Google Halts Pixel Update After Storage Bug Issues Surfaces Again

Highlights

• Google pauses January 2024 Google Play System Update for Pixel due to storage bugs.
• Reported issues include storage mounting failures and camera app crashes.
• Google representative confirms issue investigation on Reddit.
• DCLA Mainline module identified as potential cause of the problem.

In a recent development, Google has temporarily stopped the rollout of its January 2024 Google Play System Update for Pixel devices.

This decision comes in the wake of multiple reports from users experiencing significant storage-related issues after installing the update, particularly on devices running multiple profiles.

This is not the first time this is happening either, with Google rolling out a fix for the same problem a few months back.

A Google spokesperson acknowledged the problem this evening:“We’re aware of this issue and are looking into it.”

The Core of the Issue

Users across various platforms, including Reddit, have been vocal about the problems they’ve encountered following the new January update.

Key issues include the device’s internal storage failing to mount, crashes in the camera application, and the inability of the Files app to display files.

Furthermore, there have been reports of screenshots not being saved correctly.

For some, it would appear that the situation necessitated a complete factory reset to restore functionality.

Google’s Response

Google has halted the rollout of the January 2024 GPSU following reports of devices having file access issues.

Over the past few days, several users on Reddit, particularly those with Pixel phones, have faced issues with file access. The internal storage isn’t being mounted,… pic.twitter.com/XiqUhkZBWD

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) January 23, 2024

Acknowledging the issue, an official Google representative on Reddit (/u/PixelCommunity) confirmed that the tech giant is aware of the problem and is actively investigating a solution.

Android expert Mishaal Rahman added that Google has completely halted the update’s rollout, tracing the problem back to the January 2024 update.

Rahman suggests that the root cause of these disruptions may lie in the Dynamic Common Library Apex (DCLA).

This system, a component of Google’s Mainline project, is designed to streamline software updates by segregating shared C++ libraries into a separate module.

The trouble seems to stem from the DCLA Mainline module inadvertently reverting to its original factory version, creating compatibility issues with other modules reliant on DCLA.

Reflecting on Quality Assurance

Given that similar issues surfaced just three months ago, questions arise about the effectiveness of Google’s quality assurance processes for Pixel updates.

The repeat of such a significant bug suggests gaps in testing, especially for scenarios involving devices with multiple user profiles.

FAQs

What issues are Pixel users facing after the latest update?

Users have reported problems with internal storage not mounting, camera application crashes, and the Files app failing to display files following the Google Pixel update in January 2024.

Has Google acknowledged the Pixel update issues?

Yes, an official Google representative on Reddit has confirmed that the company is aware of the storage-related issues and is working on a solution.

What is the speculated root cause of the Pixel’s recent problems?

Android expert Mishaal Rahman suggests that the problem might be due to the DCLA Mainline module reverting to its factory version, disrupting compatibility with other modules.

What action has Google taken regarding the Pixel update?

Google has halted the rollout of the January 2024 update to prevent further issues and is currently investigating the cause.

Are there concerns about Google’s quality assurance for Pixel updates?

The recurrence of similar issues raises questions about the effectiveness of Google’s testing processes, particularly for Pixel devices with multiple user profiles.

Is Pixel facing new storage issue, likely tied to January Google Play system update ?

Pixel devices might be facing another problem related to the January 2024 Google Play System Update this is Following a storage access issue in October with the initial Android 14 release and multiple users.

After updating to the January 2024 Google Play system update (which is different from the January 5, 2024 security update/patch), users report not being able to access data stored in internal storage across all apps.

This results in various cascading issues, like not being able to play downloaded audio/video files or take new pictures, while the Files app appears empty. Other apps refuse to work.

This sounds similar to last year’s issue that impacted devices with multiple users enabled. However, the culprit today appears to be having that Google Play system update installed.

How can you check this storage issue of pixel on your device?

January 2024 update is not widely rolled out, with most Pixel (and other Android) users still on the November 2023 release. (You can check from the Settings app > Security & privacy > System & updates.) That will hopefully limit the issue from spreading to new users as Google can just halt the rollout.

Pixel 8, 7, and 6 series owners are all reporting this problem.

It remains to be seen how Google resolves the problem for those that have installed it. Last time, a system update was needed.

If your device wasn’t stuck in a “Pixel is starting” boot loop, data could be recovered with the aforementioned OTA.

Also Read: Google Finally Outlines Plan to Tackle Pixel Storage Issues After Android 14 Update

Also Read: Android 14 Storage Bug in Several Pixel Devices Causing User Lockout

Also Read: Android 14 Update Troubles Plague Pixel 6 Users with Storage Issues