Google Pixel 9, Other Models Get Support for Bypass Charging With Latest Update

When enabled, the Pixel device runs on AC power directly without draining the battery.

Written by Shaurya Tomer, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 12 December 2024 14:28 IST

Google Pixel 9, Other Models Get Support for Bypass Charging With Latest Update

Photo Credit: Google

The charging limit feature was first reported to arrive with the Android 15 QPR1 release

Highlights

Report suggests Pixel now supports bypass charging via AC power
The feature is said to prevent trickle charging at 80 percent battery
It is available on Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 series models

Google introduced the December Pixel Feature Drop for compatible devices last week. Among others, the update brought a new charging limit feature for Pixel smartphones, claiming that it could help prolong the battery life. A recent discovery highlighted on social media following the update suggests that the Pixel 9 series and select other models are able to run directly on power supplied by the wall outlet, bypassing the battery.

Bypass Charging on Pixel

The latest update for Pixel allows the user to set the charging limit of the battery to just 80 percent. It appears under the Charging optimisation header. In the GooglePixel subreddit (via Android Police), user takaxia claimed that if this feature is enabled, the Pixel can run on AC power alone, instead of drawing power from the battery. After reaching the 80 percent limit, the handset will avoid trickle charging, the post suggests.

This capability was already available on select Samsung Galaxy and Asus ROG devices and has now made its way to Google's Pixel lineup. It is said to be available on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 series devices. The user shared screenshots of the bypass charging feature in action. When the Pixel is plugged in with the feature turned off, the battery status reflects as “charging”. But once enabled, it shows the battery status as “not charging”.

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The user claimed that they ran the 3DMark benchmark test on the device with bypass charging turned on and the battery percentage did not drop. Gadgets 360 members were able to confirm the addition of this new feature on a Pixel 9.

Other Features

According to Google, the December Pixel Drop update introduces new ways of using Gemini — the company's artificial intelligence (AI) large language model (LLM). It includes more personalised responses, access to more apps and services, and smarter replies when using the Call Screen feature.

The update brings updates to the Pixel Screenshots app, in addition to more features on Pixel Studio, Gboard, and other system improvements.

Google Pixel 9

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Flagship build and design
Excellent display
Great cameras
Good battery life
AI features are fun

Bad
Processor is still not great
Heats up
No longer compact

Read detailed Google Pixel 9 review

Display 6.30-inch

Front Camera 10.5-megapixel

Rear Camera 50-megapixel + 48-megapixel

RAM 12GB

Storage 256GB

Battery Capacity 4700mAh

OS Android 14

Resolution 1080x2424 pixels

More Google mobiles Google mobiles price in India

Google Pixel 8

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Smaller form factor makes it more comfortable to hold
Excellent and bright display
Cameras are still the best
Packed with AI features

Bad
Battery life is still not the best
Expensive
Tends to heat up under heavy load

Read detailed Google Pixel 8 review

Display 6.20-inch

Processor Google Tensor G3

Front Camera 11-megapixel

Rear Camera 50-megapixel + 12-megapixel

RAM 8GB

Storage 128GB, 256GB

Battery Capacity 4575mAh

OS Android 14

Resolution 1080x2400 pixels

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Further reading: Google Pixel Update, Google Pixel, Pixel update, Google Pixel 9, Google Pixel 8, Google

Shaurya Tomer

Email Shaurya Tomer

Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More