Google Pixel telephones unusable after January 2024 system replace
Google Pixel smartphone homeowners report issues after putting in the January 2024 Google Play system replace, being unable to entry their gadgets inside storage, open the digital camera, take screenshots, and even open apps.
The difficulty is being reported by homeowners of quite a few Pixel fashions, together with the Google Pixel 5, 6, 6a, 7, 7a, 8, and eight Professional, suggesting that it is not confined to a specific {hardware} structure.
The foundation trigger is unknown however is probably going a software program challenge with the January 2024 Play system replace that Google hasn’t pinpointed or fastened but.
Most proposed options coming from affected customers do not deal with the issue, with some reporting fixing it by performing a manufacturing unit reset, wherein case, all information is misplaced.
Nonetheless, these suggestions are coming from impacted Google Pixel homeowners slightly than Google themselves, who simply acknowledged they’re conscious of and searching into the problem.
“I ponder why this isn’t one thing that is getting blown up forcing Google for a repair. Spending a lot cash on a telephone simply to be made unusable by an replace may be very aggravating,” an affected owner posted in Google’s Pixel Cellphone help boards.
Google Play system updates are separate from the month-to-month safety patches, each accessible through Settings > Safety & privateness > System & updates.
Google launched Play system updates in Android 10 as a method to ship essential safety updates and system part enhancements and protections in gadgets not working the newest patch degree and those who have reached the top of help by the OEM.
They’re served straight by Google, bypassing the OEM replace channels, and are efficient in holding older Android variations suitable with fashionable apps and Google providers, and in addition comparatively protected.
Within the case of Pixels, it seems that Google carried out a staged roll-out of the January 2024 Play system updates, so not each Pixel proprietor has acquired the problematic replace but.
In case you are nonetheless on an older replace (final was November 1, 2023), it is suggested to remain on it and postpone making use of the January 2024 replace till the scenario clears up.
BleepingComputer has contacted Google for a touch upon the reported issues and their plans to handle them, and a member of the agency’s press staff has despatched us the next:
We’re conscious of this challenge, and are trying into it. – Google
Identical factor occurred a number of months again
Though the character of the present downside has not been confirmed but, reminiscence bugs launched by a Play system replace beforehand rendered Pixel gadgets utterly unusable in October 2023.
Google ultimately addressed the media storage entry and repeated rebooting issues by releasing an replace on November 7, 2023. Nonetheless, by then, many customers had already resorted to performing a manufacturing unit reset, shedding their information because of this.
The recurrence of this sort of challenge in such a brief timeframe is kind of regarding for Pixel gadget customers, who can’t use the options of their telephones.
The scenario undermines the belief in Google’s high quality assurance processes and raises considerations concerning the rigor of the tech large’s validation and testing protocols earlier than deploying a system replace.
Replace 1/25 – Added Google’s response