Troubleshooting Guide: Resolving Common Issues with Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
Google has continued to improve upon the foundation laid with the Pixel 6 series, introducing the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which combine anticipated updates with a range of new and practical features. The cameras have been upgraded with new hardware and a variety of AI-powered software features that enhance Smartphone photography. While the latest Pixels address many issues from previous iterations, they unfortunately also have their fair share of bugs and problems. Here is a look at some common Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro issues and their solutions. It's important to note that not all Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro devices will experience these problems; in fact, you may not encounter any issues at all.
Issue #1: Random Phone Restarts and App Malfunctions
Several Pixel 8 and
Pixel 8 Pro users have reported experiencing difficulties with their phones
unexpectedly rebooting or with apps freezing and crashing. Possible Fixes: To
address app crashes and freezes, clearing the app cache may prove helpful.
Navigate to Settings > Apps > See All Apps > (app name) > Storage
and Cache, and select Clear cache.
If this doesn't resolve the issue, you can also choose Clear
Storage to reset the app, though this will result in the loss of any stored app
data. If you encounter app issues and random reboots stemming from
complications during the setup process after transferring apps and phone data
from a previous device, it may be beneficial to perform a factory reset on the
phone and set it up as a new device, despite the time-consuming nature of this
process. Random reboots may be caused by a problematic app. Boot the phone into
Safe Mode (refer to the instructions in the Guides section below) and observe
if the issue persists. If the problem does not occur in Safe Mode, exit this
mode and uninstall any recently installed or updated apps to determine if the
issue resolves.
The initial update for the Pixel 8 series is currently being
rolled out. The November update includes numerous bug fixes and may help
address this issue. The rollout may take some time, but you can verify if the
update is available by navigating to Settings > System > System Update
and selecting Check For Update.
Issue #2: Excessive Battery Drain
In Android Authority’s testing of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, we
observed improved battery life compared to previous models, with both phones
capable of lasting an entire day comfortably. Nevertheless, numerous users have
reported experiencing rapid battery drain. Some claim that the phone can lose
up to 30% of its battery life in just one hour. Possible Solutions: Several
factors, including ambient temperature and the chipset, influence a phone’s
battery life. It is typical to notice faster-than-usual battery drain for a few
days after setting up a new phone as it adjusts to your usage patterns and
learns to optimize battery usage with the Pixel’s Adaptive Battery feature.
However, persistent instances of significant battery drain after a week or so may
indicate other issues. Refer to our guide for helpful tips and tricks on what
to do if your phone is suffering from rapid battery drain or poor battery life.
You can investigate if a specific app or hardware component is causing the
battery drain. Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Usage.
You can view the screen time and background battery usage of
your apps by sorting them under "View By Apps." Alternatively, select
"View By Systems" from the dropdown to check if hardware such as the
CPU, screen, mobile or Wi-Fi network connectivity, or the camera is causing any
issues. Adjust the app battery usage setting to assess if it makes a
difference. Tap the app on the Battery Usage page mentioned previously and
select "Optimized" or "Restricted." If the app is not among
your recently used apps, go to Settings > Apps > See All Apps > (app
name) > App battery usage. "Optimized" is the preferable choice
here, as "Restricted" may lead to other app issues, such as delayed
notifications.
Issue #3: Excessive Heat
Many users have reported that the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro tend to
overheat, even during light usage such as browsing a web page, resulting in
discomfort. Overheating can lead to performance slowdowns and quick battery
depletion. Possible remedies: It is normal for the phone to experience slight
overheating during initial setup, while running processor-intensive games, or
during prolonged camera use. However, if overheating occurs during regular use,
there are several steps you can take to prevent it (some steps are specific to
Samsung phones, but the general settings apply to the Pixel 8 devices). Cease
using the phone if it overheats, and power it off to allow it to cool down.
Google's monthly updates and frequent app updates may also
contribute to overheating issues. While the company often releases fixes
promptly, your only recourse may be to await a software update. If a
problematic app is the culprit (which can be tested by running the app in Safe
Mode), the best course of action is to uninstall any recently installed or
updated apps to determine if the problem is resolved. Some users have resorted
to obtaining a replacement device. If it is a hardware issue, you may need to
consider this option as well.
Issue #4: Lag and Stuttering
The Tensor G3 processor in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro may not
match the strength of some competitors, but these phones still deliver
top-notch performance. Nonetheless; certain users reported experiencing lag and
stuttering when navigating through apps and web pages. Possible remedies: The
Pixel 8 Pro offers a variable 120Hz refresh rate, and frequent adjustments may
lead to occasional stuttering. Consider switching to a lower refresh rate.
While this may result in less smoothness, it should provide a more consistent
experience. Navigate to Settings > Display and deactivate Smooth Display.
Alternatively, you can compel the phone to maintain the highest refresh rate at
all times. Initially, enable Developer Options by going to Settings > About
Phone, tapping on Build number multiple times until a pop-up message confirms
developer status, and then accessing Settings > System > Developer
Options to activate Force Peak Refresh Rate.
To address scrolling-related stuttering, try lowering the
touch feedback sensitivity. Head to Settings > Sound and Vibration >
Vibration and Haptics, and reduce the touch feedback. Some users have found
that deactivating Graphics Driver Preferences also improves performance issues.
After activating Developer Mode, access Settings > System > Developer Options
and turn off Graphics Driver Preferences.
Issue #5: Challenges with Android Auto
Although Android Auto problems are not as widespread as in
previous versions, some users still encounter difficulties when using this
feature. Common issues reported by users include difficulties connecting their
phones or experiencing frequent disconnections, as well as encountering a blank
screen on their car's display.
Transferred settings from an older phone can sometimes cause
Android Auto problems. To address this, follow these steps:
·
Go to Settings on your
phone.
·
Navigate to Apps and locate
Android Auto.
·
Tap on Storage and Cache.
·
Clear both the storage and
cache to reset Android Auto.
·
A faulty cable may be the
culprit. To troubleshoot this possibility:
·
Test the cable with other
phones to see if the issue persists.
·
Check for any signs of
damage, such as tears or fraying. If the cable is damaged, it is advisable to
replace it with a new one.
Issue #6: Wi-Fi and Mobile Network Connectivity Problems
Numerous users have reported encountering issues with Wi-Fi
and mobile network connectivity. These complaints encompass a range of
problems, such as experiencing slow Wi-Fi speeds when switching access points
in a home mesh network and encountering poor call and data connectivity while
on the move. Before attempting specific workarounds, there are some general
fixes that can be tried to address these Wi-Fi and mobile data connection
issues.
To fix this issue follow these steps:
1.
Resolving Wi-Fi slowdowns
when switching access points in a home mesh network:
·
Navigate to Settings on
your phone.
·
Go to Network and Internet,
then select Internet.
·
Locate the gear icon next
to the Wi-Fi name to access Network Details.
·
Tap on Privacy and switch
the option to Use device MAC. It is important to note that this setting should
only be used for your trusted home network, while keeping the setting as
Randomized MAC for other networks.
2.
Enhancing network
connectivity and data speeds by switching to an eSIM or obtaining a new
physical SIM card:
If you already have an eSIM set up, contact your network
carrier to reprovision the SIM. For physical SIM cards, consider obtaining a
new one. Users on T-Mobile have reported that acquiring a new physical SIM card
resolves the issue.
3.
Optimizing network
stability by adjusting network type settings:
Set your phone to LTE-only for a more stable connection,
even if the data transfer speeds are slower. This adjustment can also address
the issue of phone calls not coming through properly. Alternatively, some users
have found that setting the network to 5G-only is beneficial. The choice
between LTE and 5G depends on the quality of network coverage in your area.
To make these changes, navigate to Settings, then go to
Network and Internet and select Internet. Tap on the gear icon next to your
network carrier's name. Scroll down to Preferred Network Type and choose LTE or
5G.
If this option is not visible (as some network carriers may
block it), dial ##4636## and access Phone Information. From the dropdown menu,
select NR (for 5G) under Set Preferred Network Type.
4.
Troubleshooting call
connectivity issues:
Besides adjusting the network to LTE or 5G only, users have
found that turning off Wi-Fi Calling and Adaptive Connectivity can help.
Disable Adaptive Connectivity by going to Settings, then Network and Internet,
and toggling off Adaptive Connectivity. To turn off Wi-Fi Calling, navigate to
Settings, then Network and Internet, select Internet, tap on the gear icon next
to your network carrier's name, and toggle off Wi-Fi Calling.
Issue #7: Camera and Google Photos Problems
Several users have reported encountering problems with the
camera app on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, such as crashes immediately after
launching and focus issues. Additionally, some users have experienced difficulties
with the Google Photos app, including improper syncing and the inability to
play recorded videos.
The phone's auto-rotate function has been identified as a
potential cause of camera app crashes. It has also been known to cause issues
with other apps like Google Maps. To address this, disable auto-rotate by
tapping on the Auto-rotate option in the Quick Settings dropdown menu (swipe
down twice from the top).
Clearing the app cache can help resolve camera and Google
Photos issues. Follow these steps:
·
Go to Settings on your
phone.
·
Select Apps or See All
Apps.
·
Search for the Camera and
Pixel Camera Services apps and tap on them.
·
Select Storage and Cache,
then choose Clear Cache. Repeat the same process for resolving Google Photos
issues.
Some users have found that the Repainter app can interfere
with auto-rotate functionality, leading to camera app and Google Maps crashes.
Uninstalling the Repainter app can resolve this problem.
Focus issues with the camera might be related to hardware
problems. In such cases, the best option is to send the phone for repair or
consider getting a replacement.
Issue #8: Error When Using Wi-Fi Hotspot
A few users have encountered difficulties when attempting to
use Wi-Fi Hotspot on their phones. When trying to enable the feature, an error
message is displayed, and the hotspot does not activate.
To fix this, ensure that your network carrier allows Wi-Fi
Hotspot connectivity. Some carriers may require an additional fee to use this
feature.
·
While waiting for a software
update, you can try a workaround. Follow these steps:
·
Enable Airplane Mode by
tapping on the setting in the Quick Settings dropdown menu.
·
Restart your phone.
·
Enable Wi-Fi Hotspot (if
the option is not available in the Quick Settings menu, go to Settings >
Network and Internet > Hotspot and Tethering and toggle it on).
·
Turn off Airplane Mode.
Problems Requiring Software Updates
There are a few issues specific to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8
Pro that do not currently have workarounds. These are primarily software-related
bugs that are expected to be addressed in future software updates. If you
encounter one of these issues, it is recommended to contact Google support and
report the problem.
Touchscreen unresponsive when wirelessly charging the phone:
Some users have reported that the phone screen does not respond to touch inputs
when placed on Google's Pixel Stand or Pixel Stand 2nd Gen. However, this issue
appears to be limited to Google's wireless chargers, and users have not
experienced the same problem with third-party chargers.
Face verification failure on banking and other apps: Certain
apps, such as banking apps, require face verification. Users have reported that
the verification process fails on the Pixel 8 series because these devices are
not considered supported. The only option in this case is to wait for an app
update.
No audio when recording video: Some users have mentioned
that they only hear static or buzzing sounds when playing back recorded videos.
While you can try removing the phone case and ensuring that nothing is blocking
the microphone, this issue is likely a software-related problem.
Guides: How to Factory Reset and Boot into Safe Mode
1.
How to Boot into Safe Mode:
·
If the phone is on:
Press and hold the power button.
Long-press the power off icon.
A pop-up message will appear, giving you the option to
reboot the phone into Safe Mode.
·
If the phone is off:
Press and hold the power button to start the phone.
As soon as the animation starts, press and hold the volume
key until the animation ends.
The phone should then boot into Safe Mode.
To exit Safe Mode, press the power button and select
Restart.
How to Factory Reset the Pixel 8:
When the phone is on:
Go to Settings.
Navigate to System > Advanced > Reset options.
Select Erase all data (factory reset) and tap Reset phone.
Enter your PIN or pattern to confirm, then tap Erase
Everything.
When the phone is off or unresponsive:
Press and hold the power and volume down keys simultaneously
until Fastboot mode (a triangle with an exclamation point) appears.
If "No command" appears, press and hold the power
button, then press the volume up button once and release both buttons.
Use the volume keys to navigate to Recovery mode, then tap
the power button to select.
Using the volume keys again, navigate to Wipe data/factory
reset and select it.
Once the phone is reset, select Reboot system now.
