Google Pixel smartphones get stuck on lock screen after March update

On March 3rd, Google released a major update for Pixel smartphones up to the Pixel 10 ($549 on Amazon). The update was primarily intended to add a new desktop mode to the Pixel 8 and newer models when an external monitor is connected. Since the release of the update, more and more users have been complaining on Reddit that their smartphone freezes on the lock screen.

Although the smartphone still responds when Gemini is started using the lock button, for example, the display only shows a frozen lock screen until the smartphone is restarted by pressing the lock button and the volume up button for several seconds. The problem seems to mainly affect smartphones from the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series, but some users of a Pixel 8 Pro have also reported a frozen lock screen.

At least one user reports that the problem could be resolved by resetting Android to the February 2026 patch. Reinstalling the latest feature drop is said to have led to this bug again. Everything currently points to Google's March update having introduced this bug. Google's official Pixel Community Reddit account has confirmed that Google is working on a solution, but so far there is no timetable for an update that fixes this problem. Those who have not yet installed the latest feature drop should wait until Google has been able to fix this bug.