Google Pixel users experiencing SMS bug since Oreo update

On the eve of the Pixel 2’s release, Google handsets are reportedly experiencing a bug that is seemingly connected to the Android 8.0 update. Devices running Oreo, which is currently limited to Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, could be prone to errors in receiving text messages.

The problem was publicly brought to light by Gary Gregg on the Pixel Community forums, stating that “inbound texts have suddenly stopped arriving on [his] Pixel XL phone.” Elaborating on the problem further, it happened “About the time I upgraded to 8.0 (may not be related), on either Google Message or Verizon Message+, I can SEND texts, but I cannot RECEIVE texts on the phone,” explains Gregg. His troubleshooting didn’t stop there, either.

“Double checked to make sure no updates were pending. None. Uninstalled all apps installed before the problem arose. Restarted. Uninstalled Verizon Message+. Restarted. Disabled Google Messages. Restarted. Re-enabled Google Message, restarted. Downloaded Verizon Message+, restarted. At each step, no incoming texts received. When I launch Verizon Message+ after reinstall/restart and activate the account, the screen freezes on “Please Wait Starting Service.”

A number of people have commented on the thread saying that they are experiencing the same issue, with some reporting a factory reset solving the problem entirely. Google is aware that this is not a practical solution and is on the case, with community manager Orrin releasing an official statement.

“Thanks for all of the reports. The team is aware of this issue and working towards a fix,” explains Orrin. “Some of you have mentioned that rebooting or factory resetting the device resolved the issue. Definitely try to reboot, and if you do factory reset, make sure all of your data/info is backed up.”

As it is primarily Verizon users that have been affected, the network is similarly looking into a fix for the issue alongside the search giant. Of course, Google is going to want to fix the cause of this issue as soon as possible as its Pixel 2 handset releases on October 19th, whereas the Pixel 2 XL lands on November 15th.

KitGuru Says: As a Pixel user, operating on the UK network O2, I’ve not experienced any of these issues and have in fact been running Android 8.0 since it officially launched. Have you experienced any issues with your Pixel device?

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