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.
Delayed updates
Things appeared to be getting back on track. The February patch arrived on time, potentially setting the trend for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro moving 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.
How to fix the Pixel 6's delayed updates
The March update appears to be on schedule to come in late March, but it won't help with the Pixel 6's continuous delays right now. 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
Google's February security patch was intended to be a watershed moment for the business. 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.
How to fix the Wi-Fi signal issues on the Pixel 6
It took many weeks, but Google eventually addressed this flaw on Reddit via its Pixel Community account, acknowledging 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 obtain it, which has yet to appear.
Touch-input issues
When the Pixel 6's battery life reduces by a percentage — for example, 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.
How to fix touch-input issues on the Pixel 6
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.
External DACs aren't functioning
External DACs are often used by audiophiles and hobbyists, although we imagine Pixel 6 customers 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.
How to fix external DACs not working with the Pixel 6
It took Google more than a month to respond, and the news isn't all positive. 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.
Lost signal
Google's December patch was meant to fix many of the problems 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.
How to fix signal issues with the Pixel 6
If you haven't already, install 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.
Sluggish fingerprint sensor
On its own, the fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro is sluggish and unreliable – certainly the worst 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.
How to fix the slow fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 6
In November, Google released an unexpected software update to assist fix 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
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.
How to fix screen flicker on the Pixel 6
Google's December update for its phones includes a software fix to prevent this problem. Despite the fact that the patch was removed, you may now get the January release with the same effect.
Ghost dialing
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.
How to fix ghost dialing on the Pixel 6
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 applications are up to date.
Charging cables
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.
How to fix charging cables not working with the Pixel 6
There will be no remedy for this problem because, at least according to Google, the phone is operating as it should. 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.
Refresh rate woes
Many users, including AP's Taylor Kerns, have reported issues with both devices 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.
How to fix refresh rate problems on the Pixel 6
Google's January update — and before, its botched December patch — will cure this right up, as will numerous other changes on this list. The release notes particularly highlight a fix for Smooth Display being stuck in certain situations. If you're still having issues, March's patch notes suggest a workaround for anyone who is trapped in 60Hz mode after the update hits phones.
The auto-rotate blues
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.
How to fix auto-rotate bugs on the Pixel 6
There is no permanent remedy, 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. Waiting to pick up the phone till then might not be such a horrible idea.
