Google’s most recent Google Play system update was launched more than a week ago, but it still seems to be causing problems for users when it’s installed on Pixel phones. But not all phones, so it’s worth checking out the details below. Here’s what to expect.
On Jan. 6, Google released a Google Play system update. It weighed just 15MB, but when it was installed, it proved problematic for some users.
“The vast majority of Pixel users are on the “November 1, 2025” Google Play system update. (There was no December update.),” 9to5Google reported. However, installation made literally no difference for some users: “After installing, you remain on a November release,” just as it was before, the report went on.
Google Pixel Update Issues: What’s Going Wrong
There were more complications which differed according to the model. 9to5Google found that with a Pixel 10 Pro “The screen remained black after the boot sequence — which felt longer than usual — completed. However, we still felt haptic feedback when long-pressing the power button. Functionality returned to normal after plugging in to power, but performing a reboot would have been the other solution,” it said.
The alternate solution would have been to hold the power button down for 30 seconds with the screen on to restart.
Which Other Google Pixel Models Are Affected?
However, the same report showed that the regular Pixel 10, things were different. After the update, the phone unlocked as usual but the Pixel Launcher didn’t load fully. “As such, we were stuck with just seeing the wallpaper and no other system UI, including the status bar. However, we were able to long-press for the power menu and reboot. There were no issues afterwards,” the report said.
Finally, on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and the Pixel Series 9, while the reboot process may have taken longer but it was otherwise normal.
My personal experience has been slightly different. On a Pixel 10 Pro, the Google Play system update took some time but has now decided that the 1 November 2025 update is the latest it will install.
I’ll update this post with more details if this changes.