Pixel January Update Wi-Fi Bluetooth Issue Hits Users Hard
The Pixel January update Wi-Fi Bluetooth issue is quickly emerging as one of the most disruptive software problems Google has faced in recent months. Following the wider rollout of the January 2026 security update, a growing number of Pixel users are reporting that their devices have lost both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality entirely—turning what should be a routine patch into a major connectivity headache.
Reports first surfaced on Reddit and Google’s support forums, where affected users describe a near-total breakdown of wireless connectivity. In many cases, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth refuse to turn on at all, effectively leaving the phone dependent on mobile data or unusable in areas with limited cellular coverage.
What’s Broken in the January Pixel Update
Based on user reports, the issue appears more severe than a typical post-update bug. Unlike intermittent drops or unstable connections, this problem disables wireless radios altogether. Users say toggling Wi-Fi or Bluetooth does nothing, with the settings immediately reverting to an “off” state.
More concerning is the fact that common troubleshooting steps have proven ineffective. Affected users report that:
- Restarting the phone does not restore connectivity
- Resetting network settings has no impact
- Factory resets fail to resolve the issue
- Safe Mode offers no improvement
For many, the update has effectively pushed their Pixel devices into a near–airplane mode state, severely limiting daily usability.
Affected Pixel Models Appear Widespread
The Pixel January update Wi-Fi Bluetooth issue does not appear to be limited to a single device generation. Reports suggest it impacts a broad range of supported Pixel phones, including:
- Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL
While not every Pixel running the January update is affected, the number of complaints suggests the bug is widespread enough to warrant concern. Some users installed the update without issues, while others encountered the problem immediately after rebooting.
Temporary Workarounds Are Limited
At the moment, there is no reliable fix available for most users. A small number of technically experienced Pixel owners report partial success by manually reinstalling the January build using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). However, this workaround:
- Requires access to a computer
- Involves sideloading firmware manually
- Carries a risk of data loss if done incorrectly
For the average user, this is neither practical nor recommended. As a result, many affected Pixel owners are left waiting for an official patch.
If you have not yet installed the January update, holding off may be the safest option until Google releases a fix.
Additional Bugs Reported After the Update
Connectivity failures aren’t the only complaints surfacing after the update. Several users also report secondary issues, including:
- The Settings search function failing to return results
- The “Network & Internet” menu refusing to load
- Abnormally high idle battery drain
- Camera app crashes or failure to open
Taken together, these reports suggest the January update may have introduced deeper system-level issues rather than isolated bugs.
Google Acknowledges the Problem
Google has acknowledged the issue publicly through its official support channels, confirming that it is aware of the connectivity failures affecting some Pixel users. However, the company has not yet provided a timeline for when a fix will be released.
This lack of clarity has understandably frustrated users, especially those who rely on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for work, navigation, accessories, and smart home devices.
Another Pixel Update, Familiar Problems
Unfortunately, this is not the first time a monthly Pixel update has introduced unexpected issues. While Pixel devices are praised for receiving Android updates first, early access often comes with growing pains. For some users, the trade-off between timely updates and post-update stability is becoming harder to justify.
Until Google releases a corrective patch, the Pixel January update Wi-Fi Bluetooth issue remains unresolved—and serves as a reminder that even flagship Android phones are not immune to update-related setbacks.
