Google rolls out second April security update to fix Pixel cellular issues

 Google Pixel 8 Pro camera bar in the porcelain colorway.
Google Pixel 8 Pro camera bar in the porcelain colorway.

What you need to know

  • Google has provided the necessary OTA/factory image files for its second April patch, which aims to fix cellular problems that users have reported.

  • Verizon has hopped on this early, providing the update for users who've missed calls and text messages over cell service.

  • It seems that Google Fi and AT&T customers are still waiting on the update, however, they can sideload it from Google if they wish.


Google is reportedly rolling out a second OTA update for a few Pixel users following problems with the initial April patch.

According to 9to5Google, the company has started rolling out a second April patch for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 series and the Pixel Fold. Users were reporting issues about their Pixel's cell service following the recent April update, and it seems salvation has already arrived for devices operating on Verizon's cellular network as the company provided an update about the update's second serving.

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 series will find version AP1A.240405.002.B1, while Pixel Fold owners will see version AP1A.240405.002.A2. Verizon states this update is aimed at correcting "performance improvements for LTE call/data and network issues." The update is small, rolling in at around 7MB.

Google has also posted the factory and OTA images for the new patch. Users will find the addition marked as "B1" or "A2," depending on the device.

The periscope lens highlighted on the Google Pixel Fold's camera bar
The periscope lens highlighted on the Google Pixel Fold's camera bar

Users took to Reddit after one who wrote to Google Support received a response about the issues. The company confirmed that a patch for Pixel 7 and newer phones was on the way. However, one user still encountered cellular problems with the patch, as they noted missing calls two days after sideloading the update. This seems to be an isolated issue, as others who've received it from Verizon seem to be cruising along without a problem.

Meanwhile, it seems that AT&T and Google Fi customers are still waiting on the second patch, as noted by 9to5. However, those users could sideload the patch via Google's official OTA/factory image files if they're comfortable with it.

Google rolled out its initial April 2024 security patch at the top of the month, and it came packed with loads of fixes. The company aimed to fix 28 "general" security fixes, with 25 reserved for its Pixel devices. The patch notes highlighted two security flaws that Google believed were being actively exploited by wrongdoers, urging Pixel owners to update promptly.

The rest of the patch offered camera stability fixes when zooming for a host of Pixel phones alongside a black halo artifact fix for the Pixel 8 viewfinder.

A product render of the Google Pixel 8 Pro in the Bay colorway
A product render of the Google Pixel 8 Pro in the Bay colorway

Google Pixel 8 Pro

King of the Androids

Google's Pixel 8 Pro is the start of the company's drive for more on-device AI capabilities for users. The device features its latest AI model Gemini, which provides its owner with several generative AI features for translation, summaries, and more. The Pixel 8 Pro itself features a vibrant and fluid 6.7-inch display and its Tensor G3 chip brings satisfying performance.