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The issue is being reported by owners of numerous Pixel models, including the Google Pixel 5, 6, 6a, 7, 7a, 8, and 8 Pro, suggesting that it isn't confined to a particular hardware architecture. The root cause is unknown but is likely a software issue with the January 2024 Play system update that Google hasn't pinpointed or fixed yet. Most proposed solutions coming from affected users don't address the problem, with some reporting solving it by performing a factory reset, in which case, all data is lost. However, these recommendations are coming from impacted Google Pixel owners rather than Google themselves, who simply acknowledged they are aware of and looking into the issue. "I wonder why this is not something that's getting blown up forcing Google for a fix. Spending so much money on a phone just to be made unusable by an update is very aggravating," an affected owner posted in Google's Pixel Phone support forums. Google Play system updates are separate from the monthly security patches, both accessible via Settings > Security & privacy > System & updates. Update menu Google introduced Play system updates in Android 10 as a way to deliver crucial security updates and system component enhancements and protections in devices not running the latest patch level and those that have reached the end of support by the OEM. They are served directly by Google, bypassing the OEM update channels, and are effective in keeping older Android versions compatible with modern apps and Google services, and also relatively safe. In the case of Pixels, it appears that Google performed a staged roll-out of the January 2024 Play system updates, so not every Pixel owner has received the problematic update yet. If you are still on an older update (last was November 1, 2023), it is recommended to stay on it and postpone applying the January 2024 update until the situation clears up. BleepingComputer has contacted Google for a comment on the reported problems and their plans to address them, and a member of the firm's press team has sent us the following: We are aware of this issue, and are looking into it. - Google Same thing happened a few months back Although the nature of the current problem has not been confirmed yet, memory bugs introduced by a Play system update previously rendered Pixel devices completely unusable in October 2023. Google eventually addressed the media storage access and repeated rebooting problems by releasing an update on November 7, 2023. However, by then, many users had already resorted to performing a factory reset, losing their data as a result. The recurrence of this type of issue in such a short timeframe is quite concerning for Pixel device users, who cannot use the features of their phones. The situation undermines the trust in Google's quality assurance processes and raises concerns about the rigor of the tech giant's validation and testing protocols before deploying a system update. Update 1/25 - Added Google's response Related Articles: New Xamalicious Android malware installed 330k times on Google Play Google Search bug shows blank page in Firefox for Android Android malware Chameleon disables Fingerprint Unlock to steal PINs AutoSpill attack steals credentials from Android password managers iPhone apps abuse iOS push notifications to collect user data * Google * Google Pixel * Google Play * Google Update * Mobile * Pixel * * * * * Bill Toulas Bill Toulas is a tech writer and infosec news reporter with over a decade of experience working on various online publications, covering open-source, Linux, malware, data breach incidents, and hacks. * Previous Article * Next Article Comments * wackoinWaco Photo wackoinWaco - 2 days ago + + I have an 8 Pro AND the January 5 update. What's different you ask?? I have GrapheneOS installed. Could that be the only difference? Inquiring minds want to know. * Regoat Photo Regoat - 2 days ago + +

Funny because I'm reading this on pixel 8 pro. Several people with the problem have the whole world where the device is sold, so how does it affect trust?

* AngryOxide Photo AngryOxide - 1 day ago + + I own a Pixel 6 with GrapheneOS and no problems here. * rhasce Photo rhasce - 1 day ago + + Same here, I bet ya they were trying to release a kill switch for older models. I also run GrapheneOS and my phone got the same update, of course not from Google, my phone is perfectly fine, clearly it is something google trying, is why I run de-googled software, it is way better. Pixel 5a here * goggomobil Photo goggomobil - 13 hours ago + + My Fitbit Charge 5 bricked because of a forced update. Google offered a 30% off coupon on a new unit....even though it was still in warranty. Good luck, Pixel owners! * SVS24 Photo SVS24 - 12 hours ago + + Interesting. I had the pixel issue a few months ago and at the beginning of Jan while I was away from my children. I couldn't fix it so purchased a new pixel thinking my phone was out of warranty and dying and at the very same time my Fitbit charge 5 kicked it in as well so purchased a new one of those. Not knowing how to fix it I literally purchased both a new pixel and a Fitbit charge . I'm pretty cheesed right now because in total that $2000 for something that shouldn't have happened. * Tvnutt Photo Tvnutt - 9 hours ago + + Wow! This sucks! I have a 6A and luckily now issues like this and I feel for the people affected . I did do a system update last month and, for some odd reasons reason, the VM icon won't disappear after I delete the VM. I have to restart the phone. No big deal but it is annoying. * greg18 Photo greg18 - 58 minutes ago + + No problems here on my Pixel 7 that is running stock Android 14 Beta firmware. Post a Comment Community Rules You need to login in order to post a comment [Login] Not a member yet? Register Now You may also like: [INS::INS] Popular Stories * HPE HPE: Russian hackers breached its security team's email accounts * Pwn2Own Tokyo Tesla hacked, 24 zero-days demoed at Pwn2Own Automotive 2024 Latest Downloads * Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Logo Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Version: 4.6.8.311 5M+ Downloads * Windows Repair (All In One) Logo Windows Repair (All In One) Version: 4.14.1 2M+ Downloads * McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool Logo McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool Version: NA 441,095 Downloads * AdwCleaner Logo AdwCleaner Version: 8.4.0.0 56M+ Downloads * Everything Desktop Search Logo Everything Desktop Search Version: 1.4.1.1017 24,772 Downloads Follow us: * * * * * Main Sections * News * VPN Buyer Guides * Downloads * Virus Removal Guides * Tutorials * Startup Database * Uninstall Database * Glossary Community * Forums * Forum Rules * Chat Useful Resources * Welcome Guide * Sitemap Company * About BleepingComputer * Contact Us * Send us a Tip! * Advertising * Write for BleepingComputer * Social & Feeds * Changelog Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Ethics Statement - Affiliate Disclosure Copyright @ 2003 - 2024 Bleeping Computer^(r) LLC - All Rights Reserved Login Username [ ] Password [ ] [*] Remember Me [ ] Sign in anonymously [Login] Sign in with Twitter button Sign in with Twitter --------------------------------------------------------------------- Not a member yet? Register Now Reporter Help us understand the problem. What is going on with this comment? * ( )Spam * ( )Abusive or Harmful * ( )Inappropriate content * ( )Strong language * ( )Other [ ] * [ ] Read our posting guidelinese to learn what content is prohibited. Submitting... SUBMIT