Yes, the Pixel 2 has had a string of weird bugs that can get genuinely annoying, but most of them have known fixes or workarounds you can apply right now. This article covers the most commonly reported oddities—from random reboots and Bluetooth dropouts to the infamous microphone distortion issue—and explains exactly what causes them and how to resolve them.
Background: The Pixel 2’s Bug Reputation
Google’s Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL launched in October 2017 to strong reviews, but early units suffered from a series of hardware and software quirks. The most notorious was the high-frequency whine and clicking sounds from the rear camera, which Google acknowledged and addressed with a software update. Other issues included a blue shift on the XL’s display (a hardware characteristic of the POLED panel), and random audio distortion when recording video. Over the years, as Android updates rolled out, some bugs were fixed, but new ones occasionally appeared, especially after major OS upgrades. For a phone that’s now several years past its guaranteed update window, many of these quirks have become part of the user experience.
Common Weird Bugs and Their Fixes
Here are the most frequently reported Pixel 2 bugs that users describe as “weird� or “annoying,� along with the steps that typically resolve them.
1. Random Reboots or Freezes
If your Pixel 2 reboots on its own or freezes for a few seconds, it’s often due to a corrupted cache or a misbehaving app. The first thing to try is a forced restart: hold the power button for about 10 seconds until the phone restarts. If that doesn’t help, boot into Safe Mode (press and hold the power button, then tap and hold “Restartâ€� until the Safe Mode prompt appears) to see if a third-party app is causing the issue. If the problem stops in Safe Mode, uninstall recently installed apps one by one. If it persists, clear the system cache from recovery mode: turn off the phone, then press and hold Volume Down + Power, navigate to “Recovery Modeâ€� with the volume keys, select it with the power button, and choose “Wipe cache partition.â€�
2. Bluetooth Drops or Stuttering
Bluetooth issues on the Pixel 2 are often tied to the phone’s aggressive power-saving features. Go to Settings > Connected devices > Bluetooth, and for your paired device, tap the gear icon and disable “HD audioâ€� if it’s enabled. Also, go to Settings > Battery > Battery optimization, find your Bluetooth app (like the music player), and set it to “Don’t optimize.â€� If the problem persists, try “Forgetâ€� the device and re-pair it. In some cases, resetting the phone’s network settings (Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth) clears corrupted Bluetooth data.
3. Camera App Crashes or “Can’t Connect to Cameraâ€�
This error usually appears after a software update or when the camera app is left in a bad state. First, force-stop the camera app (Settings > Apps > Camera > Force stop), then clear its cache and storage (but this will reset your camera settings). If that doesn’t work, restart the phone. If the error persists, check if you’re using a third-party camera app—some of them conflict with the stock app. Uninstall any such apps and test again. In rare cases, a hardware failure is the cause, but that’s less common than software glitches.
4. Microphone Distortion During Video Recording
This was a well-known issue on early Pixel 2 units, where audio in videos sounded muffled or distorted. Google pushed a software update in early 2018 that improved it, but some units still have the problem. If you’re affected, try disabling “Audio zoomâ€� in the camera settings (Settings > Camera > Video > Audio zoom off). Also, ensure the microphone hole (the small pinhole on the top edge) isn’t blocked by dirt or a case. Use a soft brush to clean it gently. If the distortion only happens when using a specific app, try a different recording app to isolate the issue.
How to Choose the Right Fix
Because these bugs have different root causes, the right fix depends on the symptom. For random reboots, start with cache clearing. For Bluetooth, adjust power settings. For camera errors, clear app data. For microphone distortion, check hardware first. If you’re not sure, a general first step is to back up your data and perform a factory reset (Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data). This wipes away any software corruption and gives you a clean slate. Only do this if you’ve backed up important files, photos, and messages.
When to Consider a Replacement
The Pixel 2 is no longer receiving guaranteed security updates (Google’s official support ended in October 2020), so even if you fix a bug, you’re missing out on the latest Android security patches. If you’re experiencing multiple bugs that return after fixes, or if the phone’s battery life has degraded significantly, it might be time to upgrade. You can still use the Pixel 2 as a media player or a backup phone, but for daily use, a newer model will be more reliable and secure.
Alternatives to the Pixel 2
If you’re fed up with the bugs and want to switch, several options exist. The Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, or any recent Pixel model offer a similar stock Android experience with better hardware and longer software support. If you prefer a different brand, Samsung’s Galaxy A series or the iPhone SE are reliable alternatives. When choosing, consider your budget, preferred OS, and how long you expect to keep the phone. For a budget-friendly option, the Pixel 4a is often praised for its camera and clean software, though it’s also aging. Newer budget phones like the Pixel 6a or Samsung Galaxy A54 provide better value for long-term use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Pixel 2 keep restarting?
Random restarts are often caused by a corrupted cache, a problematic app, or a failing battery. Start by clearing the cache partition in recovery mode, then check for app issues in Safe Mode. If it persists, a factory reset may help. If the problem continues, the battery might be swelling or failing—contact a repair professional.
How do I fix the Pixel 2 microphone issue?
First, clean the microphone hole with a soft, dry brush. Then, disable “Audio zoomâ€� in the camera settings. If the problem only occurs during calls, check if the noise cancellation microphone (the small hole on the top) is blocked. If you’re using a case, remove it and test. If the issue persists, it may be a hardware defect that requires repair.
Is the Pixel 2 still worth using in 2024?
It depends on your needs. The Pixel 2 can still handle basic tasks like calls, texts, web browsing, and even some apps, but it lacks the latest security updates and may have compatibility issues with newer apps. If you prioritize security and reliability, it’s not recommended as a daily driver. For a secondary phone or a device for kids, it can work.
Can I install custom ROMs on the Pixel 2 to fix bugs?
Yes, the Pixel 2 has a large custom ROM community. Installing a custom ROM like LineageOS can give you a newer Android version and potentially fix bugs that were never addressed by Google. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader, which voids the warranty and carries a risk of bricking the phone. Only attempt this if you’re comfortable with the process.
Why does my Pixel 2’s Bluetooth keep disconnecting?
Bluetooth disconnects often happen due to power-saving features. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery optimization, and set your Bluetooth device’s companion app to “Don’t optimize.â€� Also, try disabling “HD audioâ€� for the device in Bluetooth settings. If that fails, reset network settings or re-pair the device.
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