Imagine waking up to the horrifying smell of smoke and the sound of crackling fire just inches from your head. That nightmare became a reality for a Reddit user whose Google Pixel 6a turned into a flame-thrower while they slept.

Ryan Haines from Android Authority reports that yet another Google Pixel 6a has caught fire, raising serious questions about the device's safety. Despite the user's installation of Google's mandatory update to tackle battery heating, their phone ignited spontaneously, casting doubts on the effectiveness of the announced fixes.

This incident follows a troubling pattern. Earlier this year, multiple reports of Pixel 6a battery fires prompted Google to roll out a software update aimed at curbing these dangerous overheating issues. This update was intended to dramatically decrease battery performance and reduce charging speeds, trying to mitigate the risk of fires. But, as the latest incident reveals, this fix might not work at all.

The Reddit user, known as footymanageraddict, described a terrifying experience on July 26. They were jolted awake by a terrible smell and loud noises only to discover their phone engulfed in flames. Thankfully, they managed to throw it onto the floor before the fire spread further, but not without damage. The fire had caused their bed sheets to ignite and even damaged the air conditioning unit nearby. The fumes from the burning phone left them coughing for hours.

What’s particularly alarming is that the user had updated their device with Google's “Battery Performance Program,” a measure supposed to reduce battery overheating risks. Google has suggested a free battery replacement for affected devices, but this user found that in-person replacements aren't available in their country.

This latest fire marks the fifth reported case of a Pixel 6a catching fire in the last year. However, the previous incidents occurred before the rollout of Google's update, casting doubt on the update's efficacy. People are starting to wonder: is it time for Google to consider a mandatory recall or battery replacement for these devices?

The situation worsened when Australia’s consumer watchdog issued a warning just a day before this incident, alerting users about potential overheating without requiring them to return their devices. With existing concerns and Google’s delay in addressing them, many are left feeling uneasy about their Pixel phones.

The tech giant has been contacted for comments regarding this dangerous occurrence and any potential further actions, such as a recall. Until they respond, recommending Pixel phones, especially the mid-range models, is becoming increasingly tricky due to these alarming safety concerns.