Some Google Pixel users say update is locking their phones
Some frustrated users say that the latest Pixel update is locking them out of their Google smartphones.
Google Pixel users are reporting that a recent update is locking their devices. The September 2026 update has caused lockout issues for Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 9a, and Pixel 8 Pro models, according to Reddit users. One user with a Pixel 10 Pro XL said their pattern unlock feature stopped working after the update, with the line disappearing immediately after drawing the second dot.
Others reported the PIN being rejected after only the first digit was entered. The lock screen issue may trigger an emergency countdown timer after incorrect PIN entries. Some users had to perform a factory reset to regain access to their phones, losing unbacked photos and files in the process. Google is aware of the problem and is in contact with affected users, but a fix has not been released publicly yet.
Until a solution is provided, factory resetting may result in data loss, as Google cannot unlock the device remotely. Users are advised to back up their devices before installing updates to avoid issues like these.
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