Google Releases January Security Update for Pixels – Here are all the changes «Android :: Gadget Hacks

The first Android update of the year is here. On Monday, January 4, 2021, Google began releasing the January security patch for the Pixel 3 and all newer Pixels, after support for the Pixel 2 ended last month.

The update is available for all major US carriers, including Verizon, which doesn’t usually update their Pixels on Day 1 with the rest of the carriers. We will discuss the details below, from bug fixes to closed vulnerabilities.

Functional solutions

It doesn’t appear that this update contains any new features but there are several bug fixes for issues you may have been experiencing with your Pixel.

Pixel 3 and newer models

• Display / graphics fix to issue causing intermittent restarts in certain apps
• Further improvements to the automatic rotation response in certain device orientations
• Fixed an issue that prevented calls on certain MVNO networks

Pixel 4a and newer models

• Further improvements to the automatic brightness response in certain lighting environments

Pixel 4a 5G only

• Fix for causing speaker noise in certain scenarios

Pixel 5 only

• Further fine-tuning and improvements for the volume level of system sounds

Vulnerabilities closed

Below is a list of the most common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) addressed in this update. We̵

Update to the January security patch

When you’re ready to update, open your Settings app, scroll down, select ‘System’, tap ‘Advanced’ and choose ‘System Updates’. Tap the “Check for updates” button here and the update should start downloading soon. After it’s downloaded, reboot your Pixel to apply the update.

If the update does not download after pressing the “Check for updates” button, you can install it manually. You need an unlocked bootloader then you can easily flash the factory images in Fastboot. Head here to download the factory images for your specific model and carrier.