Many of the writers here at Android Police have enjoyed our experiences with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro — so much so, in fact, that the smaller model earned our highly-coveted editor's choice award for 2021. That's not to say either phone is flawless, of course. As has become something of a tradition for Google, there are quite a few weird quirks and bugs in need of some serious squashing — and thankfully, the company has been pretty proactive with its fixes. Here's everything wrong with the Pixel 6 series that's been spotted so far.

Dirty Pipe exploit

Dirty Pipe is a dangerous vulnerability discovered in recent versions of the Linux kernel, which means it extends to smartphones that shipped running Android 12. Obviously, that includes the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro among them, and we've been waiting for a fix ever since. When the April patch arrived — on time, thankfully — we expected the updated kernel, especially since Samsung had rolled it out for the S22 series. Unfortunately, the launch of Android 12 QPR3 beta 2 a few days later confirmed that most users would have to keep waiting.

How to fix the Dirty Pipe exploit on the Pixel 6

Initially, Google rolled out its fix for Dirty Pipe to users on the Android 12 QPR3 beta build, leaving normal users unprotected on the same level and without any sort of comment on when stable releases would see the same attention. After all, these betas were essentially early previews for the June Feature Drop — would Pixel owners be stuck waiting two more months to see this fix?

Thankfully, that didn't happen, and a Dirty Pipe patch arrived in May. If you haven't already updated your phone, make sure you do that — it's the best way to fix most of the resounding issues with Google's 2021 flagships, including this one.

Pixel 6 Pro review (3)

External DACs aren't functioning

External DACs are usually only used by audiophiles and enthusiasts, but we'd guess Pixel 6 buyers happen to crossover into both categories pretty often. Unfortunately, neither phone has been able to take advantage of superior sound quality since launch, and as time has marched on, it's only grown more noticeable as an issue.

How to fix external DACs not working with the Pixel 6

It took more than a month for Google to issue a response, and at the time, the answer wasn't great. The company promised a fix was on its way, but it wouldn't arrive until sometime in the summer. Thankfully, Google beat its estimates — if only by a couple of weeks — releasing a fix with the June Feature Drop. If you're experiencing issues with your DAC, make sure to update your phone to the June patch.

Wi-Fi signal struggles

Google's February security patch was supposed to be a moment for the company to reset. It's the first time an update reached the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro on time since launch, but it's included a pretty significant bug of its own. Plenty of Pixel users around the web have reported Wi-Fi randomly shutting off on their phone, even after toggling it back on. In some cases, re-enabling Wi-Fi also disables Bluetooth, and for a phone without a headphone jack, that's a pretty serious issue.

How to fix the Wi-Fi signal issues on the Pixel 6

It took a few weeks, but Google has finally acknowledged this bug on Reddit through its Pixel Community account, admitting it affects "a small number of devices." A patch is now available through Google's March update and beyond. If you're still having issues with your Wi-Fi reception, make sure you've updated your software.

Display randomly freezes due to touch-input issues

Every time the Pixel 6's battery life drops by a percentage — say, from 85 to 84 — the screen freezes for up to two seconds, ignoring all input during this time. This bug can range from frustrating to completely unacceptable, depending on what you're doing when the battery level finally dips.

How to fix touch-input issues on the Pixel 6

The fix: Disabling all accessibility services — including things like Voice Access — does the trick, but that's pretty extreme. A month after the bug was discovered, Google finally announced it had prepared a fix, promising its arrival in a "future build." Although it took longer than expected, I can confirm this problem is fixed when running on the June security patch. Make sure your phone is updated if you're still experiencing this issue.

A person holding a Google Pixel phone on its lockscreen with their thumb hovering over the fingerprint sensor.

Sluggish fingerprint sensor

The fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro is slow and inconsistent on its own — easily the biggest blemish on otherwise excellent hardware. However, it's not the only issue with security on this phone. At least a couple of users have noted their device can be unlocked using other people's fingerprints, running counter to Google's "boosted security" excuses for the sluggish sensor. Some Pixel 6 owners have also noticed that biometrics stop working entirely after its battery has been completely drained, requiring a factory reset to start working again.

How to fix the slow fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 6

Google issued a surprise software update in November to help address many of the issues surrounding the fingerprint sensor. It's out for unlocked and select carrier devices, while all other Pixel 6 phones received the fix through either the (pulled) December patch or the follow-up January release. Unfortunately, it seems like this is as fast as it can get. Google has yet to expand beyond these initial early rollouts, and considering the company is using a different sensor for the Pixel 6a, it seems like hardware is — at least partially — to blame.

Some third-party charging cables are not working

Although we're including it in the round-up, this issue isn't so much a "bug" as it is something to keep in mind when buying the phone. Some users have discovered that certain cables — specifically older and cheaper ones — don't charge the Pixel 6 or 6 Pro. There's no warning message on an affected smartphone; it simply acts like it hasn't been plugged in.

How to fix charging cables not working with the Pixel 6

There's no incoming fix for this issue because, at least from Google's perspective, the phone is working as intended. Keeping your device from powering up with an unsafe charging cable might be frustrating if most of your USB-C cords are older, but it might just be the push you need to buy a couple of new ones.

Pixel 6 Pro (7)

Refresh rate stuck at 60Hz

Many users, including AP's own Taylor Kerns, have experienced problems with both models switching between various refresh rates. For the most part, it sounds like both Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are getting stuck at 60Hz, with various Reddit threads filled with people unsure of how to experience their ultra-fast displays.

How to fix refresh rate problems on the Pixel 6

Like several of the fixes on this list, Google's January update — and previously, its botched December patch — will fix this right up. The release notes specifically mention a solution for Smooth Display getting stuck in specific modes. If you're still experiencing problems, March's patch notes also mentions a fix for anyone getting stuck in 60Hz mode.

Auto-rotate not working on Pixel 6 displays

Plenty of users — including some here at AP — have run into an issue with auto-rotate no longer working on their phones. This bug can have some pretty significant ripple effects, including stopping your phone from taking landscape photos.

How to fix auto-rotate bugs

There's no permanent solution, but there's a decent workaround: restart your phone. Once you've done a quick reboot, your accelerometer should be working again normally.

UPDATE: 2022/06/09 15:57 EST BY WILL SATTELBERG

External DAC support

One of the last unfixed bugs on this list — external DAC support — was finally fixed this week with the June Feature Drop. If you're experiencing app crashes or loud, high-pitched noises from your headphones, make sure you update.

We've also streamlined this list to remove some of the oldest bugs patched in the early months of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, leaving only issues that were fixed within the last couple of months. Generally speaking, both phones are far more stable than they were at launch. If you're having trouble with your device, the best thing you can do is make sure it's running the latest software available.