Some Google Pixel users are reporting a display brightness bug that has emerged following the March 2025 update, which is the last major update over Android 15, specifically the QPR2 release.
Google Pixel users face brightness bug after March update
The update introduced several new features, tweaks, and bug fixes but has also led to complaints about the display brightness flickering during video playback. Users note that the brightness fluctuates unexpectedly when using video apps such as Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube, independent of any changes to ambient light. Reports of the issue have surfaced consistently over recent days, indicating a common thread among affected devices, including the Pixel 9 series.
This brightness glitch appears to occur only during video playback, with users observing that the brightness may suddenly jump or drop without warning. In addition to these brightness issues, some users have reported changes in haptic feedback, with experiences ranging from stronger vibrations than before to vibrations that feel weaker.
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Further user reports indicate possible audio issues, such as discrepancies in volume levels between songs and videos, making transitions between apps like Spotify and Netflix problematic. Some users have noted that songs come through at a significantly louder level than video audio, complicating the user experience.
While Google is expected to address these glitches with patches in upcoming weeks, a temporary workaround for the brightness issue has been identified. Users can resolve the flickering problem by switching their display’s refresh rate from 120Hz to 60Hz, which seems to help eliminate the brightness fluctuations during video playback. To change the refresh rate, users can navigate to Settings > Display and disable the Smooth Display toggle.
The March update also patched 43 security vulnerabilities, highlighting the duality of software updates aimed at improving functionality while occasionally introducing new bugs.
Featured image credit: gessalfellstein on Reddit
