no official word on when Google plans to unleash Adaptive Thermal on the world, it’s possible it could arrive with the upcoming Pixel 9 series.

This new feature comes at a welcome time for Pixel users. The Pixel 6 and 7 series both struggled with overheating issues following certain security patches, leaving users with uncomfortably warm phones and drained batteries. The Pixel 8 series also saw some reports of overheating, though not as widespread.

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Hopefully, Adaptive Thermal will be the solution Pixel users have been waiting for, giving them more control over their phone’s temperature and preventing those heart-stopping moments when it feels like their device might just burst into flames.