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# Google Fixes Pixel Display Issues and Battery Drain with January 2026 update
- URL: https://www.techloy.com/google-fixes-pixel-display-issues-and-battery-drain-with-january-2026-update/
- Published: 2026-01-13T09:54:06.000Z
- Updated: 2026-01-13T09:54:06.000Z
- Description: Google's first major Pixel update of 2026 is to fix Pixel 10 screen flickering and battery drain in it
- Author: Ejiro Onose
- Tags: / Consumer Tech, / News, Google Pixel

Google has now begun rolling out the stable January 2026 security update, this comes after its recent efforts to resolve app crashes via last year’s [Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1](https://www.techloy.com/google-releases-android-16-qpr3-beta-1-1-to-fix-app-crashes-on-pixel-phones/) update. 

While the previous beta update focused on software stability and app performance, this new public release is a critical "bug-squashing" patch designed to fix hardware-specific glitches, most notably for the flagship Pixel 10 series. 

### **Solving the Pixel 10 "Flicker"** 

The highlight of this [update](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/401468923/google-pixel-update-january-2026?hl=en) is a long-awaited fix for the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold. Owners of these devices have reported an annoying flickering issue with the Always-on Display (AOD), where the screen would blink every time the clock updated or a notification arrives. 

Beyond the display, the update also addresses: 

- **Touchscreen Stability:** Fixes a bug that caused the screen to occasionally stop responding to touch.
- **Graphics Performance:** General GPU improvements and a fix for "noisy lines" appearing when editing HDR photos in Adobe Lightroom.

### **System-Wide Fixes: Battery and Audio** 

For users of older models (Pixel 7a through Pixel 9), this update builds on the stability improvements seen in the recent beta cycles. Key general fixes include: 

- **Battery Optimization:** A patch for a specific bug that caused excessive battery drain under certain conditions.
- **Audio Quality:** A fix for "noisy ring back tones" experienced during Webex calls.
- **UI Stability:** Resolves a rare issue where deleting "Live Universe" wallpapers would freeze the Wallpaper & Style app.

[Google Unveils Universal Commerce Protocol to Power AI Shopping With Walmart, Shopify and VisaShopping is moving from search bars to conversations with AI — and Google just built the infrastructure to keep retailers in the game.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/icon/techloy-avatar-1-5359.png)TechloyDamilare Odedina![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1594663653925-365bcbf7ef86-10)](https://www.techloy.com/google-unveils-universal-commerce-protocol-to-power-ai-shopping-with-walmart-shopify-and-visa/)

### **Who is Getting** **the Update?** 

The January patch is currently rolling out to supported devices running Android 16, including: 

- Pixel 10 Series (All models)
- Pixel 9 Series (Including the 9a and Fold)
- Pixel 8 Series (8, 8 Pro, 8a)
- Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet

**Note:** The Pixel 6 series and the standard Pixel 7/7 Pro are missing from this month’s list. These devices have reportedly moved to a quarterly update schedule and are expected to receive their next major patch in March. 

### **How to Install the January Update** 

Google typically rolls these updates out in phases. If you haven't received a notification yet, you can manually trigger the update by following these steps: 

1. **Prepare your device:** Ensure your Pixel is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and has at least 50% battery (or is plugged into a charger).
2. **Open Settings:** Locate and tap the Settings app on your home screen or app drawer.
3. **Navigate to System:** Scroll down and select System.
4. **Check for Updates:** Tap on Software updates, then select System update.
5. **Download and Install:** If the January update is available, tap Check for update or Download and install.
6. **Restart:** Once the download and background installation are complete, your phone will prompt you to Restart now. Tap it to finalize the update.

[Google is quietly turning Gemini into a true multitasking assistant on AndroidNew Android test builds let Gemini keep running in the background, signaling a shift toward AI that works alongside apps instead of interrupting them.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/icon/techloy-avatar-1-5360.png)TechloyEjiro Onose![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1710993011904-8f1162b9806d-20)](https://www.techloy.com/google-is-quietly-turning-gemini-into-a-true-multitasking-assistant-on-android/)