Skip to main content

Pixel users, beware: A Google Assistant bug can disable your alarms

Person holds Pixel 9a in hand while sitting in a car.
Google

A Google Assistant bug is causing chaos with Do Not Disturb profiles and causing users to miss alarms, appointments, and more. The bug was first reported on Reddit earlier today by u/Rawalanche, who claimed it started when Pixel received new Do Not Disturb modes.

Their report states that any non-standard DnD profile, such as one that allows calls from only certain contacts or specific applications, will only work if you activate it through the Settings menu or the notification menu. If you request the DnD profile with Google Assistant, it does not activate and instead mutes everything on the phone.

Recommended Videos

Multiple other people have confirmed the bug is affecting their profiles, as well. It appears to be related to something in the most recent update, so Google will need to issue a fix to correct the problem. For now, you can avoid it by manually activating all of your Do Not Disturb settings rather than relying on voice commands.

u/Rawalanche points out that this is a particularly dangerous glitch, especially if you’re relying on your ability to hear phone calls from specific people. For example, if you care for an ill relative as they did, you need to hear your notifications.

The Modes update was first introduced in March, and it has been met with mixed reviews. Many users dislike the absence of one-tap Do Not Disturb settings. For now, the only way users can enable Do Not Disturb with a single tap is through the use of third-party applications.

Google Assistant is facing a slow phaseout as Gemini AI takes over the majority of the ecosystem. It’s even being phased out of third-party interfaces, like LG TVs. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Gemini is significantly more powerful and capable than Google Assistant, and its newfound dominance means better performance for everyday tasks.

Patrick Hearn
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold leak unravels old looks, and that’s okay
Side profile of leaked Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold renders.

Google is still months away from the launch of fresh smartphone hardware in the Pixel 10 series. But it seems the company will focus more on internal refinements than aesthetic makeovers this year. Or at least that’s what it looks like from the recent string of leaks, which now include the next-gen Pixel foldable phone, as well. 

The folks over at Android Headlines have shared what they claim to be product renders of the upcoming Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The leak doesn’t add any details about the internal hardware, but it notes that the device will be pricier than its predecessor. 

Read more
Here’s when you can buy the Google Pixel 9a
Alleged depiction of Google Pixel 9a.

After a tidal wave of rumors and leaks, the Google Pixel 9a saw an official announcement earlier this month — and now we know it will be available for purchase on April 10 in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. On April 14, the Pixel 9a will make its way to an additional 23 European countries, before finally arriving in India, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia on April 16.

This midrange budget handset will start at $499 for the 128GB model, with a bump up to $599 for the 256GB model. It has a 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, paired with a maximum brightness of 2700 nits. That means you'll be able to use it in direct sunlight without worrying about visibility.

Read more
Google quietly just announced a step toward AI seeing the world better than humans can
Circle to Search

Google has announced some new updates to its AI Overviews in Google Search, specifically some new screens in Circle to Search.

What was spotted more subtly, by beta testers over at AndroidAuthority, was just how smart this can be.

Read more