Google Pixel owners often mention the bloat-free software and the speed of receiving Android patches and security updates quickly as some of the key draws to the brand. However, that advantage can sometimes become a disadvantage when bugs appear.
Many Google Pixel users are again experiencing the Google Pixel storage bug, which first reared its head in October 2023. Users affected by the bug reported seeing the signs after updating their devices to the January 2024 Google Play system update.
The top signs of the bug are as follows:
- Camera crashes
- Internal storage glitches and mount failures
- Files app showing no files
- Screenshots seemingly disappearing
The bug doesn’t seem to affect only specific models. Analysts and everyday users have sounded the Pixel Storage bug warning for owners of Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 7, Pixel 6, and Pixel 5 devices.
A Recurring Issue for Google
In a statement to 9to5Google, Google acknowledged the issue and stated they were looking into it. However, industry watchers and Pixel users have become more concerned about this latest issue because it repeats a major issue that first happened three months ago.
The Google Pixel storage bug of October mostly affected users with multiple profiles on their devices. Google released a patch in November to fix the issue, so it’s frustrating for users to experience it again.
It’s unclear how Google wants to fix the current debacle. Will it roll out another patch again? Should users who have not initiated the January update proceed with it? How about the risk of the problem resurfacing in future updates? Users continue to wait for answers.
A Possible Workaround
In the future, it’s best to avoid being one of the first early adopters of future Google Play system updates if you’re on a pixel device.
It’s the best way to avoid getting hit by this seemingly recurring Google Pixel bug until we get more definitive guidance from Google.
However, if you have already installed the update and are currently dealing with the Google Pixel storage problem, there might be a workaround.
Other users have recommended deactivating multiple profiles. If you’ve set up multiple profiles, consider deactivating them temporarily until Google announces a permanent fix to the Pixel Storage concerns.
What Happens to the Lost Data?
Going by how Google resolved the October case, there’s a high chance of data recovery if the company pushes an over-the-air update to fix the Google Pixel storage bug. However, the recovery will only work on functional devices that have not fallen into the dreaded Pixel startup loop.
Google Pixel troubleshooting is impractical for phones already in the loop. The only fix is a complete wipe and software reload. Unfortunately, that means losing your data.
