Android
Pixel October Android Pie Update: What to Know
This week Google released its monthly October Android update for Nexus and Pixel phones. Only now its Android 9 Pie for the Pixel and Android 8.1 Oreo for Nexus phones. Each month these updates improve security, and occasionally fix a few bugs or problems. This month Google added some important fixes for the Pixel and Pixel 2 on Android 9.
With the Pixel and Pixel 2 October Android Pie update rolling out as of October 2nd, owners will want to know what to expect. In addition to the latest security, you’ll get fixes for Bluetooth and charging.
Read: What’s New in Android Pie: Everything to Know
Many Pixel & Nexus owners will get an updated version of Android this week. And remember, older devices like the Nexus 5 and Nexus Player are no longer supported. Instead, the Nexus 5X and 6P are getting Android 8.1 while newer devices are the second monthly patch to Android 9 Pie.
Either way, this is an important update that could affect your device and its performance. For October, we’re seeing new security enhancements and multiple critical security patches, then a few bug fixes. The most important change is Google fixed the fast charging and no charging problems of the Google Pixel since getting the Android Pie release.
Supported Devices
- Pixel and Pixel XL (Android 9)
- Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
- Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P (Android Oreo)
- Pixel C Tablet
Pixel October Android Pie Update Details
Google confirmed the update on Monday, October 1st, and immediately posted the files for developers to manually install the latest software. As expected, most users received the over-the-air update notification within 24-48 hours. I got mine the night of October 1st on the original Pixel XL.
Google refreshed the Android security bulletin, as well as the Pixel/Nexus security page with all the details for those interested in digging deeper into the changelog. Then, we’ll highlight the important bits below. You can get factory images and install it manually too if you’d like.
As expected, we aren’t seeing anything too crazy or major in this monthly release. Again, Google’s main effort is security, and occasionally they patch a few bugs or problems while they’re at it. Typically, there are at least 30+ changes, but this month is very light. As a bonus, that means Google’s doing a good job keeping our smartphones safe.
Before we get into all the changes, we want to suggest you skip manually installing the update. Being such a small software release it’s not worth the risk. Instead, simply wait for Google to send the over-the-air update files to your phone or tablet if you didn’t get it already.
October Android Pie Update Fixes & Patches
Lately, Google is taking monthly updates very seriously. For most of 2018, Google added a slew of bug fixes in with these security updates. Function updates, not just software tweaks. And while we found a bunch of minor patches, it’s the small bug fixes that are important.
This is the second monthly patch to Android Pie so we expected a lot of small changes. However, Google only patched four things. The most important one is the “improved fast-charging behavior for Pixel devices”. It isn’t just a small fix, but it makes Pixel phones recharge in around 90 minutes, instead of taking over 3-hours. This is a big fix, and it should have arrived way faster. Then we’re seeing performance, Android Auto, and call screen behavior changes.
Download Nexus & Pixel October Updates
If you’d like to get this newest version of Android for your Nexus or Pixel device now, instead of waiting, you can download or flash it from the links below. Or, read more information about each one of these changes.
- Download Factory Images
- Grab OTA Update Files
- Read the Nexus/Pixel Security Bulletin
- Read the Android October Security Bulletin
When Will the Update Arrive?
We’re expecting the update within the next 24-48 hours. Google is always fast to deliver updates, or you can manually download and install it yourself as we speak with the links above.
Some users may choose to manually download the files and update to the October Oreo or Pie release themselves. However, we recommend waiting for Google’s OTA update notification to arrive instead. It’s easier that way. I went to Settings > System > System Update > Check for Updates and got it immediately. This pulls the update from Google’s servers to your phone. The entire process took less than 10 minutes. From downloading to installing and rebooting my Pixel XL on Android Pie.
Other Details & What’s Next for Nexus/Pixel Owners?
In closing, expect an update on your Nexus or Pixel device in the coming days if you didn’t get it already. Remember, this only applies to Google’s Nexus and Pixel devices. If you have a phone from Samsung, LG, or Motorola, this doesn’t apply to you. They’re still waiting for the original Android Pie update, and probably won’t see it until 2019.
So what’s next? Well, Google released Android 9 Pie in August, and we’re expecting some sort of maintenance update within the next few months. We’re not sure if it’ll remain Android 9, or go to something like 9.0.1 or 9.1 Pie. Either way, an update should be coming to squash any early bugs from this new software. In the meantime, look at our list of problems/fixes below.
Read: 15 Common Pixel 2 XL Problems & How to Fix Them
Those experiencing issues on Oreo should check out this post for more help. Or, we have some Pixel Android 9 specific fixes and advice right here. Otherwise, stay tuned for more details and drop a comment below with any questions or concerns about the October Nexus and Pixel Android Oreo and Pie software. Once you get it, make sure fast “rapid charging” works.
