With an Android update, Google broke wireless charging on some Pixel devices. A security bet seems to fix the problem. If not, there is a procedure that may work.
Today, wireless charging is an almost essential feature in mid-range and high-end smartphones. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android device, you know you can simply lay your near-drained phone on a Qi charger and slowly see the results. However, it looks like Google accidentally broke wireless charging on its Pixels with a recent Android update. If your smartphone pixel is impacted, know that you can correct the problem.
Where does the problem of this wireless charging that no longer works come from?
Complaints abound on r/Android about wireless charging no longer working on Pixels, and many of them are quite old. A Aug 17 post explains the situation, just like a October 4th post. The problem seems to have its origin in Android 13: while the new major version of Google’s OS offers tons of new features, it undermines wireless charging on some Pixels.
Judging from posts and comments on r/Android, the Pixel 4 XL is the most affected, but other models are also affected, including the Pixel 6 Pro. Some users claim that the Pixel sometimes says it’s charging when it’s not. Other times it starts charging before shutting down.
Many attempts to correct the problem have been unsuccessful, but fortunately the latest security update seems to provide the solution, at least according to user djc-503. Wireless charging was broken until this latest security update which comes to restore it to the Pixel 4. To install said update, just go to Settings > System > System update.
However, if the update does not fix the issue for you, there is another way. The user SnooDrawings7662 managed to bring wireless charging back to life on its Pixel 4 XL and Pixel 6 Pro by doing the following:
You must first clean the cache of your Pixel Stand app by going to Settings > Storage > Other apps, choosing the Pixel Stand app and then “Clear cache”. Then, start in safe mode by pressing and holding the power button, then pressing and holding “Power off”. Then choose “Restart in safe mode”. Once the device restarts, pair your Pixel with your Pixel Stand. Finally, restart the smartphone to exit secure mode. Your Pixel should then be able to charge wirelessly again.
Of course, you shouldn’t have to go through all these maneuvers for such a basic functionality, ultimately, of your smartphone, it’s just a temporary workaround. At least we hope so.
