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Pixel 4a 5g Touch Issues - December 2020 Update 2 Recommended Answers 153 Replies 199 Upvotes
Update #8 (1/16/2021): I am skeptical that Google has an absolute fix for this. "Improvements" to the issue doesn't sound like an proper fix, especially after 2 months of silence from Google. Do they really think it's okay to make users deal with this issue for 2 months while they pretend to figure out the basics of a touch screen? Not even a rollback option is provided?
If you are within 30 days of purchase, I would recommend returning your phone. If you are past the 30 day return period, then try reverting back to the November software. Both of these options are much quicker fixes compared to waiting 2 more weeks for the February update.
Update #7 (1/12/2021): Almost 2 months have gone by without a fix for touch screen registration issues. More and more people are reporting this issue every day. Google chat reps have not heard of a fix from the developers, and they are still asking for feedback to be submitted. I informed Google that this forum posting has been sent to multiple media outlets like XDA and The Verge, which details the lack of support or care for customers. Not even that is enough to speed things up. I have returned my pixel 4a 5g since it doesn't look like a fix is coming soon.
Good luck to anyone that decides to keep this phone. Who knows when Google will learn how to make a properly functioning touch screen! See my recommended answer below for reverting back to november software (the only software version that doesn't have this horrible touch screen bug).
Update 6: Looks like the January update did not fix touch registration issues. Since Google doesn't know how to make a touch screen work, and since this forum lacks helpful moderators, I am providing a page that describes how to revert back to the November software version. This is the only fix for touch screen issues at the moment.
All data will be lost, so make sure you backup your files. The bootloader must also be unlocked, but can be re-locked after flashing.
https://developers.google.com/android/images
Update 5: January updates have been made public for the latest Pixels, but the change log does not mention ANYTHING about the touch screen issue. I will try the new update within the next few days, but I am not confident that this issue is fixed. If someone updates to January software before I do, please let us know if the touch issue still exists. I refuse to install any updates until I know my touch screen will function properly. If I update to January and still have this issue, I will not be reverting to November and instead will be returning the phone.
Update 4: Another 2 weeks without a fix or status update for these touch issues. Google reps keep saying a fix is coming "soon", but "soon" was a month ago. Reps also keep telling me to submit feedback, which I've done countless times. If Google had a fix for this issue I think they would have pushed out an update already, instead of asking people to submit feedback a MONTH after this issue was brought up formally. If Google is STILL asking for feedback to be submitted, It makes it seem like they have no idea what is causing these issues. Hopefully the January software update actually fixes these ridiculous touch issues, or else I will immediately switch to another phone.
Update 3: This is definitely an issue with the December update. DON'T UPDATE TO DECEMBER SOFTWARE, just look at all the replies below that Google forums conveniently collapses to make it seem like this isn't a widespread issue! 60+ replies in this thread and still no official acknowledgment of this bug by Google. I even got a replacement unit, but touch issues have not improved. The only current fix for this issue is going back to the November software version (which requires a full data wipe, how convenient).
Update 2: No updates for days from the ticket I opened with google. Touch issues are constant, and seem to be affecting more than just navigation buttons. Tapping the back button repeatedly in the same spot will not register touches often times. I hope my replacement unit is not fully updated to December....
Update: tried removing my screen protector but the issue remains. Google needs to fix this quick, or at least give instructions for reverting to the previous version.
Original Post: I've used my Pixel 4a 5g for 2 weeks now without screen issues. After updating to the December update, touching buttons (specifically the navigation buttons) will only register 1/3 of my touches. I t is very random when it decides to register my touches on the navigation bar. It's almost as if the touch area for the navigation buttons was reduced. This is true after a factory reset, and with/without the touch sensitivity option enabled in the settings. I do have a screen protector applied but these issues did not exist before the December update.
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Looks like the January update did not fix touch registration issues. Since Google doesn't know how to make a touch screen work, and since this forum lacks helpful moderators, I am providing a page that describes how to revert back to the November software version. This is the only fix for touch screen issues at the moment.
All data will be lost, so make sure you backup your files. The bootloader must also be unlocked, but can be re-locked after flashing.
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Hi Pixel Community,
We are aware of this issue and a fix will be included in an upcoming software update. In the meantime you can improve the responsiveness of your device with the following tips:
- When tapping icons on the edge of the screen, tap the center of the button or the side of the button/icon furthest away from the edge of the display.
- When tapping icons, including the navigation buttons on the bottom of your screen, use the tip of your finger or thumb instead. This will help improve touch recognition.
Update: Improvements for this issue will be available in the February software update on Pixel phones.
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I am having the exact same issue. At first I thought the device is lagging somehow while registering my touch inputs. However, very randomly it would fail to register the touch input even on the exact same spot. The issue is not limited to just navigation buttons, if I choose gestures as well, the lower portion of the screen would randomy choose to not register any touch inputs. I contacted google support and they walked me through several steps including factory reset and that too did not resolve the issue. I have ordered a replacement device but Im not sure if it would be free of issues. Another thing I have noticed after the December update is patchy bluetooth. It would just drop a connected device and would not reconnect for several minutes. Pairing again or restarting the device does not help either and then magically it would connect back. Google needs to get their act together.
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I'm having the same exact issues as the original poster.
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I am having the same issues since the update yesterday. Turned off the 3 button nav, restarted and same issues. Most common with the back arrow button. No other issues noticed.
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I'm also having the same exact issue. Especially with the back arrow. I have to hit it four or five times before it works.
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I am skeptical that Google has an absolute fix for this. "Improvements" to the issue doesn't sound like an proper fix, especially after 2 months of silence from Google. Do they really think it's okay to make users deal with this issue for 2 months while they pretend to figure out the basics of a touch screen? Not even a rollback option is provided?
If you are within 30 days of purchase, I would recommend returning your phone. If you are past the 30 day return period, then try reverting back to the November software. Both of these options are much quicker fixes compared to waiting 2 more weeks for the February update.
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