Many Google Pixel owners they report problems with their devices after installing the new January 2024 Google Play system update resulted in problems accessing data stored in the internal memory. Symptoms include apps crashing, not being able to play music or videos, and not being able to access the phone’s camera.
Google said 9 to 5 Google it is “aware of this matter and looking into it”. Several Pixel users who have been experiencing issues with their phones have drawn similarities to the Android 14 multiple profile update bug that crippled devices last October. “The symptoms are all the same,” he said Reddit user Liv-lyf. “Internal storage won’t mount, camera crashes, Files app doesn’t show any files, screenshots won’t save, internal storage appears empty in ADB Shell, etc.”
The bug was reported on Google Pixel 5, 6, 7, 8 and Fold series devices. The January 2024 Play update is not widespread and not every Pixel user has faced issues after installing it. You can check which version your Pixel device is running by going to the Settings app > Security & privacy > System & updates. If you’re still on the November 2023 version, it’s best to avoid updating until the issues are fixed. Android Center / Android Authority / Android Police expert Mishaal RahmanGoogle has suspended the January 2024 update while it investigates.
There is no effective workaround for these recent issues other than factory resetting the affected devices. Last October, Google was able to fix a similar bug within a few days via a software update, although some users had to exploit the issue specialized Pixel Repair Tool to prevent their devices from constantly restarting.