Before updating your Pixel, connect to Wi-Fi and charge it to at least 75%, as Google recommends. Afterward, a little extra battery drain can be normal while the phone downloads and optimizes software. If a problem persists, start with simple checks—such as restarting, checking storage, or comparing Wi-Fi connections—before considering a factory reset.
Before updating your Pixel
Connect to Wi-Fi and charge the phone
Google recommends connecting to Wi-Fi and charging your device to at least 75% before installing an update. Updates can be large and take time, so starting with a strong charge and a reliable connection helps avoid interruptions. This is a preparation recommendation; it does not mean every update takes the same amount of time or uses the same amount of data. Google’s Android update guidance explains the process.
If you need to charge first, a compatible USB-C cable and power adapter can do the job. You do not need to buy a new charger just to update. Charging compatibility and performance vary by Pixel model, so check the requirements for your specific phone if you need a replacement. Google’s Pixel charging guidance provides model-related information.
Check the installed version and update status
To see what is already installed, open Settings > About phone > Android version. The screen shows the Android version, Android security update, Google Play system update, and build number. On a tablet, look under About tablet instead.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
To install an available update, use its notification or check from Settings. Availability depends on your Pixel model and rollout timing, and menu labels can vary by model and software version. See Google’s instructions for checking and installing Android updates.
What to expect after the update
A little extra battery drain can be normal
Google says, “After a software update, it’s normal for your Pixel battery to drain a little more than usual.” The phone may use more power while it downloads and optimizes the new software and gets everything running. This describes a temporary possibility, not a guarantee that every battery problem will resolve on a fixed schedule. Google’s Pixel battery guidance explains what to check if the drain seems unusual.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
Investigate battery use if the drain continues
Open your battery settings to see which apps or system components are using power, then follow Google’s troubleshooting steps for the source shown. For certain system components or Google apps that appear to use more than 10% during your usual routine, Google suggests observing usage for 2–5 days. Those figures are troubleshooting guidance, not results from a study. Google’s battery troubleshooting instructions give the relevant steps.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do if your Pixel has problems after an update
First identify the symptom and use the least disruptive checks. A restart, a storage check, or a test on another network can help narrow down the cause. If the problem points to an app, Safe mode can help determine whether a downloaded app is involved.
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If the phone freezes or feels slow
- Restart the phone. This is a useful first check for temporary problems.
- Check available storage. Google warns that a phone can have problems when less than 10% of its storage is available. Free up space if you are below that level. Google’s storage guidance covers ways to manage space.
- Update your apps. Check the Play Store for app updates that may address compatibility or performance problems.
- Test in Safe mode. Safe mode helps assess whether a downloaded app is causing the issue. If the problem disappears there, remove recently installed apps one at a time, restarting between removals, until you identify the likely cause. Follow Google’s instructions for using Safe mode.
- Reserve a factory reset for an advanced step. A factory reset removes data from the phone. Back up your data before proceeding, and use Google’s reset instructions if you decide it is necessary. Google explains how to reset a Pixel.
If Wi-Fi stops working
- Check that Wi-Fi is on and Airplane mode is off. Toggle the connections if appropriate, then restart the phone.
- Test another device on the same Wi-Fi network. If that device also has trouble, the issue may be with the router, network, or internet connection rather than the Pixel.
- Try the Pixel on a different Wi-Fi network. If it works there, that points toward the original network; if it does not, the phone may be involved.
- If the problem disappears in Safe mode, a downloaded app may be responsible. Use Google’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting steps and Safe mode guidance to continue narrowing it down.
If battery drain remains unusually high
Check battery settings to identify which app or system component is using power, then follow the corresponding troubleshooting advice from Google. If the usage pattern is one of the high-use system component or Google app cases described above, use Google’s suggested observation period in your normal routine before drawing conclusions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
How to narrow down the cause
- Only this Pixel has the problem: focus on the phone’s settings, storage, apps, and Safe mode behavior.
- Other devices also have trouble on the same Wi-Fi: investigate the router, network, or internet connection.
- The issue goes away in Safe mode: a downloaded app may be involved; remove recent apps one at a time and restart between removals.
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