Pixel 80% charging issue: slow speeds plague latest android update

Pixel users are reporting frustratingly slow charging speeds after Google's March feature drop. The update, intended to improve battery health by limiting charging to 80%, is instead causing a significant slowdown in the final stages of charging.

Battery health compromised?

Reports began flooding social media platforms like Reddit shortly after the release of the March 2026 update. Users across various Pixel models – including the Pixel 10 series, Pixel 9 lineup, and older devices – are observing charging times of nearly an hour to reach from 77% to 80%.

Before the update, this final 3% would typically take around 5-6 minutes. One Redditor documented a 47-minute wait to reach 80% from 77%, compared to just 6 minutes previously. This isn't a charger issue; users have confirmed using the same 7.5W A-to-C chargers.

Google initially disputed the claims, stating that the slower charging is a designed behavior to protect battery longevity. A comment attributed to a Google employee on the company's Issue Tracker explained that devices now transition to a lower current at approximately 77% to reach the 80% limit.

However, this explanation has drawn sharp criticism from users. The delay is excessive, especially considering the minimal benefit of the extra 10-15 minutes of screen time gained by reaching 80%.

The only current workaround is to disable the charging optimization feature, reverting to full-speed charging. Google has acknowledged the issue and stated they are “optimizing the user experience,” but a concrete timeline for a fix remains elusive.

The irony isn't lost on many: a feature designed to extend battery life is, for now, creating a considerable inconvenience. This isn't just about a few extra minutes; it's about a broken promise of seamless functionality.

The situation highlights the tension between battery health and user convenience – a balance that Google is clearly still trying to strike.

For now, the recommended course of action is patience. Or, perhaps, a return to manually unplugging your Pixel at 80%.