Some Pixel 10 Pro Fold users are seeing a question mark on the battery icon

Update (October 26): A Google spokesperson told Android Authority that the issue stems from using an incompatible wireless charger, and that restarting the device usually resolves it. They added that a software update scheduled for release next month will permanently fix the problem. Google advises users to charge their phones with certified Qi2 wireless chargers. If the question mark icon next to the battery indicator persists after a reboot, users are encouraged to reach out to Google Support.

Original article (October 23) follows:

Google’s Pixel lineup is well known for its software smarts, AI capabilities, and clean Android experience. But as with any software-driven device, bugs occasionally slip through. The latest issue puzzling Pixel owners is a question mark appearing inside or next to the battery icon where the percentage indicator should normally be.

Over the past few days, multiple reports have surfaced across Reddit and other user forums describing this strange battery indicator behavior, primarily affecting the new Pixel 10 Pro Fold. According to user accounts, the question mark typically shows up after wireless charging sessions, particularly when using third-party or older MagSafe-style chargers, and disappears once the phone is rebooted.

In most cases, a restart seems to temporarily fix the issue, with the correct percentage indicator returning afterward. This has led some to believe that the problem could be a minor UI or software glitch in how Android reports battery status, potentially triggered by non-Qi2 certified chargers. The speculation is that these chargers might cause brief communication or calibration errors between the battery management system and the software interface, resulting in the phone being unsure of the current battery level, hence the question mark.

However, not all users have been so lucky. Some who previously encountered the same symbol on older Pixel Fold models, particularly the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, claim that the issue preceded more serious hardware failures, including swollen batteries, unresponsive displays, and eventual device death. In those cases, the only fix was a full device replacement under warranty.

This has understandably raised concern among Pixel 10 Pro Fold owners seeing the same sign, even if it resolves after a reboot. While some reports mention the issue appearing just once, others say it recurs whenever wireless charging is used with third-party accessories, leading to speculation about deeper hardware or firmware instability.

Interestingly, the problem doesn’t appear to affect all Pixel models, and Google hasn’t yet issued an acknowledgment or update regarding the reports. A few users who reached out to Google support say the company immediately arranged replacements, suggesting the possibility that Google is at least aware of the situation.

Still, given the mixed experiences ranging from harmless software quirks to full device failures, affected users should back up their data and monitor their phones closely. Until Google clarifies the cause, it might be safer to stick with official Pixel accessories or Qi2-certified wireless chargers to avoid triggering the issue.

Whether this is an isolated charging bug, a UI glitch, or an early sign of a more widespread hardware fault remains to be seen, but the pattern is concerning enough that many Pixel 10 Pro Fold owners will likely be watching their battery icons a little more closely in the coming days.