Pixel owners have noticed a weird change to haptics after a March update.
Google Pixel users are feeling the buzz, but not in a good way. After the March 2025 update, many Pixel owners have noticed a strange change in their devices’ vibration patterns, and they’re not happy about it. The issue has sparked multiple complaints across online communities, with frustrated users flocking to the Google Pixel subreddit to share their experiences. One user described the new vibration as having a “hollow feeling,” while others say it lacks the satisfying “thunk” they were used to pre-update.
A Repeat Offender
This isn’t the first time Google has accidentally disrupted the Pixel’s haptic feedback. Back in 2022, an update weakened the notification vibrations on Pixel 6 devices. That change caused enough outcry that Google ended up rolling out a fix — but not until nearly two months later. It seems history might be repeating itself.
Which Devices Are Affected?
Reports indicate that the issue primarily affects Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and 8 Pro models. Interestingly, the Pixel 9 series appears to be unaffected, according to 9to5Google. Even Verge staff members who tested their Pixel 8 Pro devices noticed the difference. Whether this is a bug or an intentional adjustment remains unclear, but it has certainly caught the attention of long-time Pixel fans.
Real-World Experiences
After updating to the latest software, some users have described inconsistent haptic feedback. For instance, when placing the device on a table, the vibration for a text message feels more intense and jarring. Yet, the typing feedback feels noticeably weaker, and tasks like selecting text now feel awkward — almost like flicking a rubber band.
One Pixel 8 Pro owner shared their frustration, explaining that they loved the distinct, responsive vibrations that helped differentiate notifications, taps, and gestures. The new update, however, seems to blur those lines, making everything feel less precise and more unpredictable.
What Might Have Caused the Change?
It’s unclear whether the shift in vibration behavior was introduced as part of the core Android update or if it was bundled with Google’s latest Feature Drop. Feature Drops often bring exciting new functionality, but they sometimes sneak in changes that users don’t necessarily appreciate — and this may be one of them.
What Happens Next?
As of now, Google hasn’t made an official statement addressing the issue. Users are left wondering whether a fix is on the horizon or if they’ll have to adapt to the new haptics until Google decides to step in. Given the history of Pixel vibration mishaps, though, there’s hope that enough community feedback will push Google to roll out a corrective patch.
We’ve reached out to Google for comment and will update this article as soon as we hear back. Until then, if you’re a Pixel user feeling the change, you might not be imagining it — your phone really is buzzing a little differently this time.
Stay tuned for updates, and let us know in the comments if you’ve noticed a change in your Pixel’s haptic feedback since the March update!
