Google’s September Pixel Drop appears to have introduced a lock screen bug affecting users across several Pixel smartphone models.
The September update brought improvements to the VIP contacts widget, stronger scam detection and the Pause Point feature to older Pixel devices. However, reports from users suggest that the update has also caused problems with PIN and pattern-based unlocking.
Pixel Users Report Unlocking Problems
One Reddit user reported being unable to unlock their Pixel 10 Pro XL using a pattern lock. According to the user, the phone would reset the pattern input before they could even connect the second dot.
Another Pixel 10 Pro XL owner reported a similar issue but managed to work around it by performing a hard restart using the Power and Volume Down buttons.
In another case, a user who could not find a workaround reportedly had to perform a factory reset to regain access to the device.
The problem does not appear to be limited to the Pixel 10 Pro XL or pattern locks.
PIN Locks Also Affected
A separate report from a Pixel 8a owner described a similar issue with PIN authentication. The phone reportedly displayed a “wrong PIN” message after the user entered only the first digit.
Another Pixel 8 Pro owner also reported experiencing a similar problem.
Based on the reports, the issue appears to involve the lock screen registering input before users have finished entering their PIN or completing their pattern.
This can lead to repeated failed authentication attempts. Since Pixel devices temporarily prevent further attempts after several unsuccessful unlocks, affected users may also face additional waiting periods before trying again.
Google Aware of Pixel Bug
The reports have attracted attention from PixelCommunity, an official Google support account. The account has reportedly contacted affected users to assist with the issue.
However, lock screen problems are not the only complaints following the September Pixel Drop.
Users with Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 devices have also reported that their smartphones became noticeably slower or more laggy after installing the latest update.
Google has not indicated in the supplied information when a fix will be released. Users who have not yet installed the September Pixel Drop may therefore choose to wait until an updated version addressing the reported issues becomes available.