Android 14 Storage Bug in Several Pixel Devices Causing User Lockout

Highlights

• Storage bug impacts multiple Pixel models including Pixel 6, 6a, 7, 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet.

• Users are locked out of primary accounts, making devices virtually unusable.

• The issue has garnered over 350 reports but remains unaddressed by Google.

• The bug affects devices running on Android 14 and targets the multiple-user feature.

A recurring issue that’s more than just an inconvenience is currently affecting a range of Google Pixel devices.

Users of Pixel 6, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet are increasingly taking to Google IssueTracker to report a particularly disruptive bug that locks the main account out of device storage while leaving the secondary account functional.

Previously thought to be isolated to Pixel 6 models, further reports indicate that the glitch extends to a broader range of devices, especially those that have been updated to Android 14.

Despite accumulating over 350 entries on Google’s IssueTracker, the problem has received a surprising “medium” P2 priority level and remains unassigned—meaning that currently, no team at Google is actively working to resolve it.

Affected users describe a variety of symptoms but all point towards a severely compromised user experience.

The bug causes the device to either boot-loop or freeze on the startup message.

Moreover, attempts to open the camera app result in an “out of storage” warning, making it impossible to take pictures or screenshots.

Even a factory reset isn’t an option due to the storage lockout.

Several posts on the IssueTracker express profound frustration, likening the experience to being held hostage by ransomware.

Unlike ransomware, however, no one is even acknowledging the issue, let alone offering a solution.

The severity of this problem is further emphasized by Pixel users comparing the lack of action from Google to other manufacturers like Apple, which they claim are more prompt at fixing such issues.

The root of the problem appears to be connected with the multiple-user feature on these devices, which allows more than one profile to be active on a single handset, each with its own storage and apps.

FAQs

Which Pixel devices are affected by this bug?

The storage bug is affecting multiple Pixel models including the Pixel 6, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet.

What are the symptoms of the storage bug?

Users have reported several symptoms such as boot looping, a stuck startup screen, and an inability to take screenshots or use the camera due to an “out of storage” message.

Has Google addressed the bug?

As of now, the bug remains unassigned in Google’s IssueTracker and has only received a “medium” priority level, indicating that no immediate steps are being taken for its resolution.

Is there a workaround to this problem?

Currently, users have reported that the secondary profile on the device remains unaffected. Switching to this profile is a temporary solution until an official fix is released.

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