Multiple Google Pixel users have reported experiencing a bug after updating to Android 13, where their home screen freezes when attempting to pull up the Recents menu. This issue appears to be more common when using picture-in-picture mode for apps like YouTube and Google Maps, as the device freezes when swiping up to go back to the home screen while still in PiP mode.
This bug can be quite frustrating for users, as it causes the whole device to freeze for several minutes and renders it unresponsive. Some users have even reported being unable to restart their devices due to the severity of the freeze.
If you are experiencing this issue on your Google Pixel device, you are not alone. Many other users have reported similar problems, and it seems to be a common occurrence after the Android 13 update.
It’s worth noting that this is not the first time that Google Pixel users have encountered issues with the home screen freezing. In the past, there have been similar reports of freezes occurring on earlier versions of Android, though it seems that this particular bug is more widespread and persistent than previous ones.
How to Fix Google Pixel home screen freezes bug
At this time, it is unclear what is causing this bug or when a official fix will be released. Google has not yet made any official statements about the issue, though it is likely that the company is working on a solution. In the meantime, there are a few steps you can take to try and mitigate the problem.
Turn off picture-in-picture mode
One potential cause of the home screen freeze bug is the picture-in-picture mode. To turn this off, go to your device’s settings, navigate to the “Apps & notifications” menu, and select the app that you are using picture-in-picture with. From there, toggle the “Allow picture-in-picture” option to “Off”.
Check for Android updates
It’s always a good idea to make sure that your device is running the latest version of Android. To check for updates, go to your device’s settings and navigate to the “System” menu. From there, select “System update” and follow the prompts to install any available updates.
Check storage and clear space
If your device is low on storage, it could be causing the home screen freeze bug. To check your storage and clear space, go to your device’s settings and navigate to the “Storage” menu. From there, you can see how much storage you have available and what is taking up space. You can also use the “Free up space” option to delete unnecessary files and free up more storage.
Reset your phone to factory setting
If all else fails, you may need to reset your phone to factory settings as a last resort. Keep in mind that this will erase all data and settings on your device, so be sure to back up any important information before proceeding. To reset your phone, go to your device’s settings and navigate to the “System” menu. From there, select “Reset options” and choose the “Erase all data (factory reset)” option. Follow the prompts to complete the reset process. You may follow this article to reset your pixel 6 and 6 pro.
Use the navigation buttons instead of gestures
Another solution to try is using the navigation buttons instead of gestures to avoid triggering the bug. To do this, go to your device’s settings and navigate to the “System” menu. From there, select “Gestures” and toggle the “Navigation gestures” option to “Off”.
If these solutions do not work, you may want to consider contacting Google support for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional guidance on how to resolve the home screen freeze issue or offer a workaround solution.
We will continue to monitor this issue and update this article as new information becomes available. If you have any additional insights or solutions for the Google Pixel home screen freeze bug, please feel free to share them in the comments section below.
