Google Pixel 8a problems and how to fix them

The Pixel 8a is one of the best cheap Android phones available, borrowing plenty of the best features from its flagship counterparts. An updated processor, the continuous addition of AI smarts, an impressive camera, and a seven-year software commitment make this sub-$500 phone a solid buy. Of course, there have been some compromises along the way, and like any gadget, Google’s mid-range offering is not without its issues. We take a look at some common Pixel 8a problems and potential solutions on how to fix them!

Problem #1: Connection to external displays not working

Some users say that their Pixel 8a doesn’t work with external displays or that it only mirrors the phone screen and doesn’t show a desktop mode.

Potential solutions:

• With the June feature drop, Google added external monitor support for the Pixel 8 series, including the Pixel 8a. You should now be able to simply plug the phone into a monitor with a USB-C to C or USB-C to HDMI cable. Check whether you have the latest update. Go to Settings > About Phone and tap on Android Version to check the date of the Android security update and Google Play system update. If you don’t see dates in June, you will have to update your phone.
• Things are a little more complicated if you are looking for a desktop mode. First, make sure you have a keyboard and mouse connected to your USB-C hub. The device will only activate Desktop Mode if it detects these. Also, we tested it using Bluetooth peripherals, and it doesn’t work, so maybe you need actual USB connections. There used to be a way to force Desktop Mode through the Developer Settings, but that option is now gone. If you’re running older software, you can go ahead and try it.
  • First, you’ll have to enable Developer Options. Go to Settings > About Phone and tap on Build Number multiple times until you see a pop-up that says these options are available.
  • Then go to Settings > System > Developer Options and scroll down to or search for Force Desktop Mode. After a reboot, you should now see a basic desktop with an app drawer. It works well enough, and I was able to use my keyboard and mouse (connected to the monitor) with these apps. However, it’s nowhere close to the full desktop experience you might get with something like Samsung DeX.

Problem #2: Fingerprint scanner problems

Some Pixel 8a users say that the fingerprint scanner requires multiple attempts to work, while a few mention that it doesn’t work at all.

Potential solutions:

• In most cases, the issue seems to be caused by the screen protector. Luckily, this can be fixed by increasing the touchscreen sensitivity. Go to Settings > Display & touch > Touch Sensitivity and toggle on Screen Protector Mode. Also, keep in mind that not every Pixel 8a screen protector, especially tempered glass options, may support the use of a fingerprint scanner.
• You can also try adding the same fingerprint twice. Go to Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock and add the same finger. You might have to press firmly on the screen while setting it up.
• If the fingerprint sensor doesn’t work at all, it might be a hardware issue. You can use the Pixel Diagnostic app by dialing *#*#7287#*#* and running the fingerprint sensor test. If it fails, your only option is to get a replacement. Contact Google here.

Problem #3: Pixel 8a not taking full-resolution photos

The Pixel 8a has a 64MP primary camera, and with pixel binning, you should get 16MP photos. However, users say that they only get 4MP or 12MP photos.

Potential solutions:

• This issue seems to be caused by a camera setting that was carried over when you transferred data from an older Pixel smartphone to the 8a. The setting is no longer available and you can’t make the adjustment on either of the two phones. However, simply uninstalling and reinstalling the camera app does the trick. Open the Pixel Camera app in the Play Store, tap Uninstall, and Update it.

Problem #4: Volume and quality issues with Bluetooth earbuds and built-in speakers

Pixel 8a owners have encountered various audio issues, from low volume when using Bluetooth earbuds or while on a call using the phone’s earpiece to poor audio quality from the phone’s speakers.

Potential solutions:

• You will have to jump into Developer Options and adjust some settings to try to fix Bluetooth volume problems. We show you how to enable Developer Options in the first section of this article. After you enable it, go to Settings > System > Developer Options, find Bluetooth AVRCP Version, and change it to 1.4, 1.6, or the other options to see if that works. You can also toggle on Disable Absolute Volume, Disable Bluetooth LE Audio, and Disable Bluetooth A2DP Hardware Offload.
• Some users say that using an app like Volume Booster helped.
• To fix audio quality issues, some Pixel 7a owners said that changing the equalizer settings on Wavelet (for headphones) and Flat Equalizer (for phone speakers) made the audio better. This might also work with the Pixel 8a.
• Regarding low volume during phone calls, users say that toggling Hearing Aid Compatibility on and off seems to work. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing devices and toggle the settings on and off. You can also try toggling Clear Calling off and on in Settings > Sound & Vibration. Also, try turning Adaptive Sound on and then off.

Problem #5: Slow charging

Slow charging has been a common theme for Pixel smartphones for years now, and the Pixel 8a is no better. However, some users say that the phone charges even slower than expected.

Potential solutions:

• The Pixel 8a supports 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging and takes around 100 minutes to fully charge when plugged in and significantly longer with wireless charging. There’s no solution to speed that up, so if you plan to keep your phone charging overnight, you might want to enable Adaptive Charging. Go to Settings > Battery > Charging optimization and toggle on Use charging optimization. Make sure to pick Adaptive Charging.
• A non-compatible charger or a faulty cable might cause even slower charging times. The 8a supports the USB Power Delivery standard, and you’ll need an 18W charger. Google’s 30W USB-C Charger is an excellent option.
• Overheating is a common reason devices charge slowly, and Google Tensor processors are known for getting a bit toastier than usual. To keep the phone cooler, set it away from direct sunlight or keep it in a well-ventilated place. You might also want to stop using it while it is charging, as using the phone actually heats it up, too.

Problem #6: Lag, stuttering, and freezing

Some users complain about noticeable lag and stuttering on the Pixel 8a, while a few say that the screen flickers or completely freezes occasionally.

Potential solutions:

• The Pixel 8a has a 60-120Hz variable display refresh rate, and when it changes, you might notice some stuttering. It’s not the best solution, but until a software update fixes the problem, you can try switching to the lower refresh rate. Go to Settings > Display and toggle off Smooth Display.
• On the flip side, you can force the phone to only use the highest refresh rate, but this option is hidden in Developer Options. Enable it by following the steps we showcased in the first section of this post. Then, go to Settings > System > Developer Options and toggle on Force Peak Refresh Rate. You can also try disabling Graphics Driver Preferences.
• Lag and phone freezing are likely caused by an app. First, boot the phone into Safe Mode and see if the problem persists. If it doesn’t, leave Safe Mode and try uninstalling any recently installed or updated apps. If a specific app is the issue, you can try clearing the app cache.

Problem #7: Android Auto problems

Android Auto problems aren’t as common on the Pixel 8a, with only a few users mentioning issues with frequent disconnections or a blank screen.

Potential solutions:

• Issues with Android Auto tend to occur when transferring settings from an older phone. To clean things out, go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Storage and Cache and clear both. You will have to set up Android Auto in your again, though.
• A faulty cable might also be the issue. Ensure that the cable isn’t torn or frayed. Keep in mind that some cheap cables may not support data transfers, which is necessary for Android Auto.
• Remember to check whether you are using the correct USB port in the car. Some vehicles have multiple ports, and a few are meant for charging only.
• Restart both the phone and the car. I actually had some issues in the past with Android Auto, and oddly enough, restarting the phone and the car helped. Yes, this meant turning the car off, removing the key, opening the door, and closing it again. Really annoying! To restart the Pixel 8a, simultaneously press the side and volume up buttons, then select Restart.

Guides: How to factory reset, how to boot into Safe Mode

How to boot the Pixel 8a into Safe Mode

• If the phone is on, simultaneously press the side button and volume up button, then long-press the Power off icon. You will see the option to reboot the phone in Safe Mode. Hit OK.
• If the phone is off, press and hold the side button to start the phone. When the animation begins, press and hold the volume down key until it ends.
• To exit Safe Mode, simultaneously press the side button and volume up button, then tap Restart.

How to Factory Reset the Pixel 8a

If the phone is on:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go into System.
3. Tap on Reset options.
4. Select Erase all data (factory reset).
5. Hit Erase all data.
6. You may need to enter your PIN. Do so.
7. Confirm by hitting Erase all data again.

If the phone is off or unresponsive:

1. Press and hold the side and volume down keys simultaneously until the device enters Fastboot mode. You should see a triangle with an exclamation point.
2. If you see No Command, press and hold the side button. While still holding it, press the volume up button once and release both.
3. User the volume keys to navigate down/up and press the side button to select Recovery Mode.
4. Go to Wipe data/factory reset.
5. Select Reboot system now once the phone is reset.