Overheating and inadequate automatic screen brightness are also mentioned in certain social media complaints, including one from AP's creator, Artem Russakovskii. The latter can undoubtedly be modified via software, but we'll have to wait and see if the Tensor CPU is to blame for the higher-than-usual temps.
No phone is flawless, and Google's "first-ever flagship" is no exception. Once the Pixel 6 has had a couple (or more) upgrades, we should start to see the little bugs smoothed out. Until then, being on the waitlist might not be such a bad thing.
Many of us at Android Police have loved our encounters with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro — so much so that the smaller model got our prized editor's choice award for 2021. That's not to claim either phone is without flaws. As has become somewhat of a Google habit, there are quite a few strange oddities and flaws that need to be squashed — and happily, the firm has been rather aggressive in its solutions. Here's everything that's gone wrong with the Pixel 6 series thus far.
More delayed updates
What's the problem: We have no idea! The February patch arrived on time, presumably setting the trend for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro going forward, but it also brought with it an unresolved Wi-Fi problem. Worse, the March update designed to fix the problem was delayed, marking — by our count — the fourth time a patch for Google's newest devices was either absent or withheld.
The solution: Hope? Pray? To be honest, all we can do is hope that Google ultimately figures out what's causing its continual updating troubles here. Faster software releases are meant to be one of the Pixel series' selling advantages, but these latest devices don't appear to live up to that ideal.
Wi-Fi signal struggles
What's the problem: Google's February security patch was intended to represent a fresh start for the corporation. It's the first time an update has arrived on schedule for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro since launch, but it comes with a serious issue of its own. Many Pixel owners have noticed Wi-Fi unexpectedly turning off on their phone, even after turning it back on. In certain circumstances, re-enabling Wi-Fi also disables Bluetooth, which is a severe problem for a phone without a headphone port.
The fix: After a few weeks, Google eventually recognised this flaw on Reddit via its Pixel Community account, saying it affects "a limited number of devices." The good news is that a patch is on the way. The bad news is that you'll have to wait until the March update to acquire it – no surprise, mid-month builds are on the way.
Touch-input issues
The problem is that if the Pixel 6's battery life declines by a percentage — say, from 85 to 84 — the screen freezes for up to two seconds, disregarding all input. Depending on what you're doing when the battery eventually dies, this problem might range from annoying to totally terrible.
The solution: Disabling all accessibility services, including Voice Access, works, although it's a bit severe. A month after the flaw was identified, Google eventually revealed that it was working on a remedy, saying that it will be available in a "future build." Unfortunately, the February patch did not address these concerns.
DAC attack
What's the problem? External DACs are often used by audiophiles and hobbyists, although we imagine Pixel 6 consumers frequently fall into both groups. Unfortunately, neither phone has been able to take advantage of greater sound quality since launch, and it's only gotten more evident as time has passed.
The solution: It took Google more than a month to respond, and regrettably, it's not all good news. While Google has discovered a remedy for utilising external DACs with the Pixel 6, it will be a long time before it appears in an update - a long time. According to Google, a fix should be available this summer.
The December update that wasn't
What's the problem: Many of the changes on this list were included in Google's December patch, which promised to provide stability to the company's newest phones despite coming late for Pixel 6 users. Unfortunately, the December patch produced even more issues, including decreased signal strength, which made receiving phone calls nearly difficult. Even after its official release, many Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users complained online about not receiving the update, prompting many to suspect that it had been secretly withdrawn.
The fix: It turns out that Google did cease its rollout, notifying the halt on December 30th. Despite promising a "late January" release for a follow-up patch, Google managed to outperform expectations by sending a large upgrade to Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users on January 14th. Hey, it's still officially the first half of the month! The January fix is now available on all phones through an OTA software update, and it appears to be rather stable so far. Google, the third time's the charm.
Lost signal
What's the problem: Google's December patch was meant to address many of the faults that have plagued the Pixel 6 since its introduction — and, in its defence, it did. With its current software, the business fixed many of the faults on this list, but it also added a serious problem: signal troubles. Although an early idea claimed that Google had sent Pixel users in Europe the incorrect build, Google later verified that this was not the case.
The fix: If you haven't already, apply the most current January patch. It not only contains all of the fixes intended for the December update, but it also resolves the signal difficulties caused by the December update. If you do not have that update, you can install a beta version of Google's Carrier Services app. The firm has stopped allowing installations through the Play Store, although it is still available as an APK via APK Mirror.
The fingerprint sensor
What's the problem? The fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro is sluggish and unreliable on its own, and it's certainly the most noticeable flaw in otherwise outstanding hardware. However, this isn't the only security risk with this phone. At least a handful of customers have reported that their device may be opened using other people's fingerprints, contradicting Google's "improved security" justifications for the slow sensor. Some Pixel 6 owners have also reported that biometrics stop working fully once the battery has been totally depleted, necessitating a factory reset to resume operation.
The solution: In November, Google released a surprise software update to solve many of the difficulties with the fingerprint sensor. It's now available for unlocked and certain carrier smartphones, whereas all other Pixel 6 phones received the update via the (removed) December patch or the subsequent January release.
Screen flicker
What is the problem: As frustrating — and perhaps dangerous — as the fingerprint sensor is, it isn't the phone's sole flaw. Not long after its release, several customers began to notice an unusual screen flicker, notably with the Pixel 6 Pro. Many gadget users were concerned about the prospect of a hardware flaw, but Google has clarified that this is a software error.
The solution: A software update to avoid this vulnerability is included in Google's December update for its phones. Despite the fact that the patch was removed, you may now get the January release with the same effect.
Ghost dialing
What is the problem: Ghost dialling is one of the issues Google has promised to address. It's a major issue with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, especially if you have any contacts called "James" in your phone. It turns out that Assistant wake phrases are to fault for this glitch, and the firm promised to release a patch by the end of the year, just like it did for the screen flickering.
The solution: Fortunately for us, it didn't take long. On mid-November, a patch for the Google app was released in the Play Store, putting an end to mistakenly dialling all of the James-es in your life. If you're still having problems, try deactivating hotword detection and making sure all of your phone's apps are up to date.
Faster animations, broken AOD
What's the problem: If you're the sort of Android user who enjoys tinkering with developer options to customise your phone, you should be cautious about what you modify. Tweaking the animation time scale on Android is a tried-and-true approach to make your smartphone feel quicker, but it damages the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro's always-on display, causing the fingerprint sensor and battery information to disappear at random.
The remedy is simple: make sure you don't adjust the animation length scale in the developer options. If you've enabled developer mode on your phone, go to the settings menu and make sure the window and transition animation scales are both set to 1x. If this is a must-have feature for you, the patch notes for Google's December update — which is also included in the January patch — provide a workaround.
Charging cables
What is the problem: Although we've included it in the roundup, this isn't so much a "bug" as it is something to be aware of when purchasing the phone. Some customers have observed that certain cords, particularly older and less expensive models, do not charge the Pixel 6 or 6 Pro. On an impacted smartphone, there is no warning message; it just operates as if it hasn't been plugged in.
The remedy: There is no upcoming repair for this issue because, from Google's perspective, the phone is functioning normally. Keeping your smartphone from charging with an unsafe charging cable may be inconvenient if the majority of your USB-C cables are outdated, but it may be just what you need to acquire a couple of new ones.
Drone troubles
What's the problem? If you own a DJI drone, you have to switch to another phone to see your live feed during launch. Thankfully, the companion app did not operate on the Pixel 6...
The solution:...
In early December, DJI published a patch to address its Fly app. If you're using the Mimo app, you'll have to wait for a problem patch, which shouldn't be too long.
Refresh rate woes
What's the problem: Many users, including AP's Taylor Kerns, have reported issues with both models toggling between different refresh rates. For the most part, it appears that both the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are locked at 60Hz, with numerous Reddit posts filled with individuals who are unclear how to use their ultra-fast screens.
The repair: Google's January update — and before, its botched December patch — will solve this right up, as will numerous other improvements on this list. The release notes particularly highlight a fix for Smooth Display being stuck in certain situations.
Disabled Pixel exclusives
What's the problem? Because of some unanticipated complications with the December patch, Google disabled Hold For Me and Call Screen on its newest phones only days before Christmas.
The fix: It appears that these functionalities have been restored in the January update for both Pixels. If you're still missing either option, consider removing the Phone app data and resetting your smartphone, as suggested in a recent Reddit discussion.
The auto-rotate blues
What's the problem: Many users, including those here at AP, have reported that auto-rotate is no longer working on their phones. This issue has the potential to have far-reaching consequences, such as preventing your phone from shooting landscape shots.
The remedy: There is no permanent solution, but there is one that is temporary: reset your phone. After a fast reset, your accelerometer should be operational again.
Other Pixel 6 bugs
As with every phone launch, there have been a few unpleasant — but rather usual — issues. The Pixel 6 is far from the first gadget to feature a Verizon-specific SKU, but due to the mmWave markup on the smaller variant, many purchasers have chosen to buy unlocked. Unfortunately, multiple difficulties with failed SIM cards and missing software updates have caused considerable agony for Verizon users, necessitating eSIM registration or build sideloading. This isn't the first time a new phone release has been plagued by this type of problem, but it's easily avoidable.
Both versions have a few battery issues, ranging from unreliable and wildly unpredictable battery life to slower charging speeds than intended. It's difficult to call the latter a glitch — it's more like bad marketing — but the former might be an example of diverse use cases placing a strain on the phone's Tensor chip. Adaptive battery life also takes a few weeks to fully kick in, and there's always the chance that a future update will level things out.
Overheating and inadequate automatic screen brightness are also mentioned in certain social media complaints, including one from AP's creator, Artem Russakovskii. The latter can undoubtedly be modified via software, but we'll have to wait and see if the Tensor CPU is to blame for the higher-than-usual temps.
No phone is flawless, and Google's "first-ever flagship" is no exception. Once the Pixel 6 has had a couple (or more) upgrades, we should start to see the little bugs smoothed out. Until then, being on the waitlist might not be such a bad thing.
