Last week, there were reports that several Google Pixel users have experienced issues with the January Google Play patch. The problems ranged from disappearing app shortcuts and camera malfunctions. Recently, Google released a method to resolve these issues, but it is considered challenging for the average user as it involves using ADB commands.
Here are the steps to fix the problem:
1. Enable Developer options on your device.
2. Enable USB Debugging.
3. Connect your device to the computer using a USB-C cable and change the USB mode to File Transfer.
4. Download the Android SDK Platform Tools, which includes ADB.
5. Extract the downloaded files and open the command prompt or terminal in the Platform Tools folder.
6. Type the command “adb devices.”
7. If it shows “Unauthorized,” allow access on your phone and input the command again. Your device should now appear as “device.”
8. Input the command “adb uninstall com.google.android.media.swcodec.”
9. Input the command “adb uninstall com.google.android.media.”
10. Disconnect the USB-C cable from your phone and reboot the device.
11. After restarting, disable USB Debugging and/or Developer options.
For Pixel users who have not updated the Google Play patch in January, it is advisable to wait and potentially skip the update altogether, waiting instead for the February patch.
TLDR: Pixel users who faced issues with the January Google Play patch can follow these steps involving ADB commands to resolve the problems. However, average users may find it challenging. It is recommended to wait for the February patch if you haven’t already updated.
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