Google Pixel users clinging to the classic 3-button navigation system are facing a persistent and perplexing bug with the Gboard. This issue has reportedly been present since July 2023, persisting even after the Android 14 update. While a recent uptick in reports wrongly pinned the blame on Android 14, the problem clearly has deeper roots.
The glitch manifests in a frustrating way. When using any app like Chrome or Messages on your Pixel phone and then tap the home button, Gboard unexpectedly pops up at the bottom of the screen. It appears ready for text input, but frustratingly, the keyboard remains unresponsive to any taps or keystrokes. Online forums reveal that this issue plagues various Google Pixel devices, including the latest Pixel 8 Pro (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9). The common link seems to be the continued use of 3-button navigation. This might explain why reports are relatively sparse, as many Pixel users likely favor gestures.
Despite being around for months, Google has yet to acknowledge or roll out a fix for the issue where Gboard randomly pops up on Pixel home screen. The only temporary solutions users have found are to hit the back button or a quick lock and unlock, which dismisses the ghost keyboard and allows normal phone use to continue. We couldn’t immediately reproduce this issue on any of our Pixel phones since it doesn’t happen every time.
This persistent glitch raises questions about Google’s attention to detail within its own ecosystem. A fundamental component like Gboard malfunctioning is an annoyance for any user, but particularly frustrating on Google’s own hardware. But the big question is why has this issue gone unaddressed for so long?
Google Pixel users who prefer the traditional 3-button navigation are left in limbo as they continue to grapple with the unwelcome Gboard pop ups on their home screen with no official response in sight. Hopefully, Google will recognize and address this issue promptly in order to restore a seamless user experience for those who choose this classic navigation method.
Hillary Keverenge
2114 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.
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