Owners of Google's **Pixel** devices have been facing a serious issue following the September Android update. Many users reported being unable to unlock their phones, with the security pattern resetting after only two points drawn and PIN codes failing after just one digit. The problem has been widely discussed on online forums like **Reddit**, with multiple users across different **Pixel** models—such as the **Pixel 10 Pro XL**, **Pixel 8a**, and **Pixel 8 Pro**—describing the same experience. Despite trying various troubleshooting methods, including restarting the device, entering safe mode, cleaning the screen, using a USB mouse, and even reinstalling the same software version manually, users found no solution except performing a factory reset. The issue is more than just a frozen screen. On Android, most personal data is stored in an encrypted area, and the encryption key is derived from the user's lock screen code, pattern, or password. This means that without the correct unlock method, not even **Google** can access the data on the device. As a result, **Google**'s support page recommends a full factory reset if a device is locked, and the only way to recover data is by restoring it from a **Google** account backup. This has left many users scrambling to ensure their information is backed up online before attempting future updates. This problem is specific to the **Pixel** firmware, and it is not the first time **Pixel** updates have caused issues. Earlier in the year, users experienced problems with **Wi-Fi** and **Bluetooth** connectivity after another update. The pattern of updates introducing new bugs has drawn comparisons to **Microsoft**'s monthly "Patch Tuesday" updates, which are known for sometimes causing their own set of technical problems. As a precaution, users who have not yet installed the September update are advised to back up their photos and files online before proceeding. For those who have already encountered the issue, the only solution is to perform a factory reset. This involves turning off the device, holding the Power and Volume Down buttons until the Fastboot mode appears, entering recovery mode, and then selecting "Erase data/factory reset" using the Volume Up button. Confirming the action with the Power button will wipe the device and restore it to its original settings.