Fix for Pixel 2 proximity sensor issues coming, Google confirms

Last month, we uncovered a serious issue plaguing Pixel 2 phones. Basically, a lot of users have been complaining about extra sensitive proximity sensor in their devices, something they said happened after the Android 8.1 update. We also found that Google was silently replacing affected units.

Well the good news is, those affected need not process an RMA anymore, as Google will be rolling out a fix for the same in the coming months.

Google employee Orrin (who is also the Community Manager at Pixel User Community) relieved the troubled users by breaking the news a few hours ago on one of the the relevant threads discussing the matter in question. Here’s what they said:

There’s been a number of things discussed on this thread, and we have a quick update specific to the proximity sensor issues that some of you have been reporting. We have identified a fix that will be rolling out in the coming months

For those of you not aware of the severity of the matter, proximity sensor basically detects objects in the nearby field. Meaning, it’s responsible for activating the device’s screen whenever that should happen – for example, when you move your phone away from your ear after a call.

But, since Android 8.1 arrived, the sensor isn’t working as intended in these kind of scenarios. What happens instead is, the device’s screen remains completely black/non-interactive, effectively rendering the device useless for the time being.

In addition, the issue also affects the Ambient Display feature, with users saying AD either becomes unresponsive or gets turned off.

We hope the promised update which intends to fix whatever is causing all this mess begins rolling out soon. Rest assured, we’ll let you know as and when that starts happening. So keep a tab on this space for all related developments.

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