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Google’s March Pixel update brings frustrating screen, audio and haptic issues to Pixel phones

By Aleksandar Anastasov

Published: Mar 11, 2025, 8:44 AM

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Text on white screen reading "Your Pixel just got better"

If you own a Pixel phone, you probably get excited whenever Google releases one of its feature-rich Pixel Drops, but you might want to wait before updating to the latest one.

There are multiple reports from Pixel phone owners about Google's March Pixel update bringing along all kinds of bugs that can drive you crazy. More specifically, the reports are mainly concerning Pixel 7 and Pixel 8-series phones, introducing worrisome display and audio issues.

Display flickers and sudden brightness drops reported on Pixel 8 Pro

Several Pixel 8 Pro users have gone to official Google support forums and the Pixel subreddit to complain about severe screen flickering, which is then followed by random and abrupt drops in the display's brightness.

The reports state that this specific bug happens during video playback in particular, occurring roughly every 10 seconds. Needless to say, you won't be able to enjoy your favorite YouTube creators this way, but at least it might stop you from your doomscrolling.

The silver lining is that one user might have found a way around this bug—setting the display's refresh rate down to 60Hz instead of 120Hz. Of course, if you haven't been simultaneously using a non-Pro iPhone, than most likely this will be a jarring downgrade.

Audio troubles accompany display problems

If the bug during video playback was the only problem of this March Pixel update, than it wouldn't have been too bad. Unfortunately, some Pixel 7—and even Pixel 9—owners, are also reporting sudden shifts in the audio volume, saying that music playback becomes unexpectedly louder compared to videos.

One more bug

And to make this rather unfortunate update even worse, there's one more issue, forming a holy trinity of Pixel bugs. Users have noticed unexpected changes in the haptic feedback intensity, with vibrations getting weaker or stronger out of nowhere.

This specific bug is officially addressed by Google, with a statement saying that it's investigating the reports:

The Pixel team is actively looking into reports from some Pixel users about changes to haptic intensity. To adjust your vibration settings, you can go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Vibration & haptics.

Google doesn't say whether this haptic bug is related to the other two.

Google’s recent history of problematic updates

No manufacturer is perfect, and it's hard to test software so thoroughly that no user has to experience a bug after the official rollout. So, like any other phone company, Google has had some rough updates recently.

In October last year, the Android 15 update completely bricked Pixel 6 phones around the world, although, that's hardly a surprise considering what a hot mess the Pixel 6 really is.

Another more recent example are the audio delays and stability issues while using some apps on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series. One storage bug from 2023 even made a comeback this January, with users reporting disappearing files, non-functional camera and file apps, and shrinking available storage despite having free space.

Fixes are likely coming

Google doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to buggy updates, and it generally has a mixed track record when it comes to fixing bugs. That said, the three bugs mentioned above are pretty severe, and there's has been a significant number of reports, so we expect Google to take quick action and fix them in the coming weeks.

The important thing here is to keep sharing your reports to the Google support forums and other places, tagging Google support whenever possible. With the Pixel 9a on its way, it's not the best time for the search giant to be gaining bad reputation about its software updates.

Hopefully, when the Pixel 9a starts landing in people's hands (pre-orders said to start on March 19), there won't be any major software problems to ruin a phone that otherwise sounds like a pretty awesome mid-ranger!

We will update this article if Google releases fixes for the aforementioned bugs.

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Aleksandar is a tech enthusiast with a broad range of interests, from smartphones to space exploration. His curiosity extends to hands-on DIY experiments with his gadgets, and he enjoys switching between different brands to experience the latest innovations. Prior to joining PhoneArena, Aleksandar worked on the Google Art Project, digitizing valuable artworks and gaining diverse perspectives on technology. When he's not immersed in tech, Aleksandar is an outdoorsman who enjoys mountain hikes, wildlife photography, and nature conservation. His interests also extend to martial arts, running, and snowboarding, reflecting his dynamic approach to life and technology.