Google addresses Pixel 6 series bricking bug amid user complaints

Yesterday, we reported that some Google Pixel 6 series users ran into a critical issue, bricking their devices in the process. The problem occurred when users attempted a factory reset, a common procedure for troubleshooting or formatting a device. Instead of restoring successfully, the devices failed to reboot, displaying error messages about missing system files.

In response, Google has updated its support page with a temporary solution. Here’s what Google said:

Hello Pixel Community,

We have recently received reports from some users who have encountered issues with their Pixel 6, 6 Pro and 6a factory reset after receiving the latest system update. We understand that factory reset is not something many users do regularly, but because we care about your experience and want to keep you informed, we’d like to share these additional details with you:

• To avoid this problem, we recommend leaving your device powered on and idle for 15 minutes after rebooting after a system update. After this time, you can restore the device to its factory state. Alternatively, you can restore the device to factory settings forward getting the latest system update.
• If you have already factory reset your Pixel 6, 6 Pro, or 6a and are having issues, stay tuned to this thread for further information and updates. The team has identified the root cause of the problem and is working on developing the best possible solution.

Our teams are actively working to fix this issue. We appreciate your patience and support.

Thank you,

Google Pixel Support Team

According to the statement, the issue is related to new software update installations. The company advises users who have not yet performed a factory reset to leave their devices powered on and idle for 15 minutes after rebooting after a system update. Alternatively, users can perform a factory reset before installing the latest update.

Unfortunately, this offers no relief to users whose devices are already built. Google states that it has identified the root cause and is working on a solution, which it will update in the same thread, but for now, affected users are left in limbo. As far as we know, attempts to recover devices using Android Flash Tool and Pixel Repair Tool have been unsuccessful.

The origin of the problem remains a mystery, and it doesn’t seem to be universally affecting all Pixel 6 users. In our testing, we were able to perform a factory reset on a Pixel 6 running the latest Android 15 beta without any issues.

Google hasn’t given a timeline for a fix, and we strongly recommend avoiding factory resetting your Pixel 6 device until Google issues a final fix. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.