The 2016 Google Pixel XL has a potentially dangerous bug that causes it to draw 40 percent more current than required after the Android 8.1 update
The old Pixel XL (review) has a potentially dangerous new bug after the update to Android 8.1 that causes the phone to draw more current while charging. Users reported the Pixel XL flashing ‘charging rapidly’ multiple times after being plugged into the stock charger.
Under certain circumstances, the Pixel XL attempts to pull 40 percent more current from the charger which causes the phone to repeatedly start and stop charging as the charger shuts off to protect from overcurrent.
The issue has been confirmed to happen when a sufficiently drained Pixel XL is plugged in to the stock charger or a charger with similar wattage (9V/2A). Ideally, the Pixel XL draws 18W of power from the charger, but in this case, the Pixel XL is drawing 25W current.
Fortunately, the stock charger is made to protect the phone from overcurrents. The charger interrupts charging when this offers and then tries again. The phone will run the cycle of connecting, starting to charge and disconnecting 3-4 times before the phone starts drawing power at a lower rate.
However, if you are using a third-party charger with no overcurrent protection, you might potentially be in danger.
The problem is also present in the Android P Developer Preview and it becomes noticeable because of the multiple ‘dings’ the phone makes when connecting/disconnecting every time.
The bug was reported by Google’s Issue Tracker back in January and there are multiple mentions of the issue in Google’s Product Forums as well. That’s two months since the issue has gone unaddressed which is quite concerning. It’s not clear whether all Pixel XL units have the issue.
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