Google Pixel 2 Problems: 5 Things to Know

The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are two excellent smartphones, but they’re not perfect. With the release date here and millions of phones shipped to users, problems are starting to surface. With that in mind, we want to walk you through the most important things you need to know about Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL problems.

There’s been a lot of excitement about Google’s new phones, and initial reviews are overwhelmingly positive, at least for the larger Pixel 2 XL. With one of the best cameras on the market, they are legitimate rivals to the iPhone 8, iPhone X, Galaxy S8 and other high-end Android smartphones.

This summary shows you how to prepare for Pixel 2 updates, details potential issues such as the display, and provides resources to fix them. We’ll also discuss some of the early Pixel 2 issues we’ve heard of so far.

One of the biggest Android and Pixel issues for starters is Bluetooth. For months, users have expressed their disappointment and complained of connection and playback issues. Google recently confirmed that the October security update fixes some of this. Then, the first Google Pixel 2 update from November will finally fix the Bluetooth issues that plague Android.

In the coming weeks, possibly November, Android 8.1 Oreo will arrive and fix Bluetooth once and for all. at least that’s how we are hear from google. Which brings us to our first point regarding Pixel 2 issues and updates.

Prepare for Pixel 2 Updates

Problems and errors are inevitable when a phone is first released. At some point, Google will release software updates to fix the issues. And with Android 8.0 Oreo’s first major update coming in November as Android 8.1, early Pixel 2 issues will be addressed.

However, the first step is to prepare for updates. Make sure your device has enough storage to accept and complete the update, back up important information, or know how to manually install Android Oreo.

Just know that the first major maintenance release update for Oreo is coming in the next few weeks. This will fix Bluetooth, unleash the power of Google’s new Visual Core chip for enhanced photography, and improve the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Any early issues you encounter will likely be fixed from this update as well.

We’ve put together a guide that will take you through the pre-installation process we usually use before installing Android updates.

At the very least, you’ll want to back up all your important files. Each update fixes problems, but sometimes it brings a few of their own. Get ready and manually install Android 8.1 if needed.

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Problems

One big issue we’ve already heard of is the Pixel 2 XL screen. Reports mention a color shift at an angle and a blue hue, colors appear washed out, and some have reported a grainy texture at low brightness settings. Our link above explains this in detail. Basically, these are okay and nothing to worry about. However, Google has promised an update that will allow owners to customize screen colors and white balance.

As expected, the next issue is Bluetooth. We already see this mentioned in the first reviews for the Pixel 2 XL. As we said above, Google believes they have finally fixed the Bluetooth issues and will patch the fix to Android 8.1 Oreo. That means you may have a problem or two for the first few weeks, but that’s it. If the problem persists, wait for Google to take further action.

While there are Bluetooth issues, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Nexus or original Pixel owners have detailed numerous Oreo issues that could also become an issue for the new Pixel 2. These include: weird battery drainUI lag, freezes, various issues with sound, problems with calls, random rebootsproblems with New Picture-in-Picture feature, device recognition issues, camera issues, fingerprint issues, unlock issues, Enterprise issues and various app related issues. I would not mind Exchange sync while Gmail crashes many.

Next, we expect more complaints about apps due to the Pixel 2 XL’s new 18:9 aspect ratio. The long and thin screen displays some apps with black bars at the top and bottom. We’ve seen this on the Galaxy S8 and LG V30, but these manufacturers have either app scaling or fullscreen modes. Pixel 2 XL does not have such an option. So the apps won’t use the full screen you paid for. We hope that a new setting in Android 8.1 offers a fix.

This is just the beginning. See this list grow dramatically as more users get Google’s new Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL. As it happens, we’ll update them with tips to fix it.

How to Fix Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Issues

If you run into problems with your shiny new Pixel 2, there’s no need to panic. Many early issues will be fixed in the first major update. Others you can fix it with a simple reboot. You can fix everything else yourself in a few minutes.

Problems like GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth or battery problems are usually easy to fix. Reconnect devices, reboot routers, forget and reconnect connected devices, or look online for troubleshooting tips. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of common Pixel Android Oreo problems and their fixes. Most Pixel 2 problems are Oreo problems, so start there.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, Google’s Pixel Help forums as it is full of useful information, guides and resources. You can also try XDA-Developers. Then, the Android 8.1 Oreo update arrives in early November to fix bugs, improve screen colors and customization, and potentially much more.

Get Help or Submit Feedback from Google

Your next step is actually the easiest of them all. Every Pixel device sold comes with 24/7 free live technical support directly from Google.

You can chat with a helpful agent directly from your device, initiate a support call within seconds, and even do what’s called “screen sharing”. That way, your assistant can see what’s on your screen, and if you accept and approve, they’ll take over and remotely control your device to fix the issues themselves.

Just open the settings in the app tray or notification pop-up bar. Scroll to the bottom of the settings and select to get started. You’ll see popular support questions, common issues, how-to guides, and a way to instantly contact a technical support representative.

Scroll down a little further and there is an option to send feedback. Report any issue to Google and you never know, next update might fix your problem.

What’s next?

If none of this helps, know that you can be alone for a while. Google is quick when it comes to security patches and bug fixes, but we also don’t see software updates every few weeks.

We’ll have a better idea of ​​what to expect once the phones are in the hands of millions of customers. Once that happens, check back as we’ll share a full breakdown of the most common Pixel 2 problems and offer tips for fixing them.

In closing, know that a major update for your Android and Pixel 2 is coming very soon. Google calls it the “MR” version, which stands for maintenance release. This is the first major bug fix and performance improvement update to Oreo. It’s Android 8.1 Oreo and it’s coming in early November. However, this may be limited to developers before it is released to the public.

If you’re having trouble with the new Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL, you have options. Get ready for updates, check for solutions to common Oreo problems, get help from Google or stay tuned for a complete problem guide from us. Or be patient and wait for bug fixes and patches for persistent issues when Android 8.1 Oreo arrives.

While you’re here, take a look at the 20 best Google Pixel 2 XL cases from our slideshow below.