Google likely replacing Pixel 3 units affected by EDL mode issue

The Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL are Google’s flagship devices that were launched back in 2018. They were the first Pixel device that supported wireless charging and glass backs.

Fanboys quickly jumped in on the bandwagon because Google updated the camera with new features such as Night Sight and Astrophotography mode.

Upon release, many reviewers said that the Pixel 3 had the best camera at the time while criticizing it for its big intrusive notch.

However, Pixel 3 owners soon started complaining about camera defects, RAM management, swollen batteries and random shutdowns.

In the last few days, many Pixel 3 and 3 XL owners reported that their device was affected by the EDL Mode bug, making it impossible to use.

The issue surfaced after users updated their devices to Android 11 with many saying that a security update triggered it while others say it came out of nowhere.

In case you don’t know what the EDL Mode bug is, it basically puts the phone in Emergency Download Mode with no way to turn it on.

If you try to connect the phone to a PC, it will be identified as “QUSB_BULK_CID” along with some serial number. The EDL mode is a feature developed by Qualcomm that lets manufacturers reset the phone and recover data.

And reports of Pixel 3 devices getting stuck in EDL are growing in the last few days. While the root cause of the issue is still unknown, it is most likely a hardware bug.

While the company is yet to acknowledge the issue, it looks like Google is allegedly replacing devices affected by the EDL bug.

Some Reddit users say that the Google Advanced Hardware Support Team contacted them and offered a replacement after their device was stuck in EDL mode.

They just agreed to replace mine with another 3 but are wanting to charge the repair fee from device protection and want to put a hold of $799 until they receive the bricked phone. I’m fine with a hold but not $799 for a pixel 3. Google really needs to work on their support, especially through fi.
(Source)

Same issue. Just got offered a replacement, but they didn’t specify if it was going to be with a Pixel 3 or not. I might hold off since I’m also trying to file an extended warranty claim with my credit card – if they are willing to give me money, then I’m going that route for sure.
(Source)

It looks like Google wants to take a look at what causes the Pixel 3 to get stuck in the EDL mode. We hope the developers soon find out why so many devices are getting bricked in the last few days.

When Google comes up with more information, we will update this article so make you stay tuned.

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

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