Google Retires the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro from Its Refurbished Program – What It Means for You

Google’s Pixel 6 series is officially reaching the twilight of its life cycle. Once hailed for introducing the company’s first in-house Tensor chip and redefining computational photography, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are now being quietly phased out of Google’s Certified Refurbished Pixel Phone program. The move marks a symbolic end of an era for Google’s 2021 flagships, as the company prepares to focus on newer devices and extended software support strategies.

When the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro launched, Google promised three years of Android updates and five years of security patches – a policy that matched the industry norm at the time. However, things changed dramatically in early 2024 when Samsung raised the bar with its Galaxy S24 lineup, offering an unprecedented seven years of Android updates. Not wanting to appear behind, Google soon followed suit, extending full Android update support for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 families from three to five years. This means that Pixel 6 owners, once expecting Android 15 to be their last major OS, can now look forward to both Android 16 and Android 17, giving the phones another year of relevance.

For bargain hunters, last year’s introduction of the Certified Refurbished Pixel Phone program was a golden opportunity. Through it, Google offered older Pixel models at up to 40% off their original retail prices. Each refurbished device underwent a strict inspection process that covered the battery, display, and casing. Any necessary repairs were performed using official Google parts, and the phones shipped with the latest Android version, a compatible charger, and a one-year warranty. The Pixel 6 was available for just $339, while the premium Pixel 6 Pro sold for $539 – making them some of the most accessible entry points into the Pixel ecosystem.

But now, those deals are gone. Google has officially removed the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro from its refurbished listings, citing their limited remaining support window. With roughly a year left before their update eligibility ends, the company appears to be refocusing the program on newer devices. The refurbished lineup currently includes the Pixel 7a at $339, the Pixel 7 at $359, and the Pixel 7 Pro at $538. These models benefit from longer software support horizons, ensuring buyers won’t find themselves holding an outdated device too soon.

Interestingly, the Pixel 6a, Google’s first mid-range model powered by the Tensor chip, has received an unexpected extension in software support – it will now be eligible for Android 18. However, it’s no longer part of the refurbished program due to well-documented battery issues that, in rare cases, caused fires. Similar reports briefly touched the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, though Google opted to keep them available for resale while implementing stricter quality checks.

Hints about what’s next have already surfaced. In September, eagle-eyed shoppers noticed that the Pixel 8 Pro appeared briefly on Google’s refurbished store page before disappearing a day later. This accidental listing strongly suggests that newer Pixel 8 devices may soon join the program, giving customers the chance to buy last year’s premium models at a reduced price.

However, before you rush to buy a refurbished Pixel, there’s one important detail many people overlook: the battery. Unlike Apple, which guarantees a brand-new battery in every refurbished iPhone, or Samsung, which ensures that refurbished units have a battery near 100% capacity, Google takes a different approach. The company doesn’t replace the battery in its refurbished Pixels. Instead, it states only that the battery is in “good working order” and capable of holding a charge. While that may be fine for most users, it could mean reduced longevity compared to a brand-new handset – something to consider if you’re planning to keep the phone for years.

Despite this limitation, the Certified Refurbished Pixel Phone program remains an attractive option. Refurbished phones represent between 10% and 15% of the total smartphone market in the U.S., and interest continues to grow as flagship prices soar past the $1,000 mark. For environmentally conscious consumers, refurbished devices offer a win-win: saving money while reducing e-waste and giving older hardware a meaningful second life. The refurbishing process itself has also matured significantly, now capable of producing near-new devices that deliver the same experience for a fraction of the price.

In the end, the retirement of the Pixel 6 line from Google’s refurbished store is less about abandonment and more about evolution. Google is reshaping its strategy to emphasize longevity and value across its hardware portfolio. If the Pixel 8 series does join the program soon, buyers can expect longer-lasting software support and improved quality standards – proof that the refurbished market is no longer just a bargain bin but a smart and sustainable way to own premium tech.