Go update your Pixel 6, Google fixed the fingerprint sensor issue

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When Google released the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro handsets, there was an annoying issue that cropped up with the under-screen fingerprint reader being slow to read your prints.

Apparently, it was enough of an issue for Google to issue a rare mid-cycle update, with a second November update that should help alleviate the issues with the fingerprint sensor.

While Google hasn’t yet released the update notes for this small (14.56MB) update, Verizon’s own update page notes that the update “improves the performance of your device’s fingerprint sensor.” We don’t yet know if it also fixes the bug that sometimes breaks the fingerprint sensor completely if the device’s battery drains to zero.

If you have one of the new Pixel phones, here’s how to check for the update to fix your fingerprint sensor’s slow speed.

Here’s how to update your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro

Open up Settings

Scroll down, tap on System, then on System Update

Follow the prompts to update your Pixel’s software

If the update isn’t triggering

If you’re comfortable with using ADB to update your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, you can download the update manually and update that way. While it’s a straightforward process, please don’t attempt this if you’re not comfortable with using the command line

Download the specific update file for your device from the links below (the OTA link is the one you should start with), and follow the instructions Google has here to update your device

Pixel 6 – SD1A.210817.037 – all – Factory Image – OTA
Pixel 6 – SD1A.210817.037.A1 – Verizon – Factory Image – OTA

Pixel 6 Pro – SD1A.210817.037 – all – Factory Image – OTA
Pixel 6 Pro – SD1A.210817.037.A1 – Verizon – Factory Image – OTA

Again, if you’re not comfortable manually updating your phone, it’s probably better to wait until the System Update prompt asks you to update.

The fix for the flickering screen issue is coming in the December patch, so you might want to wait anyway if the fingerprint sensor’s performance isn’t bothering you.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.