Google Pixel owners are raising concerns about a noticeable change in their devices’ haptic feedback after the March 2025 update. Users have taken to online forums to report an odd difference in how their Pixel devices vibrate for notifications, calls, and typing feedback. While some believe it may be a bug, others worry that this could be an intentional alteration by Google.
This issue is reminiscent of previous haptic feedback problems that Google has faced, most notably with the Pixel 6 in 2022. Back then, an update unintentionally weakened the notification vibrations, which was later rectified after user backlash. Now, history appears to be repeating itself, with a growing number of Pixel owners expressing dissatisfaction with the latest changes.
The Issue at Hand
Several users on the Google Pixel subreddit have described the new vibration feedback as feeling “hollow” or “less thunk-y.” Verge staff members have also noticed the difference, particularly on the Pixel 8 Pro. However, reports suggest that the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are also affected, whereas the newer Pixel 9 series appears to be unaffected.
Some users say the intensity of vibrations has increased when their phone is placed on a hard surface, such as a table. However, haptic feedback while typing has become weaker, making text selection and general interaction with the device feel less satisfying. The inconsistency in vibration strength has led to speculation about whether this is an intended feature adjustment or a software glitch introduced in the update.
How Widespread Is the Problem?
- Affected Devices: Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8 Pro
- Unaffected Devices: Pixel 9 Series (according to reports)
- Noticed Changes:
- Weaker vibration while typing
- Stronger vibration on hard surfaces
- Less distinct notification and call vibrations
Some Pixel users claim they haven’t noticed any differences, while others insist that the change is significant enough to affect their overall user experience.
Potential Causes
At this point, it’s unclear whether the change is a deliberate update to the Pixel’s haptic engine or a bug introduced by the March Feature Drop or security update. Google’s updates sometimes include fine-tuning of vibration motors to optimize battery performance or create a more refined user experience, but this time, the response has been largely negative.
If this change was intentional, Google may have aimed to enhance the consistency of haptic feedback across different surfaces. However, the reaction suggests that many users prefer the previous vibration settings. If it turns out to be a bug, users might need to wait for a fix in a future update.
What Pixel Owners Can Do
If you’re experiencing unusual haptic behavior on your Pixel device, there are a few steps you can take:
- Check Vibration Settings: Go to Settings > Sound & Vibration > Vibration & Haptics and adjust the intensity levels to see if it helps.
- Restart Your Device: A simple restart might recalibrate the haptics and bring back the previous settings.
- Provide Feedback to Google: Using the Settings > About phone > Send feedback option, report the issue directly to Google.
- Join the Pixel Community Discussions: Keep an eye on forums like the Google Pixel subreddit or official support channels to track updates on the issue.
- Wait for a Fix: If it’s a software bug, Google may roll out a patch in the coming weeks.
Google’s Response
As of now, Google has not issued an official statement regarding the haptic feedback changes. Tech publications and user forums continue to monitor the situation, awaiting confirmation on whether the modification was intentional or an error that requires a fix. Given Google’s track record of addressing user concerns, it’s likely that the company will acknowledge the issue soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Pixel vibrations feel different after the March update?
Many users have reported a noticeable change in haptic feedback, describing it as feeling weaker, hollow, or inconsistent after the March 2025 update.
Which Pixel models are affected by the vibration changes?
Reports suggest that the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and 8 Pro are affected, while the Pixel 9 series appears unaffected.
Is this vibration issue a bug or an intentional change?
It is currently unclear whether Google made this change intentionally or if it is a software glitch introduced in the latest update.
Can I fix the vibration strength on my Pixel device?
You can try adjusting vibration settings in Settings > Sound & Vibration, restarting your device, or providing feedback to Google for further improvements.
Will Google fix the haptic feedback issue in a future update?
If the change is unintentional, Google may release a patch in an upcoming update, as it did with a similar issue on the Pixel 6 in 2022.
Where can I report the issue to Google?
You can report the problem through Settings > About phone > Send feedback or join discussions in the Google Pixel community forums.
Conclusion
The recent Google Pixel update has brought unexpected changes to haptic feedback, leaving many users frustrated with their device’s new vibration patterns. While some adjustments may be subjective, the overall response suggests that Google may need to rework the changes to ensure a better user experience. Whether this is a bug or an intentional modification, Pixel owners will have to wait for Google’s official response or a potential fix in an upcoming update. In the meantime, adjusting settings and providing feedback may help influence how Google handles haptic improvements in the future.
