Google Pixel 6a astrophotography mode not working or activating for a section of users

Google recently released an update for the camera app on Pixel 6 series which brings improvements to the Night Sight. After the patch, users can capture photos faster in low light conditions as well.

However, some are experiencing issues after the update.

According to reports (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10), multiple Pixel 6a users are experiencing difficulties when capturing images of space objects or the night sky as the astrophotography mode is not working.

Users claim that astrophotography mode does not turn on when they try to capture photos of the sky in pitch darkness. And this happens even when the phone is kept on a stable surface, such as a tripod.

However, if one places their phone’s camera against an opaque object, then it turns on as it should. On the other hand, some are experiencing significant delays in the mode’s activation as well.

Previously, it could easily be activated in the evening with street lighting. So it’s likely the issue popped up after the recent update for the camera app and has been persistent for the past month.

When ever I shift to night mode inorder to take pics of stars the astrophotography mode won’t turn on (it’s always set on auto activate).
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Pixel 6a astrophotography mode not turning on even after using a tripod.
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Those affected have tried tinkering with the camera app’s settings and restarting their smartphone but to no avail. They are now requesting the developers to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, Google has not officially responded to the matter.

Luckily, you can try uninstalling app updates for the camera app, restarting your device, and reinstalling the latest patch for a potential fix.

That said, we are hopeful that Google will soon resolve the issue where astrophotography mode is not working or activating on Pixel 6a units.

We’ll keep tabs on this issue and update you.

Note: There are more such stories in our dedicated Google section. So make sure that you follow them as well.

Featured image source: Google.

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