r/Pixel8phones

Hi, English is not my first language so sorry in advance for any misspelling.

I think I've solved the software updates issue (I hope it works for you too).

I've had my pixel 8 pro for almost 2 years now, and from 1 year ago on I've had the same issue as others, I couldn't download the software update (mainly issues with the Google play update); I've searched everywhere for a solution and ATM that's what I do to have the download go right and actually install.

Here's the passages I follow:

1. Pixel needs to be turned off and refrigerated (I really put it in the refrigerator for 10 mins) because Bluetooth and WiFi have antennas on the sides of the phone while we don't have heat sensors there (that's why they stop working more or less frequently). After that I check if it is cold or not, you might want to consider 2/3 more minutes in the freezer (pls away from water).

That way when you turn the phone on again everything will work again (not what you usually expect from a phone I paid little more than 1k but you gotta work with what you've got);

2. You need to turn off DNS (WiFi settings. Not automatic, it needs to be OFF!);

3. Google VPN needs to be OFF (same as DNS. Again, internet settings)

4. I download the update with WiFi and it actually goes okay, from time to time you need to restart and that's frustrating, but I haven't found any other way of doing that, and neither have Google support.

ALSO you might want to consider turning it off again for 1 minute between passage 3 and 4.

Hope that helps others too, it's a lot of work to just update a phone but again, we work with what we have.

​

TL;DR

Bought a US variant Pixel 8, currently using it in India.

Got the green line issue after 6–7 months.

First service visit: Repair denied because my back glass was cracked (my fault) and they don't allow partial repairs.

Couldn't afford the back glass replacement then, so I continued using it.

Went back almost a year later before the 3-year Extended Repair Program expires.

Paid ₹850 non-refundable inspection fee.

After an hour, they told me they can't repair the US variant because the back glass dimensions don't match the parts available in India.

Lost ₹850 and 3–4 hours just to be told "No."

I just wanted to share my experience with Google's service in India. This isn't meant to hate on Pixel phones—I actually like the phone—but the service experience has been extremely disappointing.

Timeline

I bought a Pixel 8 (US variant) and currently live in India.

After around 6–7 months, the well-known green line issue appeared on the display.

At that time, I wasn't aware of Google's Extended Repair Program, so I continued using the phone for about another month.

Once I learned that the display replacement was covered, I visited the Google F1 Service Center at 1MG Mall, Bangalore.

First Service Center Visit

Unfortunately, one day before my visit, I accidentally dropped the phone.

The back glass cracked at the bottom-right corner. I fully admit this was my fault.

Since the damage was only on the back, I assumed they could at least replace the display for the green line issue.

During inspection, I was told that partial repairs are not allowed.

They said I had to first pay to replace the back glass before they could replace the display.

I argued because the issues were unrelated, but they refused.

I even called Google Customer Care while I was there, and they confirmed the same policy: no partial repairs.

At that time I was a student and couldn't justify spending around ₹10,000 just to become eligible for the display replacement.

So I had no option but to continue using the phone.

Fast Forward Almost a Year...

The 3-year Extended Repair Program is nearing its end, so I decided to give it one last try.

Today I visited the service center again.

They verified everything—IMEI, dents, damages, etc.

Then informed me that if the repair was rejected, I'd lose the ₹850 inspection fee, which is non-refundable.

I was confident everything would finally get sorted out, so I agreed.

After Waiting Nearly an Hour...

They asked me where I bought the phone.

I told them it was a US variant.

Then they informed me that the back glass dimensions for the US model don't match the parts they have in India, so they cannot repair it here.

Therefore, my repair request would be rejected.

At that point, I was honestly speechless.

My biggest question is:

Why wasn't this checked before taking ₹850 from me?

If the service center already knows they can't repair a US variant because compatible parts aren't available, why make me go through the entire inspection, wait for an hour, charge me ₹850, and only then tell me "No"?

I argued with them because this feels like something they should have clarified upfront.

Instead, I walked away with:

₹850 lost in inspection charges.

Around 3–4 hours of my time wasted.

The exact same broken phone.

At the end, the representative apologized and suggested I raise a request through support.google.com. She said they might be able to arrange a pickup and send the phone to Noida or provide another solution.

But honestly... after two disappointing experiences, that's not exactly reassuring.

I still like the Pixel lineup, and this was my first Google phone. But the after-sales service experience has been frustrating from start to finish.

Has anyone else with a US Pixel in India faced something similar?

Were you able to get it resolved through Google Support?

If Google doesn't help, should I get the display replaced at a trusted local repair shop, or is there a better option that I'm missing?

P.S. I used ChatGPT to help organize and format this post so the timeline is easier to follow, but the experience itself is 100% my own.

Has anybody tried to switch their pixel 8 pro android 17 from normal mode to repair mode and again back to normal mode as I tried to switch back to normal mode from repair mode, the phone didn't boot up and says Android cannot boot up. It gives me two options 1) Try again 2) Factory reset.

I tried to press try again multiple times but the device is booting up back to the same screen. I can't do a factory reset as my data is not backed up. I also tried to sideload the android 17 update from recovery mode and now the phone is stuck on Google logo screen and isn't booting up. Has anyone faced a similar issue what are the other options to recover the data before I perform a factory reset.

I did contacted the google support team, they are asking me to do a factory reset.

My old one(Samsung a55) was just stolen today and I'd like to buy a new phone quickly to replace my old one, and I can buy a refurbished Pixel 8 for around €250. I'd like to know if that's a good choice. I know it takes some good photos but I would especially like a phone that will last me 2 years without problems, without lag or constant bugs like my a55 had started to do. I heard it had some heat and performance issues, should it be okay?

I had replaced the screen on my pixel 8a but the servis center told me that they could not recalibrate the finger print screner. I try it on my own and the site https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/udfps show that it could not find the unigue driver for the divece.

When I upgraded to a Pixel 10 Pro XL from the 8 Pro, Verizon basically told me to keep the 8 Pro. I have factory reset it and created a new Google account for it. I plan on using it for home use such as Sonos, Hue lighting, etc. How do I remove the claws of Verizon? I don't want to attach to cellular so it's in airplane mode. Any other suggestions/tips?

I am looking for a phone case that has the same outer texture as the Google branded case for a Pixel 8 Pro. The Google branded ones keep chipping on the corners. I am not doing anything ridiculous with the phone. I do not put it in a bag nor anyplace that it would really cause damage. I also have yet to drop the phone.

I like the texture of the case because it does not slip out of my hands or out of my back pocket. I attribute the texture of this case to be the reason I no longer have to put on a new screen protector every two weeks. I am still in the original one installed over a year ago.

Ideally, I would like it to cost under 100.00 and last for as long as I will own this phone. I have already been through four of the Google cases since I purchased the phone.

I genuinely think the Pixel 8 Pro is the worst tech purchase I've made in years, and I am still annoyed every time I pick it up.

What makes it even worse is all the Reddit users who kept recommending this phone and then spent months glazing over every issue people reported. Every complaint was met with the same scripted responses.

"Give it a week."

"It needs to learn your usage."

"It will settle down."

"The AI optimizes everything."

No. It doesn't.

I paid around €800 for this thing and I can't even use 5G comfortably because the phone turns toasty. Not "a little warm." I mean genuinely uncomfortable to hold during normal use. Instagram scrolling, WhatsApp video calls, basic everyday tasks, and the phone is cooking itself.

Then come the side effects. Audio crackling. Apps slowing down. Performance becoming inconsistent because the device is busy trying not to melt itself.

USB tethering is another joke. Half the time I have to disconnect and reconnect multiple times before my PC recognizes it properly. Meanwhile my old Xiaomi with a broken screen works on the first attempt and somehow delivers a more reliable connection.

And before someone says I'm exaggerating, go watch teardown videos. Google shipped an €800+ flagship without proper cooling hardware that many competitors have been using for years. The thermal design is embarrassing.

The modem is awful too. Connectivity issues, random signal weirdness, inconsistent network performance. I genuinely do not trust this phone for anything important. If I need to upload important files, join a business call, or do something time sensitive, I find myself wondering whether the phone is going to decide today is the day it wants to struggle.

The automatic brightness behavior is another disaster. A few moments in bright conditions and the screen starts dimming itself. What's the point of having all that peak brightness if the phone can't sustain it long enough to actually be useful?

The best part is the advice from Pixel defenders.

"Just use 60Hz."

"Disable 5G."

"Turn on battery saver."

"Lower your brightness."

"Use LTE instead."

Amazing. Truly amazing. An €800 flagship phone where the solution to every problem is disabling the features you paid for.

And please spare me the "but Stock Android" argument. Stock Android is not some magical feature that excuses terrible thermals, mediocre connectivity, unreliable performance, and hardware compromises.

What exactly is supposed to stand out about this phone? The modem? The thermals? The speakers? The reliability? The performance? Because none of them do.

Meanwhile entry-level Snapdragon devices are running cooler, maintaining better connections, and feeling more reliable in day-to-day use.

Never again. I listened to the recommendations. I ignored the warnings. Lesson learned.

Everyone who gave this phone more than 5/10 should be banned from Internet !

Is it just me or the battery life has gotten better , now I can get 4 hours of SOT with data and Bluetooth turned on and all that with 40 percent left , it feels like last month I could barely squeeze 4 hours out of it . Running the latest Android 17 ,no settings have been modified

Title says it. Some iOS features have been a bit irritating lately (things I can’t control/adjust because Apple won’t allow it) and my cellular signal isn’t the best. Ive had the 14 for two years.
Is the Pixel 8 going to be a better option?
I don’t mind switching ecosystems but I want a phone that will work. Didn’t want to spend another $800 which is why I picked Pixel 8.

Random less known battery tips mainly for the wifi chip (was causing huge drain for me), have been messing/diagnosing random drains/wakeups with adb n stuff past few days,, finally happy have gone from about ~50mah (crazy) > ~4mah idle ,,, anyway just thought i'd write them down and share what has worked so far,,, feel free to add findings/tweaks! (and no, not recommending battery saver as it kills refresh rate and looks awful,, and yes the battery life in general sucks vs other phones, no escaping it)

#1. Fixed Mac address 1.Open your phone's Wi-Fi settings, tap the gear next to your network, and change Privacy from "Randomised MAC" to "Device MAC" ,, this made massive difference to me in idle wifi system drain,, apps were using 0.5mah ,,, idle system wifi was using 40+mah (i have no idea how this bug is a thing that google haven't found/identified as problematic (i use bt hub uk) it seems to be looping wifi wakeups and stopping the wifi chip from dozing or something on pixels or the latest update?

#2. Data Saver + Metered connection 2.use data saver while setting ur wifi connection to "metered" (makes it same rules as mobile data) ,, then only enable phone/messaging/weather/discord etc stuff u want updating in bg,,, it blocks random apps/bugs from waking wifi doze,, this also can stop them using so much cpu too if they don't have access to new updates/checks etc,,

#3. Disable googles "special app access" 3.settings > apps > special app access > "modify system settings" access > turn off google/playservices/playstore,, think it stops google from messing with these tweaks...

#4. BetterBatteryStats reloaded (new version github) 4.bbs reloaded on github updated recently, VERY good for checking/comparing battery loss (u can see the process/systems) its FOSS i think,,, can help u diagnose any rogue processes/bugs,, see wakeups etc

#5. Wifiscan throttling

pretty sure u want this enabled (pretty basic/common tweak), from old thread

"It is there so apps cannot just scan for wifi whenever they want. Any apps, including built in system apps. Some apps want wifi all the time, even if they are not being actively used. There really isn't a great reason for that especially if the app is just some waste of time game.

But you want some apps to be able to update actively and on the fly. My ISP has hotspots all over the country. If I'm using a map app and have given the device permission to connect to those specific hotspots and set the app to use wifi before mobile data then I am totally fine with that specific app checking for new wifi every couple minutes while walking around a new city trying not to get lost.

So if the wifi scan setting is on and if you have apps that are not trying to be all crazy with the wifi for no reason then the battery power saved would be negligible. But if there is a crazy app that just wants wifi all the time, this setting stops it from trying every 2 seconds (or whatever timeframe the developer wrote into the code) which will improve battery life.

The settings doesn't really improve wifi connectivity in any meaningful way unless you want the device to scan for a new network that may have stronger signal but it won't change the active wifi connection strength or anything."

#5.1 Suspend execution for cached apps 5."Suspend execution for cached apps" in developer settings helps some people, pretty well known tweak also common to enable,,, (if u don't notice a difference, i would leave this off, as it will make your phone feel a little smoother when switching apps and they are ready/waiting for you,, but test it yourself - imo its less obvious to enable than all other tweaks

#6. Disable "Allow background usage" on apps that don't need it 6.Disabling "allow background usage" on apps that don't need it also helps (u can do this on messaging apps, they still receive/listen for new messages/calls/updates/notifications,, like whatsapp/messages/discord etc still work fine when not allowed to run in bg) (long press app icon/recent tab to bring up the info menu option, or from apps settings) ,,, this is pretty well known but u can also can disable bg data for these (even better with data saver on) ,, saw people complaining some apps were still running in bg with background usage setting turned off,, well it might be pure data/listening for updates only (similar to phone/messages),, disabling data too/enabling datasaver may help (as that option seems much higher level authority than disable background usage,,) not sure...

#7. Use efficient apps, check/compare them with bbs 7.Use brave for youtube/twitch etc,, I tried all the other browsers and brave beat them all for video media by a good 20-50% (even tho i love firefox/forks with extensions),, i use brave for any media/twitch/yt + it can natively play in background well too... , then use other browser for normal browsing and have background usage disabled ,, also browsers sites block ads, whereas apps have them built in (youtube/reddit etc),, health apps can be absolute killers for battery , so check with bbs or other battery apps,, (gadget bridge offers alot of similar/controllable/adfree stuff),,, basically any FOSS alternative is usually good.

#8. Random other tips Heres some other random tips that i find useful,, 1-4 was main ones

8.1 Bonus unrelated thing, can hide navigation bar (the white pill/puck at bottom of screen) using "essentials" by sameerasw on github (which i didnt think was possible on pixels without root, but its awesome and looks so clean)

8.2 And you can disable at a glance/google bar , with lawnchair, which helps a bit for battery,, its very clean + allows double tap to sleep (WHY GOOGLE doesn't add these things is madness)

8.3 Custom icons ^ u can use custom launcher, then use custom widget pack , then edit the entire custom widget pack (colour/value/saturation etc) with iconpackstudio ,,,

8.4.. u can also enable/freeze apps without uninstalling them (sometimes useful for clutter/annoying apps that u still use occassionally) with essentials + shizuku ,,,,, and also if ur using that combo ,, u can also edit top notification bar stuff (eg u can hide areoplane mode symbol, or time/battery/wifi/datasaver) which is nice for minimal ui!

8.5 ... bluetooth earbuds jank,, best settings for me (minimal stutter/weirdness) "disable absolute bt =enabled", "disabled bt a2dp offload = disabled" , avrcp1.4, "Le audio = disabled" "disable le audio hardware offload = enabled" "hd audio = off" .... bare minimum standard = stable, sounds good,,

8.6... "slideshow screensaver" old app from fdroid app built into default screensaver options in android , to allow you to play a much slower custom slideshow when charging (set it to while charging, "restrict wireless charging = off" "low light mode off" to never get annoying moving clock/blackscreen combo ,,, can set photos to stay on screen for ages, 15+mins etc,, nice for art/memories without being distracting like default one is,,,

#9.Finally (probably stop reading here),,, if u wanna go down rabbit hole diagnosing weird usage (this is kinda pain) ,, but if u want to diagnose weird battery usage when u think its abnormally high,,, i'd reccomend u start with "adb shell dumpsys batterystats > batterystats.txt" in adb when connected to a pc ,,, and/or exporting bbs reloaded battery report (much easier) with the share button in app,,, these 2 .txt files u read or can pass through with ai (use multiple for higher confidence + common sense) they are good at spotting obvious weirdness,,, (would reccomend chathub if u want a free mini roundtable sorta thing,, etc) also battery historian (https://bhist.tiukov.com/) current online battery historian viewer (no clue if its trustworthy or not, so maybe don't use if u care about that),,, u make a bugreport in dev settings and share it to gdrive or something, then upload it there,, it provides graph of battery drain,,, and u can usually crosscheck things ai points out easily,,, and research them/look through forums (whoever is hosting that, if it is trustworthy, tysm!)

10.Currently testing* One possible wifi thing that pixel sucks at is noisy router/booster disks for wifi ,,, will test with wifi/boosters over serveral nights vs phone wifihotspot only on several nights,,, specifically these wakes can be abnormally high overnight for no reason,, i had this the other night... still trying to figure out what it was from

wlan_rx_wake: 3509 counts wlan_txfl_wake: 1947 counts. wlan_wake: 17,608 counts

,,, could be some buggy stuff to do with wificalling maybe,, dunno will try find out this week...

Anyway thats it rn,,, Also probably good to research/test stuff before u change settings and forget,, (screenshot + notes helps alot)

If you have found any less known tweaks/tips for battery life on latest updates with p8p, feel free to share/discuss!

I have these 2 big light green rectangle shaped boxes on my screen. Touch screen still works in those areas, but that green shouldn't be there. It doesn't come from being dropped either. Any other ideas? Think the screen needs to be replaced again? I already did the warranty replacement for the green and magenta lines.

My pixel 8 overnight drain is insanely high, I wake up next to it being very warm and losing around 10-25% over 7 hours during night, connected to wifi.

and now the phone charges at only like 5 watts max with the battery temperature at 38 degrees. Anyone else having similar issues? This only occurred after Android 17.