After storage access issues in October with the first Android 14 and multi-user releases, Pixel devices may face another issue with the January 2024 Google Play system update.
After updating to the Google Play January 2024 System Update (which is separate from the January 5, 2025 security update/patch) User reports Data stored in internal storage is not accessible across all applications. This leads to several cascading problems like not being able to play downloaded audio/video files or not being able to take new photos when the Files app is empty. Other applications do not work.
This appears to be an issue from last year that affected multi-user enabled devices. However, today the cause seems to be installing a Google Play system update.
However, the January 2024 update is not yet widely distributed as most Pixel users (and other Android devices) are still on the November 2023 version. (You can check in the Settings app > Security & Privacy > System & Updates.) Hopefully this will limit the spread of the problem to new users so Google can stop the rollout.
All Pixel 8, 7 and 6 series owners have reported this issue.
It remains to be seen how Google resolves the issue for those who have installed it. Last time a system update was needed. If your device is not stuck in “Pixel starts” boot loop, it is possible to recover data using OTA mentioned above.
A Google spokesperson confirmed this evening:
“We are aware of this issue and are investigating it.”
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links to generate revenue. more
“Hipster-friendly explorer. Award-winning coffee fan. Analyst. Problem solver. Trouble maker.”
