Google’s Pixel devices have long supported Battery Share, allowing you to wirelessly charge other devices and accessories using a compatible phone. Previously, you could perform this task while also charging your phone when it was plugged in. However, with the launch of the Google Pixel 9 series, this simultaneous charging feature has been disabled.
According to Android Police, a new Google support page explains that Battery Share now automatically turns off when your Pixel 9 is connected to a wired charger. This means you can no longer charge your phone and accessories at the same time. While Google has not provided a reason for this change, it is likely intended to reduce heat and prolong the phone’s battery life.
In the past, previous Pixel models would enable Battery Share automatically when you began charging your phone, eliminating the need to enable it manually in the settings app. Conversely, on those models, Battery Share would deactivate shortly after if you were not charging an accessory.
While this change may not be significant, as using Battery Share while charging your phone can slow down the overall charging speed, many reviewers have noted the improved battery efficiency in this year’s Pixel devices. This means you may spend less time charging your devices regardless. It will be interesting to see if a future software update will implement this feature on older Pixel models like the Pixel 8 Pro.
The Google Pixel 9 series consists of four phones: the base Pixel 9 and three Pro models—Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
The Pixel 5 was the first Pixel phone to support Battery Share (reverse wireless charging). Interestingly, the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold, like its predecessor Pixel Fold, does not offer Battery Share functionality in any form.
