While the anticipated features of Android 16 are set to debut later this year, the latest update already introduces numerous changes. However, as with many significant Google updates, some bugs have managed to make their way through quality control. Notably, one issue causes the back gesture to become unresponsive, while another problem intermittently disrupts the 3-button navigation, leading to frustration among Pixel users.
After updating to Android 16 last week, several Pixel owners reported that the back gesture sporadically fails to function correctly. This bug was notably captured in a screen recording shared by Android Police co-founder Artem Russakovskii on social media. Additional complaints surfaced on Reddit, where users indicated that the 3-button navigation is also malfunctioning.
Both issues appear to impact all Pixel devices, including the latest Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 models. One user expressed their frustration, stating, “The buttons are completely unresponsive or there are delays of over 30 seconds. My 8 Pro has become almost unusable.”
They noted that while the buttons might work fine for a limited time, the issue resurfaces unexpectedly. Users have also reported UI glitches, with the navigation buttons overlapping app content. In the meantime, users can attempt some quick fixes while awaiting a resolution from Google.
Restarting the device may offer a temporary solution, and it seems that the bug is more pronounced when using third-party launchers. Switching back to the Pixel launcher might alleviate the problem, and those using the stock launcher could try clearing its data. Interestingly, some users have not encountered these issues on the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 version, prompting others to consider upgrading to see if it helps.
If all else fails, reverting to factory settings is an option, though it can be a cumbersome process. Overall, while reports on Reddit suggest the bug may not be universal, its impact on the core Android experience warrants a timely fix from Google.
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