Skip to main content

Time for a replacement? Google Nexus 6P bootloop caused by hardware issue

Nexus 6P
Google
The Google Nexus 6P may not be that old yet, but some users are experiencing some pretty serious issues with it. The latest? With new software updates, the phone seems to be getting itself stuck in a bootloop.

Google, however, says that the issue isn’t due to software updates — but rather a hardware issue with the Nexus 6P. Not only that, but there doesn’t appear to be a real solution to the problem. In fact, Google recommends contacting your place of purchase for warranty information. It’s not clear if users will get a replacement device or just get a repair — or if it just depends on the retailer.

A bootloop is essentially when a device restarts, makes it to the Google logo, then restarts again. And again. And so on, until it runs out of battery. Some users have even wiped their phone’s memory and reflashed Android, to no avail — which certainly supports the idea that it’s a hardware issue.

A verified Google employee has published a statement on Reddit concerning the issue.

“We understand that a very small number of users are experiencing a bootloop issue on you device. We are continuing to investigate the situation, but can confirm that this is strictly a hardware-related issue. For those of you that are currently experiencing this, please contact your place of purchase for warranty or repair options,” says the statement. “We’re sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your continued patience.”

It seems like the only way to fix the issue is to get a replacement, so if you have a Nexus 6P and are experiencing a bootloop, you should follow Google’s advice.

Christian de Looper
Christian’s interest in technology began as a child in Australia, when he stumbled upon a computer at a garage sale that he…
Google shows ‘courage’ by ditching headphone jack in the Pixel 6a
google pixel 6a 5g news colors

The newly announced Google Pixel 6a doesn't have a headphone jack. Instead, you'll have to rely on your favorite Bluetooth headphones — say, the also newly announced Pixel Buds Pro.

That's convenient, no doubt. And, according to your favorite Apple blog, it's a humorous bit of hypocrisy, given that Google a mere nine months ago released a promo video for the Pixel 5a that trumpeted the brilliance of design found in a circle while also heralding the phone's inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack. (And all while mocking the overly serious tone of Apple's promo videos from back when Sir Jony Ive was making a big deal out of things like shapes your toddler would recognize.)

Read more
Google’s Pixel 6a is losing the 5a’s best feature
Google Pixel 6a

Google finally announced the Pixel 6a today at Google I/O. Following up on both the Pixel 5a and Pixel 6, the new Pixel promises to bring the best of what Google has offered in the past year at a lower price. With Tensor powering the 6a, this is set to be the most powerful cheap Pixel yet. But despite what Google says, the Pixel 6's battery life for many is bad -- and the same Tensor that's in the Pixel 6a could be to blame.

When I reviewed the Pixel 6 over a long-term period for Digital Trends, I noticed that the battery life was not as good as advertised. This held on my Pixel 6 Stormy Black, as well as the Sorta Seafoam model that replaced it. As the weather warmed up and I started spending more time outdoors and less time at home, it became clear to me that the Pixel 6 was incapable of lasting the promised 24 hours from a charge, frequently losing 15% to 20% before stepping off a train after just listening to music and reading via the Kindle app. I'm not alone on this. Early reviews for the Pixel 6 noted wildly differing battery claims, with some reviewers seeing fantastic battery life while others noted average to poor battery life. Moving away from the immediate launch coverage of the Pixel 6, you can also see the phone underperforming on (admittedly unscientific) battery tests on YouTube, as well as complaints on Reddit and Twitter.

Read more
Google’s Pixel 6a earns FCC approval weeks ahead of launch
The first renders of the Google Pixel 6a.

Google may have just launched the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, but the company is already gearing up to reveal the Pixel 6a. While the last two Pixels in the A-series didn't launch until August (albeit likely due to circumstances outside the company's control), the next Pixel A-series phone may be closer than we thought, with it being spotted in a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) listing this week.

Based on the FCC listing, the Pixel 6a is expected to come with 5G support, including mmWave 5G for Verizon. Though the Pixel 6a had always been expected to launch in May, the FCC certification makes a launch in a matter of weeks likely to happen based on past history.

Read more