Android 15 Update Bricks Pixel 6 Phones, Users Report Widespread Issues

Many Pixel 6 users now find a major issue with Google’s most recent operating system update, Android 15. Some consumers are now struggling with phones that are absolutely unresponsive, turning their handsets into useless “bricks,” instead of appreciating the new capabilities. Frustrated Pixel owners have swarmed to internet forums, characterizing their cellphones as little more than paperweights following the update, with typical reboot techniques unable to restore capability.

The new Private Space tool of Android 15 seems to be the main cause of a major problem since it lets users create a safe space for private apps including photo storage and financial services. Different security mechanisms including pattern codes, PINs, passwords, or fingerprint identification will lock this part. Many users have discovered, though, that turning on Private Space causes their phones to entirely turn off, rendering access or restart impossible.

One Pixel 6 user on Reddit cautioned others saying, “It’s absolutely dead. Using the techniques Google suggests, I cannot switch on or reset the phone.” For Pixel 6 owners, this has been a persistent issue; several customers have complained about such problems during the Android 15 Beta 2 and Beta 3 phases earlier this year.

User Early Complaints and Warnings

Using the Private Space function seems to increase the chance of bricking, especially since many early reports from users who tried to access apps inside this private area. Sharing their experience, one Reddit user—going by GegoByte—said, “Just delivering a PSA to everyone who has a Pixel 6. If you upgrade to Android 15, disable the Private Space capability. I unlocked the Private Space area, opened an app I put there, and it bricked my Pixel 6.” Others joined in with similar horror tales, alerting others of the dangers connected with the new upgrade.

While consumer concerns center Private Space, some Pixel 6 owners have found that their phones turn off even without applying the upgrade. Regardless of how users engage with the new operating system, the update has caused worries among consumers about possible risk for their devices.

The Reach of the Problem

The typical answer for folks with this issue—connecting the phone to a computer and dragging down the Power and Volume Down buttons to reboot—has proved useless. Although Google has not yet stated formally on the matter, IT experts are already advising Pixel users to turn off automatic updates to prevent the risk of getting flawed versions of Android 15. Users must activate developer options in their settings then turn off automatic system upgrades under developer options.

The brick issue reminds me of similar issues with the Multiple Profile tool of Android 14. Designed to let users create separate profiles on their devices, this function suffered from a storage problem causing malfunction of devices. Given how difficult it was to get back under control of their phones, many users related the experience to handling a “ransomware” attack, as with the present Private Space issue.

Keep Reading

Broad Effects and Constant Frustration

Although most complaints originate from Pixel 6 users, owners of other Google devices—including the Pixel 7, 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet—have also complained of problems following Android 15 upgrades. Though little has been done to fix the flaw, consumers have started using Google’s issue tracker as the situation has gotten more severe. Unresolved and lacking a deadline for a fix is a September complaint titled “System crashes when entering any Private Space function”.

Some users of Google’s problem tracker have become enraged over growing grievances, only to be warned about their behavior. “We understand that you’re frustrated,” one Google agent answered a user’s complaint, “but if you continue to post abusive comments to the Google Issue Tracker, we will be forced to take action by removing your ability to make any comments or changes.”

Safety Steps: Backup and Turn Off Auto-Updates

Independent computer experts advise all Pixel 6 users—and in fact, everyone with a smartphone or computing device—regularly backup their data until a fix is published. This guarantees that should an unanticipated issue cause the phone to become bricked or unusable, vital information is not lost. Disabling automatic updates is a required step for individuals worried about running across this problem until Google can solve the fundamental one.

The most recent round of grievances reflects the earlier annoyance of consumers who came across such flaws in Android 15’s beta iterations. Users are left hoping for a quick fix that will enable their smartphones to run as Google says nothing about the origin of the present bricking problem.