The big update to Android 11 in September not only brought with it the latest version of Android to Pixel phones, as a first stable build there were also a bunch of bugs. In the first update for Android 11 as the October Android security patch, Google is issuing a number of fixes to the Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, Pixel 4, and Pixel 4a.
In the sensors department, Google has improved auto-rotation and auto-brightness “in certain lighting conditions.” They fixed a system issue where devices were stuck during boot, as well as one that was inadvertently disabling call notifications and another that was causing the auto-rotate icon to disappear. They also took care of an overview swipe gesture bug and improved touch sensitivity with screen protectors.
Again, the whole list seems mostly like an Android 11 tune-up after that first stable build and Google taking feedback from more users having it on their devices.
To grab the new update, you’ll head into Settings > System > Advanced > System updates. If you’d would rather flash a factory image or OTA file, head over here.
I’ve been having issues with YouTube Music, Google Music and maps closing in the background when I get other notifications. This is all while connected to BT in my car at this point. Doesn’t look like it’s listed here, but hopefully it’s fixed.
I was having the same issue, I haven’t updated to this patch yet so I hope it fixed it.
The update fixed my Pixel 2 camera issue which was that when I zoomed in to take a picture (which isn’t actually zooming, just cropping), when I took the picture, it wouldn’t save the image how I “zoomed” in. It would save it uncropped.
I’ve had some other random and inconsistent issues and bugs and hope those are cleared up too.
I don’t see it specifically listed, but I’m hoping this fixes the daily reboots I have to do when all my sensors abruptly stop working, which kills face unlock, squeezey sides, gyro, etc.
Sounds like a defective unit. Would get a replacement, as mine never does that.
I might try, but this issue began immediately after installing Android 11.
Weird. Still sounds like a defective unit to me, as mine has no such issues.
Same issue here. It started after installing Android 11
Yep. Mine is doing it again just a few hours after this update. I’ve already done one factory reset since the problem started, and I’m not looking forward to another one.
My phone was lagging so badly with the Android 11 update that I went back to Android 10. I’ll try 11 again. If it doesn’t work out I’ll go back to 10.
2 XL lagging here since 11, somewhat glad to hear it’s not just me.
Mine was definitely lagging before 11, click on a link that should open an app, and wait, and wait, check my mail real quick, wait, oh….there it finally opens.
I’ve noticed a little bit of slowness on my Pixel 2 XL over the last few months but nothing major. I have noticed any difference in performance at all as a result of updating to Android 11. Battery life seems about the same as well.
10mb on my 4a
Just updated my 4XL, and it actually rotates when I tilt the phone smoothly for the first time ever! I had this issue with my previous 3XL also. So frustrating something so basic was so bad all this time, but happy its working better now! I had to dramatically rotate the phone pretty hard for it to rotate many times, now it works like it should.
Hmmm. I’ve never had that trouble with my 4XL. Then again, I haven’t had any of the issues others describe, but then again I don’t use motion sense or 90Hz, or a SIM card. SIM cards seem to cause all the problems. Whereas ever since I switched to eSIM on the P3, the vast majority of stability issues seems to have vanished.
That’s interesting. I wonder why something like a SIM card would make a difference. Are you in the United States? Are you on Google Fi? I thought Fi was the only US carrier that even worked with eSIM.
Yes, I’m on Fi, but Fi is not the only carrier with this support as it is merely an MVNO for 3 networks. But yes, across 3 phones (P3a, P3, and P4XL) now, eSIM is by far the most stable form of phone connectivity. Way less processor power and time-delay involved with switching towers. I imagine that also affects phone performance in general.
Fi is an MVNO for 3 networks? I thought it was just T-Mobile and Sprint. I’ve been wanting to switch to Fi but T-Mobile coverage in my area is pretty bad and Sprint is even worse.
That’s interesting that less processing power is needed to switch towers with an eSIM. It’s too bad AT&T doesn’t support eSIM. Or at least not on phones they didn’t sell.
FI gives you T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular States-side. And a whole lot more when traveling abroad (albeit with extra charges). My wife’s phone was prone to short circuiting due to the sim-card tray not fitting correctly. As as soon as we switched it to eSIM, all stability issues disappeared. SIM cards for the birds, as far as I’m concerned.
Looks like AT&T supports eSIM. Is this the following a farce?
https://www.att.com/help/wireless/esim-get-started.html
Maybe it has to do with it being a phone that wasn’t bought from AT&T or just certain phones or maybe it is a recent change by AT&T for eSIM support. I don’t know. All I do know is I tried earlier this year (maybe February) and it wouldn’t work on my Pixel 2 XL. I didn’t really care that much since I didn’t need to use an eSIM so I didn’t go any further than that.
Hmmm. Must be an issue with AT&T. Never heard anyone else having that trouble.
Since my phone went to Android 11 it has been almost unusable due to battery issues. Will be plugged in for hours and say it’s 50% charged and will immediately die and not turn on when off the charger. Never had this issue until the update.
I had all kinds of weird stuff happen after the update until I did a factory reset. Better since then other than 3 of the bugs they squashed with this update (rotate, overview swipe, call notifications). Glad they knocked those out…hopefully.
Yeah I did a factory reset but still having issues. Sometimes if I reset the device it works normally for a few hours but this battery issue keeps coming back.
This sounds like an issue I was having with my original 4XL, which persisted after a factory reset. G ended up replacing the phone for free, and it bumped me up to the 128 gig model for some reason. I’m satisfied.
My back glass is cracked and they want me to pay for that before considering replacement and I’m annoyed by it. I know I’m being very old man yells at clouds but I’ve bought every pixel on launch so like c’mon. https://media3.giphy.com/media/fqtyYcXoDV0X6ss8Mf/giphy.gif
Ah jeez, that sucks. They originally wanted me to bring it into uBreakiFix for the battery issue, but I was like, “in the middle of a pandemic? No way.” They relented, but my phone was in good shape otherwise, so I guess that’s why. I wish my story could provide you some solace.
Nice! Between the behind-the-scenes features drops, and these timely security updates, the Pixel line is as compelling as ever.
Where there any feature drops for the October update?
No, they only do these every 3 months.
surprisingly small only 10.32 MB for me on 4a
Yeah 10.53 on my P4XL
Most of Android 11 fixes should come in the November update. October’s fixes are just the easy quick ones that were very noticeable, low hanging fruit. Next month should be much better. They will want to push them out before the end of year holiday breaks too.