Owners of Google Pixel smartphones are reporting issues after installing the January 2024 system update for Google Play. They are unable to access the device’s internal storage, open the camera, take screenshots, or even launch applications.
The problem has been observed among owners of various Pixel models, including Google Pixel 5, 6, 6a, 7, 7a, 8, and 8 Pro, suggesting that it is not limited to specific hardware architectures.
The source of the problem is unknown, but it is most likely due to the software of the January 2024 system update for Play, which Google has not yet located or fixed.
Many users who have encountered this issue have proposed solutions that do not yield the expected results. Some have reported solving the problem by performing a factory reset, but this results in the loss of all data.
However, these proposed solutions are not coming from Google itself but from Pixel phone owners experiencing the issue. The company has only confirmed being aware of the problem and is working on resolving it.
“I wonder why this issue isn’t being blown up, forcing Google to fix it. It’s very frustrating to have the phone rendered useless after an update. I spent a lot of money on it,” wrote a user affected by the problem on a Pixel phone support forum.
Google Play system updates are separate from the monthly security-related updates. Both types of updates can be found in the settings: Settings > Security & Privacy > System and Updates.
In Android 10, Google introduced Play system updates as a way to deliver essential security-related updates and strengthen the protection of system components on devices that do not utilize the latest patch level or have reached the end of support from the manufacturer.
These updates are delivered directly by Google, bypassing the device provider’s update channels, and ensure that older versions of the Android system are compatible with modern Google applications and services, as well as relatively secure.
For Pixel devices, it appears that Google has been rolling out Play system updates gradually, so not all Pixel owners have received this problematic update yet.
If you are still using an older version of the update (the latest being November 1, 2023), it is recommended to stick with it and postpone the installation of the January 2024 update until the situation is clarified.
BleepingComputer reached out to Google for comment on the reported issues and the company’s plans for resolving them but has not received a response at the time of publication.
Similar problem occurred a few months ago
Although the nature of the current issue has not been confirmed yet, memory-related errors introduced by the previous Play system update completely disabled Pixel devices in October 2023.
Eventually, Google resolved the problem with accessing device memory and the device’s cyclic rebooting, releasing an update on November 7, 2023. However, by that time, many users had resorted to factory resets, resulting in data loss.
The recurrence of this type of problem in such a short period is highly worrisome for Pixel device users who are unable to fully utilize their phones.
This situation undermines trust in Google’s quality control processes and raises concerns about the rigor of the tech giant’s validation and testing procedures before implementing system updates.
FAQ:
1. What issues are Pixel phone owners reporting after installing the January 2024 Google Play system update?
– Owners are reporting issues with accessing the device’s internal storage, opening the camera, taking screenshots, and launching applications.
2. Which Google Pixel models are affected by this problem?
– The problem has been observed across various Pixel models, including Google Pixel 5, 6, 6a, 7, 7a, 8, and 8 Pro.
3. What is the most likely source of the problem?
– The problem is most likely caused by the software of the January 2024 Play system update.
4. What are the proposed solutions for this problem?
– Owners suggest performing a factory reset, but this results in the loss of all data.
5. Has Google confirmed the existence of the problem?
– Yes, Google has confirmed being aware of the issue and is working on resolving it.
6. How can one update the Google Play system?
– Google Play system updates can be installed in the settings: Settings > Security & Privacy > System and Updates.
7. How do Play system updates work in Android 10?
– Play system updates are delivered directly by Google, ensuring compatibility of older Android versions with modern Google applications and services, as well as relative security.
8. Did all Pixel devices receive the problematic update?
– It appears that Play system updates were rolled out gradually, so not all Pixel owners have received this problematic update.
9. What should I do if I’m still using an older version of the update?
– If you are using an older version of the update, it is recommended to stick with it and postpone the installation of the January 2024 update until the situation is clarified.
10. Has Google addressed the reported issues?
– BleepingComputer has reached out to Google for comment on this matter but has not received a response at the time of publication.
Definitions:
– Google Pixel: A line of smartphones created by Google.
– Google Play system updates: Firmware updates for Google Pixel devices delivered directly by Google.
– Factory reset: Restoring the device to its original settings, erasing all data and personalizations.
– Quality control: The process of ensuring high-quality products through monitoring and testing.
– Validation and testing procedures: Processes that verify and test products before their implementation in the market.
Links:
– Pixel Phone Support
– Play system updates in Android 10
The source of the article is from the blog macholevante.com