Many Pixel phone users have noticed something different about their devices after installing the March update. The haptic feedback, which is the vibration you feel when you type or get a notification, seems to have changed for some people. On Reddit, users have been sharing their thoughts about this. Some say the vibrations now feel “loose” or “hollow” compared to the firm and precise feel they were used to. One user even described it as “cheap,” while another said it felt like something was loose inside their phone.
I’ll be honest, vibrations on the Pixel 7a that I’m using always felt a tad underwhelming, however, with the March update, it does indeed feel like something’s off. Not everyone has the same experience, though. Some users didn’t notice any difference after updating their phones. A few actually prefer the new feel, saying it’s more “responsive” or has a deeper, bass-like vibration. This mix of reactions shows how personal the perception of haptic feedback can be.
Google has taken notice of these reports. They posted on Reddit that the Pixel team is actively looking into the haptic intensity changes. To help users, they suggested a couple of fixes. You can try adjusting the vibration settings by going to Settings > Sound & vibration > Vibration & haptics.
Another option is resetting app preferences. To do that, head to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset app preferences. This won’t delete your apps or data, just reset some settings to their defaults. If these steps don’t work, Google says you can reach out to their Pixel support team for more help, but I’d just recommend holding on for the next update that should hopefully bring a fix (if the change was unintended.)
Haptic feedback matters because it makes your phone feel more alive and responsive. A change like this can stand out, especially for those used to how it felt before. The March update brought new features to Pixel phones, but for some, the haptic shift has been a drawback. At least Google is looking into it, though, which is good news for anyone affected.
Dwayne Cubbins
721 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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