7 most common Google Pixel issues and how to fix them

Your Google Pixel™ is always there, but what if it runs into some trouble? It's hard to take on the day when your battery won't charge or your camera's not working properly. Don't worry, these hiccups happen—and there's usually a simple fix.

At Asurion, we make tech easy—from protecting your devices to getting them back up and running fast. Here are some common Google Pixel issues and quick fixes so your phone works when you need it most.

Battery drain

Your phone's battery should keep up with you. When it doesn't, there's usually something wrong. To learn more, check out our guide to preventing Google Pixel battery drain.

Slow charging

Your Google Pixel doesn't come with a charger, so if the one you buy isn't good quality, it can slow down the charging speed of your device. Make sure to use a charger that matches your phone's wattage. Google recommends 30W chargers for their newer phones. To maximize your charging power, stay in the 18W–30W range.

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Screen problems

It happens—your screen appears to be dead, frozen, or flickering. Usually a quick restart can correct the problem. So the next time your screen freezes or flickers unexpectedly, turn your phone off then back on.

Once-in-awhile, you may have to replace your screen. Before you head to the repair shop, however, make sure your phone is running the most recent software, which could solve your issue. Here's how:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System > System Update.
3. Tap Check for update. If your operating system is up to date, you should see a message saying, “Current software is up to date." If a new update is available, follow the instructions to download it.
4. When you're ready to install, tap OK.

Speaker issues

Poor audio quality and low volume are two common Pixel™ problems.

If you're noticing the former, reset your network settings. Don't worry—this won't erase anything on your phone.

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap System > Advanced > Reset options.
3. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. You may have to sign into your Wi-Fi networks after finishing this reset.

If low volume is your problem, make sure your phone isn't on mute. No luck? Check to see if you're running an outdated version of Pixel software.

The worst case scenario here is a blown speaker, which will require you to repair your Pixel. But it's fixable and often doesn't mean you'll need a new phone.

Bluetooth blunders

Bluetooth problems are common with smartphones, and the Google Pixel is no exception. If you're having connectivity troubles, check out our guide to solving Pixel Bluetooth issues.

Fingerprint scanner trouble

When you run into fingerprint scanning trouble, you'll want to do two things:

1. Clean your screen.
2. Make sure you're using the correct finger.
3. Remove your screen protector, as it might be in the way of the sensor reading your fingerprint correctly.

Simple, right?

Auto-rotate issues

If your screen isn't properly switching between horizontal and vertical views when you try to watch a video, there's an easy fix. Restarting your phone resets the accelerometer—the part of your device that registers tilting and rotation—and gives it a chance to work normally again.

Camera problems

There are a few Pixel camera problems you might run into when you're trying to take photos or shoot video. Most are easy to fix.

Clean your lens. Trouble with blurry photos? The answer could be as simple as a dirty lens. Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean your lens before taking your next pic.

Restart your phone. When you restart your phone, you also restart your camera app. Once your device starts up, try your camera again.

Clear your Camera app's cache. Removing any unnecessary data files your camera might be holding onto can correct some common problems.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps > See all apps > Camera. If you can't find "See all apps," tap App info.
3. Tap Storage & cache > Clear Cache.

Update your apps. Sometimes, what seems like a camera issue actually isn't. One way to find out is to update your apps and see if it fixes whatever glitch you're experiencing.

1. Open the Google Play® Store app.
2. Tap the profile icon at the top.
3. Tap Manage apps & devices.
4. Under “Updates available", choose to update all apps.

Try Safe Mode. When all else fails, put your phone into Safe Mode. This feature will cause your device to only run essential or factory downloaded apps and turn off all the others. It's a way to see whether a system error or an app you recently downloaded is causing your camera problem. Follow these steps to place your Pixel into Safe Mode:

• On a Pixel 5a and earlier versions of the device, press and hold the Power button for a few seconds. Then tap Power off.
• On the Pixel 6 and later versions of your phone, press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons for a few seconds. Then tap Power off.
• After your phone turns off, press and hold the Power button until your phone turns back on. You should be able to see the words "Safe mode" at the bottom of your screen.

Open your camera, and see if it's working. If it is, another app is causing the problem. Restart your phone to take it out of Safe Mode. Then, uninstall your most recently downloaded app and try the camera again.