Google’s Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update brings new features, improvements and bug fixes. It also brings problems. This summary takes a look at these Android 6.0.1 issues, offers solutions, and shows you where to find feedback in the coming weeks.
Last year, Google approved an Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update for Nexus devices. The update serves as the first major update to the Marshmallow operating system and brings with it the company’s December security update.
Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow is a major update for Nexus 5X, 6P, 5, 6, 9, Nexus Player and Nexus 7 (2013). It brings fixes for remaining Marshmallow issues and also brings 200 new emoji and camera improvements to the Nexus 6 and Nexus 5. Still not perfect.
As we move away from the start of the Android 6.0.1 rollout, we’re starting to learn more about the Android 6.0.1 issues plaguing some Nexus smartphone and tablet users.
We want to make sure you are aware of these issues and we want to help you fix them. That’s why we’ve put together these summaries that cover Android 6.0.1 issues, fixes for the most common issues, and some places to go when you need to find feedback on Android 6.0.1’s performance on your device.
Keep all this in mind as the January Android 6.0.1 OTAs continue. If you haven’t seen the January Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update yet, you probably will soon.
Android 6.0.1 Problems bothering users
The first thing you need to know about Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow issues is that they exist. We’re weeks away from the release and we continue to see Nexus smartphone and tablet users complaining about bugs and issues with the new software.
Many of these complaints can be found on Google’s own Nexus Help Forum. This week we’ve seen Nexus 5, Nexus 9, Nexus 7 and Nexus 6 users complaining of numerous Android 6.0.1 issues, some bigger than others.
Nexus 7 users running various installation errors and at least one user has Android 6.0.1 update bricked his tablet.
@googlenexus After 6.0.1, the battery drain issue still persists. I’m starting to wonder if smiles are more important than good battery life. #android
— Karan Sehgal (@kshgl) December 10, 2015
Nexus 5 users are complaining broken voice calltopics with proximity sensorproblems with Play Storeproblems Receiving and sending MMS messages (update it was supposed to fix these problems), and problems with sound.
Nexus 9 users are reporting issues with the update and a user says that the update “freehis tablet. Others say similar things about Update. Nexus 6 users see Bluetooth problems and at the same time breaks the volume controls on the headphones.
“Google will add more than 200 new emoji to Android with the 6.0.1 Marshmallow update.” Really? FIX YOUR HAPPY BATTERY LIFE FIRST!
– Ana Balica (@anabalica) December 9, 2015
We draw attention to these so that you are aware of the potential dangers. Android 6.0.1 brings fixes and security patches but there is a possibility that it will hurt your device’s performance. So you’ll want to be prepared and be careful.
Google doesn’t force you to install its updates, so if you’re getting great performance on Android 6.0 or lower, you’ll want to take your time with Android 6.0.1, especially if you have an older device like the Nexus 7. 2013.
Where to Find and How to Prepare Feedback
It’s hard to predict what you might encounter after installing the Android 6.0.1 update (or the new January release), so we recommend doing some preparatory work before making your move.
We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process we use before installing an Android update. Android 6.0.1 is small, but it can have a huge impact on your device and you’ll want to be very careful with it. A little prep work can go a long way in preventing problems and headaches.
And as we move away from the Android 6.0.1 release date, you’ll want to keep track of performance.
#Android 6.0.1 provides some unexpected gains in my battery life. #marshmallow pic.twitter.com/YXqoRH9Omu
— James M. Woodward (@JMW) December 7, 2015
Keeping a close eye on performance will warn you of potential Android 6.0.1 issues. It will also help you decide if you want to get the Android 6.0.1 update for your device. Most of you probably will, but it’s important to dig deep and get a second or third opinion before making a decision.
Android 6.0.1 has a better than expected battery via /r/softwaregore https://t.co/xMCJskfc8m #softwaregore pic.twitter.com/Lj41NspIca
— Garrett Allen (@DevGarrett) December 8, 2015
We recently took a look at the Nexus 5 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update and this feedback should get you started. There are other sources as well.
We’re starting to see increased feedback on social media sites like Twitter, Google’s Nexus Help forums, XDA-Developers, and Android-centric forums like Android Central forums.
If you’re feeling cautious about Android 6.0.1, you’ll want to watch all this for additional feedback on performance and issues.
How to Fix Android 6.0.1 Issues
If you’re already encountering Android 6.0.1 issues or just want to get a head start before downloading the software to your phone or tablet, you’ll want to take a look at our list of common Android updated fixes. Marshmallow issues.
The list covers everything from battery issues to Wi-Fi issues to post-Marshmallow performance issues. All these fixes have been proven to work, but in case they don’t, you’ll want to go to other sites.
Have a look at Google’s Nexus Help Forums, XDA-Developers, or your favorite Android-centric forum. If you’re a power user, XDA is a great place to go. If you’re a casual Android user, you’ll be better off with the Nexus Help Forum.
You can downgrade
If you decide that you don’t like Android 6.0.1 and its performance and you can’t find a manual fix for your issue, you can also install a different update or a custom ROM to see if that helps.
If you’re not familiar with flashing, check out our guide on how to switch from one Android version to another. It’s a great starting point for beginners and will answer many questions you may have regarding the downgrade process.
Just make sure you are careful. Flashing software can be a little tricky. But if done right, you can come up with a more stable piece of software.
what’s next
Google has not announced an Android 6.0.2 or an Android 6.1 update. And as the January Android 6.0.1 security rollout continues, we’d be surprised to see another Marshmallow update released in the near future.
The next confirmed update for Nexus devices is Google’s February security patch. And there is no guarantee that there will be bug fixes on board.
It also has a chance to bring some new problems to the table. The thing is, you can’t trust Google if you’re currently dealing with issues.
Android 6.1 is reportedly in development but Rumors point to it coming out in June.
