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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Before updating your Pixel, connect to Wi-Fi and charge it to at least 75%, as Google recommends.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, work through basic checks first; a factory reset should be a last resort.
Before you update 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 avoid starting one when the battery is low or you may need the phone immediately. The 75% figure is a preparation recommendation, not a guarantee about how long an update will take or how much data it will use. Google’s Android update guidance explains how to check for and install updates.
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If you need to charge first, use a suitable charger you already own. Google documents charging with a USB-C cable and power adapter; compatibility and charging performance vary by Pixel model. A new charger is not required just to update. Check your exact model’s charging requirements if you are unsure. Google’s Pixel charging guidance covers charging options.
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To see what is currently installed, open Settings > About phone > Android version. This screen lists the Android version, Android security update, Google Play system update, and build number. Labels can vary slightly by model or software version.
#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 for it in Settings. Availability depends on your Pixel model and the rollout; not every device receives an update at the same time.
What to expect after the update
A little extra battery drain may be temporary
Google says, “After a software update, it’s normal for your Pixel battery to drain a little more than usual.” The phone may be downloading and optimizing software and getting everything running. This is an expected possibility, not a promise that every battery problem will resolve on a particular schedule. Google’s Pixel battery troubleshooting guidance explains what to check if the drain seems unusually high.
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]
Check battery use if the drain continues
Open the battery settings and review which apps or system components are using power. If a system component or Google app appears to use more than 10% during your usual routine, Google suggests observing it for 2–5 days as part of troubleshooting. Those figures are Google’s practical troubleshooting guidance, not results from an independent study. If the drain remains concerning, continue with the steps on Google’s battery help page rather than assuming the update damaged the battery.
If your Pixel freezes or feels slow
- Restart the phone. A restart is a sensible first check when the phone becomes sluggish or unresponsive.
- Check available storage. Open Settings and review storage. Google warns that a phone can have issues when less than 10% of its storage is available. Free up space if you are below that level. Google’s Pixel performance guidance covers storage and other slowdown checks.
- Update your apps. Open the Play Store and check for app updates. An app that has not been updated may contribute to problems after the phone’s software changes.
- Try Safe mode. Safe mode helps check whether a downloaded app is causing the issue. If the problem goes away there, remove recently installed apps one at a time, restarting between removals, until you can identify whether one is responsible. Follow Google’s instructions for using Safe mode on a Pixel.
- Consider a factory reset only as an advanced step. A reset removes data from the phone. Back up your data before proceeding, and use Google’s factory-reset instructions if you decide it is necessary.
If Wi-Fi stops working after an update
Check the phone’s connection settings before deciding the update caused the problem. Google’s Pixel Wi-Fi troubleshooting guidance recommends starting with basic connection checks.
- Make sure Wi-Fi is on and Airplane mode is off. Toggle the connection settings if appropriate, then restart the phone.
- Test another device on the same Wi-Fi network. If it also cannot connect, the router, network, or internet connection may be the issue.
- Try the Pixel on another Wi-Fi network. If it works there, the first network is a more likely source of the trouble.
- If the problem disappears in Safe mode, a downloaded app may be interfering with the connection.
These comparisons help distinguish a phone-specific problem from a network problem or an app-related one; they do not by themselves identify the exact cause.
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]
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