[Updated] OnePlus 6 OxygenOS 5.1.9 update breaks a key feature

Update:

Looks like OnePlus has tweaked the Pocket mode functionality with OxygenOS 5.1.9, as the feature description now reads ‘Prevent accidental screen touches when the phone is in your pocket‘ (see the following screenshot):

So the feature is working as expected. But there’s currently no information on why OnePlus removed the accidental ‘fingerprint operations’ part from Pocket mode with the latest update. We’ll let you know as soon as we have some clarity on this.

Original story:

Most of us put our phones in our pockets or bags while we are on a move or when the device is not being used. Don’t we?

To avoid any accidental screen access in such scenarios, majority smartphone companies offer a built in pocket mode functionality. And same is the case with Chinese smartphone manufacturer OnePlus.

‘Prevent accidental screen touches or fingerprint operations when the phone is in your pocket‘ is what the feature reads on my OnePlus 6 unit. Meaning, no mistaken screen or fingerprint access in pocket with this option enabled.

But unfortunately, the latest OxygenOS 5.1.9 update (which is yet to reach a big chunk of OnePlus 6 devices) has reportedly broken the feature in question.

Over past couple of days, a lot of OnePlus 6 users have routed to the company’s official help forum and Twitter, confirming (1,2,3) that after the latest update, their unit is unlocking with fingerprint despite being in pocket (or sensor covered) and Pocket mode enabled.

Complainants say

After updating the Oneplus 6 to OxygenOs 5.1.9 the device unlocks even after covering the sensor.. while the pocket mode is on.

After 5.1.9 update Is anybody having Pocket mode issue!! When in pocket mode (proximity sensor covered), fingerprint still works to unlock the phone. Even when the screen is off.

Earlier before this update rolled out. If you put palm or blockes your sensors and you try to unlock it with finder print it wouldn’t get open..But now it’s getting open.. It’s a glitch.

Confirm here too! Phone unlocks with fingerprint even when pocket mode is on and sensor covered…

Mine too. I can unlock the phone with my fingerprint still that the pocket mode is on.

Yup.. Happening with mine too… The screen shows pocket mode on.. But unlocks easily. Seems like a bug is introduced in this OTA.

https://twitter.com/prashantparab08/status/1020026379469930496

Of course, that’s not how Pocket mode (if enabled) should behave.

As for OnePlus’ take on the matter, unlike the Airtel-incompatibility glitch, there’s no official word from the company yet on the out of order Pocket mode feature. Meanwhile, complaints are proliferating.

We hope they come up with a statement soon, as this erratic behavior is already troubling a lot of OnePlus 6 users. Moreover, reports may blow up once the buggy update (which is still rolling out) lands on all OP6 devices.

Rest assured, we’ll update as and when any further development takes place. So stay in touch.

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