[Update: Jan. 15] How to downgrade Google Pixel 6 & 6 Pro to November patch now that bugfix for December update will release by January-end

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…

Original story (published on December 31, 2021) follows:

The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have been widely praised by users and reviewers alike for both their design and performance. However, it looks like Android 12 has had a bumpy ride with numerous bugs surfacing since its release.

And with the recently released December update, users had a sigh of relief since Google said they squashed several bugs. But as it turns out, the latest update introduced new issues with many saying it is making their device unusable.

Google is now advising users who installed the December update to downgrade their phones to the November patch.

Moreover, it looks like the developers have finally decided to pause the December update rollout because of network issues.

Hey Pixel Community,
The Pixel team paused the December software update to Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro devices after some users reported calls were dropping or disconnecting. We have now identified a fix that will roll out in a software update by late January. This update will also include all the fixes and improvements that were originally planned in December. If you received the December software update on Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro and are still experiencing mobile connectivity issues, you can revert to the previous software version using the Android Flash Tool (flash.android.com) and performing a factory reset. Please back up your phone before restoring to the previous software version. If you are not experiencing mobile connectivity issues, no action is required. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we roll out the fix.
(Source)

In case you are wondering if you should update your phone to the December patch or wait for the January version, you can head here to learn how to sideload and see if it’s worth sideloading the December update.

According to a Google Community Diamond Product Expert, you will get the January patch via OTA normally as long as you sideload the correct version of the December update.

But many are now frustrated and wondering how to downgrade their Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro to the November version since the January patch will be coming in the later half of the month.

If you are interested in downgrading your Pixel, currently there are two ways to do so. Users can either opt for Google’s Android Flash tool or use ADB and Fastboot to flash the November patch image.

Keep in mind that a bunch of users recently reported that flashing the December update via Fastboot is causing their phones to get bricked.

The official way to downgrade to the Pixel 6 November patch involves opening the Android Flash Tool in a browser and connecting your device via USB.

Allow the flash tool to communicate with your phone via ADB and add the device you want to downgrade. Select the ‘Always allow from this computer’ option to accept USB debugging.

You can now select the desired build from the list presented. After the flash process completes, simply disconnect the device and reboot it normally.

Please note that this process will require your device bootloader to be unlocked. Alternatively, you can watch the video below.

And if you want to flash it via ADB or Fastboot, watch this video to know how. You can get the Factory Images for Pixel devices here.

Users who have gone through with this downgrade process report that their devices are now a lot more usable than they were with the problematic December update.

January patch is rolling out to Pixel 3a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5a users. Sadly, the update is not yet available for the Pixel 6 or 6 Pro so owners of these devices might have to wait a little longer.

December 2021 update for Pixel 6 and 6 Pro has been delisted from Google’s official website to prevent manual update. Check more on that here.

IST 11:03 pm: Google now says that the January Patch for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro devices, the update that is set to fix the issues brought about by the December patch will drop later this January.

01:39 pm (IST): While the official January patch for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro is yet to be released, some users have tested the GrapheneOS January patch which is reportedly free from the issues reported in December patch.

So, if you are having such issues with your Pixel 6 device, then you can try this patch. However, we recommend you wait for the official update that will arrive around the end of this month.

10:16 am (IST): The January 2022 update for Pixel 6 and 6 Pro is now available. And those who were looking to revert back to November patch can now download the fresh January patch and see if it resolves the issues.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Google Section so be sure to follow them as well.

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