March’s rollout of the Google Pixel update wasn’t ideal. Like most Pixel updates, the big quarterly update didn’t come in the first week of the month. Then once Google confirmed the arrival of the next build, they dropped any details for the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a. Another week passed and Google quietly updated its announcement post to include details on the Pixel 6 line-up, though there was no mention of when those devices would see the update.
We’re now another week after the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Prom and Pixel 6a build numbers were posted, and Verizon units have yet to see an update. In fact, Verizon’s well-maintained update pages for each device haven’t been updated to even suggest any March updates will be here soon. They’ve updated all the other still-supported Pixel pages, including the Pixel 7, to show that the March update is here. As for the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a, all are still listed as only having the February update available.
- up to date: I hate to take credit, but within 30 minutes of us releasing it, Verizon and Google pushed the update live. You should be able to grab it through the settings. You’re welcome, I think.
Google’s support forums are full of posts (like this one) from people wondering what’s going on No one has been able to get a clear answer and the customer service representatives don’t seem to know why there is a delay. The main theory for the delay at the moment still involves the Exynos modem vulnerabilities we reported here, with Google advising people to avoid VoLTE and WiFi calling until fixed.
Some have started updating manually with available factory images or OTA files, but not everyone wants to fire up their computer, learn the necessary handful of adb commands, and try not to screw anything up along the way. If you’re curious about that process, trust me when I say it’s not that hard. You shouldn’t be afraid to flash an OTA file, plus it won’t factory reset your phone if done correctly. We have instructions in this post.
Unfortunately, we don’t know what’s going on. Google generally does not respond to our requests for more information about update delays. We’re still waiting to hear back about that 3-month T-Mobile Pixel update delay.
If we learn more, we’ll be sure to keep you up-to-date. If you see the Pixel 6 update on your Verizon phone, be sure to let us know. And if we don’t hear anything in the next few days, feel free to assume that Verizon is skipping the March update and waiting for April, which should be here on Monday, April 3.