There’s Something Seriously Wrong with the Google Pixel 6

If you own a Google Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, or Pixel 6a, avoid doing a factory reset. Reports from Tech-Issues Today and The Verge indicate that resetting these phones may brick them. Google is aware of the issue and is investigating, as confirmed in the Pixel support forums.

Users on the forum who have attempted a factory reset report that their phones fail to boot up, displaying an error message: “Cannot load Android system. Your data may be corrupt. If you continue to get this message, you may need to perform a factory data reset and erase all user data stored on this device.”

After receiving this message, the device offers an option to try again, but users report that this fails. Attempting another factory reset may result in messages indicating that the phone is missing a “tune2fs” file or an “Unable to enable ext4 verify” message. The “tune2fs” file refers to a Unix command-line tool used to set file system parameters.

The implications of this issue are significant. Users who rely on their phones for daily tasks may find themselves without a functional device, causing major disruptions. Moreover, this problem raises concerns about the reliability of Google’s hardware and software integration.

In response to the reports, some users have suggested alternative methods to recover their devices, such as using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to manually flash a factory image. However, these solutions are complex and may not be suitable for all users, especially those unfamiliar with advanced technical procedures.

Google has yet to provide a definitive fix or workaround for this issue. In the meantime, affected users are advised to avoid performing a factory reset and to regularly back up their data to minimize potential loss. It’s also worth keeping an eye on official announcements from Google for any updates on the situation.

This issue adds to a growing list of concerns that Pixel 6 series owners have faced, including fingerprint sensor problems and software glitches. While Google has been proactive in addressing past issues with updates, the severity of the current problem demands a swift and effective resolution to maintain user trust and satisfaction.