Android 15 Bug Is Bricking Google Pixel 6 Phones

Google Pixel 6 running Android 15.
Image: Max McCaskill

WhistleOut fast facts

The new Android 15 update is bricking some Google Pixel 6 smartphones.
Impacted devices are completely unresponsive and the exact cause is unknown.
Regular troubleshooting methods are not working and there is currently no fix to the problem.
Only the Google Pixel 6 series devices are impacted so far.
Pixel 6 owners should refrain from updating to Android 15 until a fix is available and all other Pixel owners should ensure their devices are backed up.

Android 15 is causing a catastrophic failure in some Google Pixel 6 devices. Multiple users on the r/Pixel subreddit have reported their Pixel 6 smartphones bricking after installing the new OS update.

It's not clear what exactly is causing the software issue. One user has reported it occurring after using the new Private Space feature while another said it happened when closing and opening apps. Impacted devices become completely unresponsive with normal troubleshooting methods failing to solve the problem.

Not all Pixel 6 devices have been impacted. I have a Pixel 6 that has been running Android 15 with no problems since the October 15 release date. That said, Pixel 6 series users still running Android 14 should refrain from updating to Android 15 until a fix is offered by Google. While this bug has not impacted other models, all Pixel owners should ensure their devices are backed up in case other issues arise.

What is the Android 15 bug impacting Pixel 6 smartphones?

Google has yet to acknowledge this bug, so it's not exactly clear what is causing Android 15 to brick Pixel 6 devices. The current theory is that some users' privacy settings are not working well with Android 15. This might be why the bug has presented itself with the new Private Space feature for some users. This feature allows Pixels to hide some apps and files in locked areas of the home screen.

Impacted devices become unusable with no known fix. Users have reported black screens with the volume and power buttons not working. Common troubleshooting methods like forced restarts and connecting to computers have no effect.

This is not the first Google Pixel 6 bug that has bricked devices. Google acknowledged in June of this year that Pixel 6 devices suffered from a factory reset bug that made the phones unresponsive after the reset process was complete.

What should I do if I own a Pixel 6?

If you own a Pixel 6, you should refrain from updating to Android 15 until a fix is offered by Google. Don't panic if you've already updated, but try to avoid using features like Private Spaces for now. Remember, not all Pixel 6 devices have been impacted. Multiple Pixel 6 owners—including myself—have downloaded Android 15, used Private Spaces, and adjusted privacy settings with no problems at all.

All Pixel owners—regardless of generation—should take time to ensure their phones are backed up in case you end up needing to reset your device. Android 15 is a new operating system. Despite its lengthy beta period, there will always be new bugs popping up and causing problems. While this may be the most catastrophic bug we'll see out of Android 15, it likely won't be the only one.

Subscribe to get the best news and deals

All the latest cell phone news and deals, delivered every Thursday.

I have read the Whistleout Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and I understand that I can unsubscribe if I want.

Max McCaskill

Sr. Staff Writer

Max is a Senior Staff Writer at WhistleOut, specializing in mobile plans, operating systems, and carrier news. He regularly tests and reviews dozens of phone plans firsthand, evaluating real-world data speeds, coverage reliability, and plan features. He's been featured in publications such as Yahoo Finance, AARP, AP News, and GoBankingRates.

Read full bio