Google Breaks Pixel Smartphones with Latest Update: What's Not Working and How to Fix It

Owners of Google Pixel smartphones have started reporting issues with their devices after installing the January 2024 Google Play system update, which appears to block access to data on the built-in storage. Users are experiencing a range of symptoms including application malfunctions, inability to play music or videos, and loss of access to the phone's camera.

Google has acknowledged the problem and is currently investigating the issue. Several Pixel users who have encountered these issues with their phones have noted similarities to the Android 14 multiple profile update error from October last year, which also caused problems for devices.

One Reddit user, Liv-lyf, described the symptoms: "It's very similar. The internal storage doesn't mount, the camera fails, the 'Files' app doesn't show files, screenshots aren't saved, and the internal storage appears empty in ADB Shell." Reports suggest that the issue affects Google Pixel devices in the 5, 6, 7, 8, and Fold series. The January 2024 Play update has not been widely released yet, and not all Pixel users have experienced problems after its installation. To check the Play version installed on a Pixel device, users can navigate to "Settings → Security & Privacy → System and updates." If the device is still running the November 2023 version of Play, it might be advisable to avoid updating until the bugs are fixed.

Experts claim that Google has paused the rollout of the update while the investigation is underway. For devices already affected by the update, there is no effective solution other than a factory reset. Google was able to fix a similar error in October of the previous year within a few days through a software update, although some users had to use a special Pixel recovery tool to stop their devices from rebooting.

This situation has raised concerns about the robustness of Google's update process for its Pixel smartphones. While the company is known for its prompt and regular updates, this incident underscores the potential risks associated with software updates, particularly when they are rolled out widely without extensive testing. It also highlights the importance of having effective recovery tools and support systems in place for users who encounter such problems.

Google's response to this issue will be closely watched, both by its user community and by industry analysts. The company's ability to quickly and effectively resolve these problems will be critical in maintaining user trust and confidence in the Pixel brand. Meanwhile, Pixel users are advised to exercise caution with system updates and to keep an eye on official communications from Google for updates and solutions to these recent issues.