5 Most Common Google Pixel Issues and How to Address Them
As phone experts who’ve seen countless Google Pixel devices come through our shop, we’ve noticed some issues that pop up more frequently than others. While Pixels are fantastic phones, they’re no stranger to problems. Today, we’ll walk you through the five most common Google Pixel issues and share some insider tips on how to fix them.
Google Pixel Issue #1: Battery Drain Issue
Is your Pixel’s battery life shorter than a TikTok video? You’re not alone. Battery drain is one of the most common complaints from Google Pixel owners.
Here are some quick fixes you can do:
- Check your battery usage in Settings > Battery > Battery Usage. Look for apps that are power hogs and consider uninstalling or restricting them.
- Enable Adaptive Battery: Go to Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery and turn it on. This feature on Google Pixel phones uses machine learning to extend battery life. It learns how you use your apps over time, prioritises the most important ones and puts lesser-used apps to sleep for optimised battery.
- Adjust your screen brightness or enable auto-brightness. This simple trick can prolong your battery life.
- Turn off unnecessary features like Motion Sense (if your Pixel has it) in Settings > System > Motion Sense.
Pro Tip: If your battery is still draining faster than you can say ‘Google,’ it might be time for a battery replacement. Batteries degrade over time, and a fresh one can breathe new life into your device.
Google Pixel Issue #2: Camera Problems
The Pixel’s camera is its crown jewel, so when it acts up, it’s particularly frustrating. We’ve seen a lot of Google Pixel camera issues, from app crashes to blurry photos.
Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Clear the Camera app’s cache: Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Camera > Storage & cache > Clear Cache. Doing so removes any unnecessary data files your Pixel camera might hold onto.
- Check for app updates in the Play Store. Sometimes, updates can easily fix bugs and resolve camera issues on your Google Pixel phone.
- If problems persist, try booting into Safe Mode to see if a third-party app is the culprit.
Pro Tip: If you’re experiencing the exposure adjustment bug on the Pixel 8, where tapping to adjust exposure doesn’t work at 1x zoom, try zooming in or out slightly. It’s a known issue that Google will likely address in a future update.
Google Pixel Issue #3: Connectivity Chaos
Wi-Fi woes and Bluetooth blues can turn your smart device into a not-so-smart brick. Here’s how to solve common Google Pixel connectivity issues:
For Wi-Fi Issues:
- Toggle Airplane mode on and off.
- Forget the network and reconnect.
- Reset network settings: Settings > System > Advanced > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
For Bluetooth Troubles:
- Unpair your devices before pairing them again.
- Clear Bluetooth cache: Settings > Apps > See all apps > Bluetooth > Storage & cache > Clear Cache.
Pro Tip: If you have poor cell reception, especially on the Pixel 8, try switching to an eSIM if your carrier supports it. Some users have reported improved connectivity after making this change.
Google Pixel Issue #4: Non-Responsive Touchscreen
A non-responsive touchscreen is, unfortunately, one of the most common Google Pixel problems. But don’t fret because you can try these quick fixes:
- Restart your phone (sometimes the simplest solution is the best).
- Remove any screen protectors or cases that might be interfering.
- Check for system updates.
- If the issue persists, try a factory reset as a last resort (don’t forget to back up your data first!).
Pro Tip: If your touchscreen issues coincide with phone charging problems, especially wireless charging, it could be due to interference. Try charging your phone in a different location or with a different charger. Otherwise, consider screen repairs.
Google Pixel Issue #5: Software Problems
From random restarts to freezing apps, software issues can make your Pixel less than picture-perfect. Here’s how to smooth things out:
- Keep your Pixel updated: Settings > System > System update.
- Clear app caches regularly.
- If a specific app is causing trouble, try uninstalling and reinstalling it.
- For persistent issues, consider a factory reset.
Pro Tip: Before resorting to a factory reset, try booting into Safe Mode to identify if a third-party app is causing the issue. If your phone works fine in Safe Mode, start uninstalling recently added apps one by one to find the culprit.
Final Tip
While these quick troubleshooting tips can resolve many common Google Pixel issues, some problems might require professional attention. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Google support or visit an experienced phone repair shop like Dr Boom Communications if you’re unsure how to fix the issue or if the problem persists.
We have shops in Sydney CBD, Westfield Bondi, Doncaster, Cheltenham and other locations in Australia. All our shops provide professional Google Pixel repairs; you can even enjoy same-day service, depending on the severity of your phone issue.
Book Google Pixel repairs or drop by any of our stores today.