It’s the first Monday of the month, which means it’s time for the Pixel update. Google has released the March security update for Pixel devices along with the Feature Drop. This update brings plenty of changes to Pixel phones. Read on to explore everything new with the latest update.
Google kicks off the new software upgrade to the eligible devices globally with AP1A.240305.019.A1 build number. It is a big upgrade compared to the recent monthly updates; weighing 669MB on the Pixel 6a. If you own the Pixel 5a (5G) or newer model, then you can upgrade your smartphone to the new software update.
The update is also available for the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold. The March update is already rolling out for unlocked models, and for those with carrier-locked models in the US, the update is scheduled to be available starting on March 11, and March 4 for everywhere else.
In terms of changes, the update goes live with a slew of enhancements and fixes, here’s the official changelog available on the Pixel Support page.
- Apps
- General improvements for stability and performance with certain system apps *[4]
- Assistant
- Fix for assistant not responding to verbal commands in certain conditions *[11]
- Biometrics
- General improvements for fingerprint recognition and response in certain conditions *[3]
- Bluetooth
- Fix for audio quality issue with connected bluetooth devices under certain conditions *[3]
- Fix for issue causing Bluetooth to stop functioning under certain conditions *[6]
- Camera
- Fix for issue causing camera to stop functioning in certain conditions *[8]
- Display & Graphics
- Fix for brightness changes in photo and video under certain conditions *[8]
- Fix for issue occasionally causing display to turn green in certain conditions *[8]
- General improvements to display stability and performance in certain conditions *[11]
- Framework
- Fix for issue in launching Google Play store app under certain conditions *[4]
- Fix for issue in using multi-finger gestures under certain conditions *[3]
- General improvements for system stability and performance in certain conditions *[6]
- Media
- Fix for issue in playing video on Google TV under certain conditions *[5]
- Sensors
- Fix for issue causing vibrations on new texts to stop working in certain conditions *[3]
- Fix for issue occasionally causing vibrations on new texts to stop working in certain conditions *[2]
- System
- General improvements for system stability and performance in certain conditions *[1]
- Telephony
- Fix for issue in routing calls to connected bluetooth devices under certain conditions *[9]
- Fix for issue occasionally occurring when WiFi icon shows during an ongoing call after WiFi is disabled. *[2]
- Fix for issue unable to make or receive calls occasionally in certain conditions *[4]
- Fix for issue with mobile data not switching correctly in certain conditions *[2]
- Fix for issue with voice distortion when making calls *[7]
- User Interface
- Additional improvements for face unlock stability in certain conditions *[3]
- Fix for issue causing game dashboard to stop functioning under certain conditions *[9]
- Fix for issue occasionally causing home screen icons to appear invisible *[4]
- Fix for issue occasionally causing the wallpaper to get stuck or go dark *[12]
- Fix for issue with animations during transitions in certain conditions*[13]
- Fix for issue with incorrect app icons showing under certain conditions *[6]
- Fix for issue with incorrect internet connection status during transitions in certain conditions *[4]
- Fix for issue with layouts and animations during transitions in certain conditions *[4]
- Fix for issue with the notification color theme in certain conditions *[10]
- Fix for taskbar icons and navigation buttons not working in certain conditions *[14]
- General improvements for performance and stability in certain UI transitions and animations *[4]
- General improvements for performance in certain UI transitions *[8]
- Wi-Fi
- General improvements for WiFi connection stability and performance in certain conditions*[11]
Device Applicability
Fixes are available for all supported Pixel devices unless otherwise indicated below. Some fixes may be Carrier/Region specific.
*[1] Pixel 5a (5G), Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Fold
*[2] Pixel 6, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro
*[3] Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro
*[4] Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Fold
*[5] Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Tablet
*[6] Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet
*[7] Pixel 7a
*[8] Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro
*[9] Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Fold
*[10] Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Tablet
*[11] Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro
*[12] Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Fold
*[13] Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet
*[14] Pixel Tablet
At the moment, the update is rolling in a staged manner, you will receive the update OTA notification once available on your device, you can tap on it and download the update or simply head over to Settings > System > Advanced > System update and install the new software.
You can also manually install the March 2024 update on your Pixel phone by sideloading the update. The factory images and OTA files of the September update are already available. But make sure to take a backup before sideloading the new software.
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