Pixel problems roundup: Android 16 beta reboots, Messages crashes, and 6a battery fix revival

Google Pixel users are running into a few nagging problems lately, from beta software glitches to app instability and hardware fixes. If you’re rocking a Pixel device, these issues might sound familiar. Let’s dive into the details, starting with the bug on Android 16 beta.

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 rebooting issue

Some beta testers who installed the recent QPR1 Beta 3 update have been reporting frequent random reboots on their Pixel phones. People with devices like the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 8 Pro suddenly restarting without warning. One user mentioned their phone crashing two to three times a day, often right in the middle of a call, and paired with faster battery drain. 

Another user claims to have experienced as many as 30 reboots in just a few hours, forcing some to bail on the beta and switch back to the stable version. There are even reports about it on Google’s Issue Tracker. I spotted one comment from a Googler who noted that they’ve shared the bug report with the product and engineering team. But there’s no follow-up just yet.

PS, I’ve not noticed even a single random reboot on my Pixel 8 that’s also running the same beta build. So I wonder if this is specific to certain models or if there’s something else at play. That said, one user on a separate thread noted that “there was a network with an authentication problem,” and forgetting the network got rid of the random rebooting bug.

Google Messages app keeps crashing

The Google Messages app is giving users grief too, crashing seconds after opening for some on Android devices, as reported by 9to5Google. This cropped up with the latest beta version (20250805_00_RC00), affecting Pixel and Samsung phones running Android 16 or 16 QPR1. You can still reply via notifications or bubbles, but the main conversation list is a no-go.

Not everyone is hit, but those who are have tried clearing cache and rebooting with no luck. The fix that works for many? Uninstall updates from the app info menu, then grab the latest from the Play Store — it keeps your message history intact. Joining and leaving the beta program has helped a few, though it risks losing recent texts if not backed up. 

Pixel 6a battery repair gets a revival

Finally, some good news for Pixel 6a owners battling battery woes. After reports of swelling batteries causing spontaneous shutdowns, Google pushed an update that capped charging speeds and capacity to avoid fires, but it left devices with poor battery life that sometimes lasts less than a day. Google offered free replacements or $150 payouts, but for DIY fans, iFixit has restocked genuine battery kits for under $50, as highlighted by Android Police. 

The kit includes a 4410 mAh battery, and iFixit provides guides and videos to walk you through the swap. Heating the adhesive with a hair dryer or iOpener makes screen removal easier, though it’s tricky to avoid damage.

But given that someone’s Pixel 6a caught fire even after the battery performance update, I would urge everyone to be very careful. If you aren’t confident in what you’re doing, the best option is to get the battery replaced by experienced technicians.

We stand out from the tech-media crowd because we break news stories; we mainly bring you stuff that you won’t find anywhere in the mainstream tech media. Our stories have been picked up by some of the world’s most popular websites and media outlets—more info is available here.