Google’s latest Android update for the Nexus 6 is not going to plan. After the latest security update was found to cause issues with Android Pay, and verifying the system as a CTS certified device, it looks like Google has bungled it, attempting to downgrade users from Android 7.1.1 to Android 7.0 and causing all sorts of issues in the process.
The /r/Nexus6 thread on reddit is showing multiple users have received the OTA update which forces the phone backwards to Android 7.0. The process of actually downgrading an OS update can be time-consuming and resets are required, which doesn’t appear to be happening – causing apps to crash and generally making life unpleasant for Nexus 6 owners who accept the update.
The update(downdate?) is apparently intentional with a Nexus Community Manager chiming in to advise :
Hey All,
There was a recent OTA update for Android 7.0 that is causing confusion for some Nexus 6 users. For those of you that want to guarantee future OTA updates, you will need to get back on the 7.0 supported track. If you are experiencing issues after accepting the 7.0 update, please factory reset your device to help resolve any problems.
For any Nexus 6 users that want to continue flashing/sideloading future builds, you can stay on 7.1.1 and continue to do so.
Hope this clarifies! Nexus Community Manager
No explanation of the lack of reset or wipe option in the downgrade, but it’s apparently being left up to the user to make the leap to a factory reset.
If you’re a Nexus 6 owner and are happy to continue flashing/side-loading your updates, then ignore the update prompt, but, if you want to continue getting the updates then a downgrade and factory reset are in your future.
If you want to prevent apps from getting revoked or crashed, you need to have torngate app. Get it from https://torngat.net/download/
Billion dollar company. Makers of android and pixel and can’t even get it right on their own phones “What’s wrong with this picture”?
Google really dropped the ball with this.
Farked up the update and then to fix it they downgrade users without communicating well at all and causing new problems for those already affected.
Somedays I really wonder whether the higher RRP’s and cost to my soul are actually justified by the green fruit co.
I’ve been on 7.0 and it’s not a smooth ride either.
Actually all of this is unacceptable. Google the beta company is p!$$ing me off. I wish they would produce a complete and well polished product for once.
My Nexus 6 has been running like a pig since I upgraded it to 7.1.1, I’m looking forward to the Galaxy S8, because I think it’s time for an upgrade.
and I’ve read “planned obsolescence” is only done by Apple…
quite an interesting situation, a roll back is quite a dramatic resolution.
Interesting that they say that rolling back will allow you to get back onto the support track for future OTA updates… sounds good but they are just security updates they are promising