Google’s August Pixel update fixes unresponsive button issue

Good news, Pixel users! Google is rolling out its August software update, and it’s bringing much-needed relief from some frustrating bugs that have been plaguing many devices. The most significant fix addresses the notoriously unresponsive three-button navigation and gesture controls.

Since the release of Android 16 in June, many Pixel owners reported that their navigation buttons – back, home, and recents – were either completely unresponsive or took a painfully long time, sometimes up to 30 seconds, to register a tap. Some even had to repeatedly press buttons to get them to work, while others found swipe gestures weren’t working at all. These issues weren’t limited to older models; users across various Pixel phones, including the latest Pixel 9 line, experienced these frustrating glitches.

But the navigation fix isn’t the only improvement. The August update also tackles a problem with the scheduled dark theme feature. For some users, automatic dark mode scheduling stopped working after Pixel’s March update, forcing them to manually toggle it on and off. Thankfully, that inconvenience is now being resolved too.

This latest update is available for all Pixel devices running Android 16, from the Pixel 6 up to the Pixel 8 lineup. Google has stated that the rollout will happen in phases over the coming week, so if you don’t see it immediately, don’t worry – it should arrive on your device soon. Keep an eye out for that update notification to bring your Pixel back to smooth operation!