Google Pixel Lock-In: May Update Prevents Downgrading

Good news, Pixel fans! Google is already rolling out the May 2025 update for Pixel phones. In a security bulletin, the company disclosed the vulnerability fixes it includes. Now, Google has revealed the “common” bug fixes that the OTA brings to Pixel devices. The update also stands out for an updated anti-rollback threshold. This means that once installed, users won’t be able to revert to a previous version.

Starting with the “normal” fixes, Google addresses issues for three specific aspects. First, the firmware fixed a bug that caused reduced audio quality from the microphone in some apps. Another fix brings more stability to Bluetooth while setting up certain smartwatches. Lastly, the company fixed a bug where the phone displayed an incorrect secondary language in Quick Settings.

You can’t downgrade after installing the May 2025 update on your Pixel

The updated anti-rollback integrated into the OTA is quite interesting. While it might seem like a limitation on your freedom to choose software versions, Google’s decision here appears to be driven by a crucial reason: security. As mentioned above, one of the vulnerabilities present in the previous firmware was labeled “critical” and was being actively exploited. The security hole allowed attackers to execute malicious code without needing to trick you into doing anything out of the ordinary.

Basically, preventing downgrades to a version prior to the May patch is a measure to prevent potential attackers from exploiting this vulnerability to violate your privacy in case they have access to your device. Of course, the hope is that this May update itself doesn’t introduce any significant new bugs or instability. If it does, Pixel users won’t have the option to simply go back to the previous, potentially more stable, firmware.

Lastly, Google says it is rolling out the update “in phases.” So, if you haven’t seen the update notification pop up on your Pixel yet, don’t worry. It’s likely just a matter of waiting a few more days for it to reach your device.

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