You've been trying to use your phone, but find that your screen is stuck. It's upsetting when you can't use your phone because your Google Pixel is frozen, and we're here to help. In this article we'll help you fix your phone and return it to normal.
Soft Reset Your Google Pixel
Our first recommendation for a frozen Google Pixel screen is to soft reset (force restart) your phone. This normally fixes the issue, however doesn't fix what caused the problem in the first place. It's possible that this will be a recurring issue for you, in which case try the steps below after the force restart.
To do a force restart on your Google Pixel, press and hold the Power button until three options appear on your screen. Of the three options, select Restart and your phone will begin the Restart process. If your phone is unresponsive to this, try holding the Power button and the Volume Down button down at the same time until your phone restarts.
Check For An Android Update
To check for an update on your phone, start by opening your Settings app. From here, select System, then Advanced and finally System Update. Select Check for Update, and then OK if prompted. This is where you'll be informed of an update, and select Download to install the update.
Storage Space And Your Frozen Google Pixel
Lack of storage space may be causing your Google Pixel's frozen screen. To check how much storage space you have available, open your Settings app and then select Storage. This will take you to a breakdown of how your storage is used and which apps use the most storage.
If you find yourself frequently running out of storage space, consider turning on Smart Storage. Smart Storage will automatically clear backed-up photos and videos when your storage is too full. You can manually delete your photos to save space, but Smart Storage is a good option for those who forget to clear storage space.
Check For Apps Updates
If your apps are out of date it can cause software issues with the operation of your phone, like a frozen Google Pixel screen. To check if your apps need updating, open the Google Play Store app, and tap Menu, followed by My Apps & Games. This will bring you to a list of your apps, and if there's an update available the app will be labeled Update.
Enabling Auto-Updates for your phone will help prevent this issue in the future. To do this, open the Google Play Store, select the Menu and then Settings. From here, tap Auto-Update Apps, and then choose whether you'd like your phone to use Wi-Fi or Data to perform the updates.
Delete Problem Apps
If your Google Pixel freezes whenever you open specific apps, then the app may be causing the issue. We recommend finding a replacement app that doesn't cause a software crash in your phone. If your phone is frozen, cleaning out these apps will help the performance of your phone in the future.
Reset Factory Settings
This is the last step we recommend to troubleshoot this issue by yourself. If your Google Pixel is frozen after this, then consider taking it to an expert. Before Resetting to Factory Settings, make sure to backup your phone first to keep your information safe. It's also handy to know your Google username and password before starting to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Start by plugging your phone into a power source, as this can take a long time and you want your phone to stay alive. Next, open Settings and tap Advanced, then Reset Options. After, select Erase All Data (Factory Reset) followed by Reset Phone. You may be prompted to enter your PIN, pattern or password, then select Erase Everything.
After the phone is completely erased, tap the option to Restart your phone. Your phone will shut off and then turn back on and from here you will need to set up your phone in recovery mode. To return your information and data to the phone, select Restore from Backup and then choose the most recent backup.
Upgrade Your Google Pixel
If you still have trouble with your frozen Google Pixel, it might be time for an upgrade. The original Google Pixel was released in late 2016, the Pixel 2 in 2017, the Pixel 3 in 2018, and the Pixel 4 in 2019. If you have one of the older models, it's likely that the hardware is wearing out and it might be time for an upgrade to a new device.
Google's Pixel 5 is coming out soon, so if you're excited for the next generation of Google phones, you won't have to wait very long. If you're looking for a deal, the Pixel 4's price tag is starting to drop depending on where you look.
UpPhone's cell phone comparison tool is a great way to find the phone that's right for you. Use the filters above the tool to search for phones by price, manufacturer, internal storage, and more!
Frozen Google Pixel? Not Anymore!
Now your screen is un-frozen and operating good as new! You may have force restarted your phone, or even done a full Factory Reset, but you've fixed your frozen Google Pixel. We hope this article was helpful for you, feel free to leave comments with questions or suggestions. Thanks for reading!
