The Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a Phones: Bricked After Factory Reset

Reports have surfaced regarding users being left with bricked Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6A phones after performing a factory reset. Google is currently investigating the issue, as confirmed by a comment from a member of the Pixel support forums’ product expert program.

Users experiencing this problem have noted that after trying to reset their phone, they are faced with an error message stating, “Cannot load Android system. Your data may be corrupt.” The message suggests performing a factory data reset to erase all user data stored on the device. However, when attempting to proceed, the phone either fails to boot or shows an error indicating that the file “tune2fs” is missing, which is a Unix command line tool used for setting file system parameters.

While some users have linked the problem to software updates, the majority of complaints seem to stem from performing a factory reset rather than a specific update. One Reddit member compiled reports of the issue across the Pixel 6 lineup, with affected users expressing their inability to recover the phone using Google’s official tools.

The consequences of this issue are significant, as users are left with devices that are rendered unusable due to the failed factory reset process. Without a functioning phone, individuals are unable to access essential features and data stored on their devices, leading to frustration and inconvenience.

Google has acknowledged the problem and is actively investigating to identify and address the root cause of the issue. While no official solution has been provided yet, users affected by the bricking problem can expect a resolution from Google in the near future.

The bricking of Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6A phones following a factory reset is a concerning issue that highlights the importance of thorough testing and quality assurance in the development of software updates and device functionalities. As users await a resolution from Google, it is crucial for tech companies to prioritize user experience and device reliability to prevent such issues from occurring in the future.