Pixel 9 Pro XL users report charging problems and a strange camera tilt

Google’s Pixel 9 series is going through a post launch rough patch at the moment. Current owners are complaining online about a wireless charging problem affecting the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

You’ll find multiple posts over on the Google Pixel subreddit with people sharing their varying experiences. One poster claimed that they tried charging their Pixel 9 Pro XL in their car. The device draws power “for a few seconds” before suddenly stopping. Another user states they placed the phone on a Qi-supported charger and again — nothing.

Also: 5 reasons why Pixel 9 stopped me from ditching Google phones for Nothing

What’s disconcerting is this issue occurs on both first-party and third-party wireless chargers. A poster on the official Pixel Phone Help forums says their model couldn’t draw any power from a second-gen Pixel Stand. Fortunately, Google is aware of the problem.

According to the tech giant, the wireless charging issue is caused by “a known bug,” but the company didn’t explain what this bug is. It’s worth mentioning that a Reddit commenter stated their smartphone performed just fine until they installed a recent patch. Problems started once they did. So, if you have an update lined up, perhaps it’s best you wait.

Google said it is working with its engineering team on a fix, although it didn’t give a date on when that patch will roll out. For people experiencing these problems, Google recommends checking out an article on its Pixel Phone Help website on how to address slow wireless charging.

It’s possible the devices are overheating, preventing further charging. There’s also a chance the Pixel phone is damaged in some way or multiple apps are draining a ton of energy from the battery. If none of the recommended solutions work, the company urges you to contact its Pixel support team for further assistance.

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Problems affecting the Pixel 9 Pro XL go beyond the battery. In another Reddit thread, a user said they encountered a strange tilt while recording a video on the 5x telephoto lens. They shared a clip of the tilt, and you can see the view turn hard to the right. Other people claim to also have weird lean, with one person saying it’s on their Pixel 9 Pro.

Hopefully, the wireless charging and tilting problem are just one-off issues. We haven’t seen widespread reports of either issue. Perhaps these are simply random manufacturing snafus and are not indicative of serious design flaws.

If you’re in the market for a new mobile device, be sure to check out ZDNET’s roundup of the best Google Pixel phones you can buy.