Some Google Pixel owners say September update is locking them out of their phones

Some Pixel phone owners are reporting that the September software update is preventing them from unlocking their devices, even when they input the correct PIN or pattern. The issue seems to be related to the lock screen functionality. Users are noticing that entering a pattern resets after only a couple of dots, or that the phone registers the first digit of a PIN as if it were the entire code, then declares the code incorrect.

This is a serious problem because the lock screen is the primary barrier to accessing the phone and its stored data. In one case, a Pixel 10 Pro XL owner attempted various troubleshooting steps including restarting the device, entering Safe Mode, cleaning the screen, using a USB mouse, and reinstalling the same Android version. None of these solutions proved effective in regaining access.

The only remedy was a factory reset, which, while restoring the phone to working order, also resulted in the loss of all local data. This makes the reset an undesirable solution, especially for those who lack recent backups. The reports highlight the challenges in diagnosing lock-screen bugs, as the device may appear to function normally in other areas.

Safe Mode can assist if a third-party app is causing the problem, but it is less helpful if the issue originates within the system update. Reinstalling the same build may not resolve the issue if the fault lies within that particular version of Android. Utilizing a mouse can help rule out hardware display or touch-input problems, yet it will not rectify a lock-screen process that misinterprets valid entries.

As of now, Google has not acknowledged the problem publicly nor provided a resolution. The scope of the affected users remains unclear, whether the issue is specific to a particular update version or device condition. Until a fix is released, users with affected devices should refrain from performing a factory reset until they verify their backups through another device or the Google account.

Reaching out to Google Pixel Support before proceeding with a reset could also be beneficial, particularly if the company is compiling reports from users to pinpoint the root cause.