So you’ve run into Google Pixel problems? There’s no need to panic. All smartphones have their fair share of issues, bugs, and glitches, from the unique to the familiar.
Below, we’ve detailed multiple problems that Google Pixel or Google Pixel XL owners have experienced, as well as a few potential solutions and workarounds to deal with them.
If you have a Google Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL, check out our list of problems affecting Google’s latest smartphone and what to do about them.
We’ve seen threads at the XDA developers forum and elsewhere complaining about the Home and Recent apps buttons not working, only the Back button continues to work. It’s not clear what is causing this, but there are a couple of ways to fix it.
The Pixel is among the first handsets to get new Android versions. When some people updated to Android Pie, however, they noticed the quick charging feature was no longer working. Google released the following statement: “We’re aware of an issue where non-Power Delivery (PD) USB-C chargers no longer rapidly charge the 2016 Pixel and Pixel XL after the upgrade to Android 9 Pie. The 18W rapid charger included in-box is a PD charger and does not exhibit this behavior. We are verifying a fix for non-PD USB-C chargers and will roll it out in the coming weeks.” The same thing happened again for some people after updating to Android 10.
Some Google Pixel owners have complained about infinite reboot loops. Some suffered this issue after updating their device to Android 8.0, but for others, it has happened independently of the software update.
If you’re still experiencing reboot loops after an update, try the following:
Some Pixel owners on Google’s product forums have reportedly been unable to charge their Pixel phones. In other cases, the phone does begin charging, but it’s not as responsive or quick as it should be.
Another common problem with smartphones is being unable to get, or maintain, an internet connection. There are several threads on Google’s product forums full of people having this problem. Fortunately, the solutions for other devices can also be applied to the Google Pixel, and Google Support also has some suggestions.
After upgrading or migrating to the Google Pixel, some owners on Google’s forums have realized that they’re unable to send or receive texts or messages of any kind from their contacts.
Restarts, freezes, and crashes are horrible, but they have afflicted some Pixel owners, as supported by this 500+ post thread, and these other threads. There are several things you can try to resolve the situation, from simple restarts and software updates to revisiting safe mode.
There are multiple threads here with people reporting the Google Pixel becomes hot or warm during use. This is pretty common if you’re doing something demanding, but it shouldn’t happen during normal use. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent your Pixel from overheating, without going through a complete overhaul to change how you use your phone.
Similar to the Wi-Fi problems described above, Bluetooth is a feature that users often run into problems with, regardless of the smartphone. The Google Pixel doesn’t break this particular streak, with some people running into issues after updating to Android 10, but there are several things you can try to fix or improve your connection to your headphones, car, etc.
The Google Pixel, like other smartphones, has a fingerprint scanner that can be used as an additional way to secure your device. Unfortunately, there are some cases where the scanner doesn’t read a fingerprint correctly, or at all. It’s not as widespread of a problem as others explained here, but it has sparked threads on Google’s product forums and the Android Central forums.
When answering an incoming call, the caller and receiver are unable to hear one another, and the phone app will occasionally lag when answering or ending a call. This robust thread on the issue was started in December, and people continue to run into this specific problem.
Look no further than this thread on Google’s product forums for proof that quite a few people are without functioning microphones on their smartphones. For some, the microphone doesn’t work at all, while others have discovered that it only works when recording video or with certain apps, including Facebook Messenger and Snapchat.
Are you looking to upgrade your Pixel? Read our review of the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL. And if you decide to pick one up, let us help you become an expert with these Pixel 4 tips.
Google Play is borrowing one of the Nintendo Switch’s most useful little tricks. A new Sidekick tool called Playbacks captures a short clip after something interesting has already happened, sparing players from running a screen recorder throughout an entire game.
Playbacks is part of Google Play Store v53.8 and keeps saved clips on the phone. Google first announced it earlier this month, but the new Play Store update marks its arrival for players. Anyone who has watched a perfect win vanish because the record button came too late already understands the appeal.
Samsung’s scandal over its Game Optimizing Service, or GOS, has returned with a bill attached. South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission has tentatively fined the company 20.1 billion won, or about $15.1 million, over gaming claims made for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S22, and Tab S8.
The regulator says Samsung promoted the devices as gaming powerhouses without disclosing that GOS placed preset CPU and GPU limits on certain demanding games. Samsung disputes that conclusion, calling GOS a legitimate way to manage heat.
Apple's next cheaper iPhone could get a brand-new processor while keeping its most stubborn display compromise. Digital Chat Station tips the iPhone 18e for a 2027 release with a 2nm A20 chip and a 6.12-inch OLED screen still limited to 60Hz.
The rumored camera setup includes a single 48MP rear camera and a possible 24MP selfie camera. There's new hardware to consider, but buyers hoping Apple would extend that upgrade generosity to smoother scrolling could be disappointed.