Android
Nexus Android 6.0.1 Problems: 5 Things You Need to Know
Google’s Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update brings new features, enhancements and bug fixes. It also brings problems. This roundup takes a look at those Android 6.0.1 problems, offers solutions and shows you where to find feedback in the weeks ahead.
Last year, Google confirmed an Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update for Nexus devices. The update serves as the first major update to the Marshmallow operating system and it brings the company’s December security update along with it.
Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow is a substantial update for the Nexus 5X, 6P, 5, 6, 9, Nexus Player, and Nexus 7 (2013). It brings fixes for lingering Marshmallow problems and it also brings 200 new emojis and camera improvements to the Nexus 6 and Nexus 5. It’s not perfect though.
As we push away from the start of the Android 6.0.1 roll out, we’re starting to learn more about the Android 6.0.1 problems plaguing some Nexus smartphone and tablet users.
We want to make sure that you’re aware of these problems and we want to help you fix them. That’s why we’ve put together this roundup that covers Android 6.0.1 problems, fixes for the most common issues, and some places to go if you need to find feedback about Android 6.0.1’s performance on your device.
Keep all of this in mind as the January Android 6.0.1 OTAs continue. If you haven’t seen the January Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update yet, you probably will soon.
Android 6.0.1 Problems Plaguing Users
The first thing you need to know about Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow problems is that they exist. We’re now weeks into the release and we continue to see Nexus smartphone and tablet users complain about bugs and issues with the new software.
Many of these complaints can be found on Google’s own Nexus Help Forum. This week we’ve seen Nexus 5, Nexus 9, Nexus 7, and Nexus 6 users complain about a myriad of Android 6.0.1 issues, some bigger than others.
Nexus 7 users are running into various installation errors and at least one user claims that the Android 6.0.1 update bricked his tablet.
@googlenexus the battery drain issue still persists after 6.0.1.I'm starting to wonder if smilies r more imp than good battery life #android
— Karan Sehgal (@kshgl) December 10, 2015
Nexus 5 users are complaining about broken voice calling, issues with the proximity sensor, problems with the Play Store, problems receiving and sending MMS messages (the update was supposed to fix these problems), and problems with sound.
Nexus 9 users are reporting problems with the update and one user claims that the update “broke” his tablet. Others are saying similar things about the update. Nexus 6 users are seeing Bluetooth problems and it also breaks volume controls on headsets.
"Google will add over 200 new emoji to Android with the update to 6.0.1 Marshmallow." Oh really? FIX THE FREAKING BATTERY LIFE FIRST!
— Ana Balica (@anabalica) December 9, 2015
We point these out so that you’re aware of the potential dangers. Android 6.0.1 brings fixes and security patches but there’s a chance it could hurt your device’s performance. So, you’ll want to prepare and be careful.
Google doesn’t force you to install its updates so if you’re having a great performance on Android 6.0 or below, you’ll want to take your time with Android 6.0.1, especially if you own an older device like the Nexus 7 2013.
Where to Find Feedback & How to Prepare
It’s difficult to predict what you might run into after you install the Android 6.0.1 update (or the new January build) and that’s why we recommend doing some prep work before you make your move.
We’ve put together a guide that will take you step-by-step through the process that we use before we install an Android update. Android 6.0.1 is small but it could have a big impact on your device and you’ll want to be very careful with it. A little prep work could go a long way towards preventing problems and headaches.
And as we move away from the Android 6.0.1 release date, you’re going to want to keep tabs on performance.
#Android 6.0.1 have me some unexpected gains to my battery life. #marshmallow pic.twitter.com/YXqoRH9Omu
— James M. Woodward (@JMW) December 7, 2015
Keeping a close eye on performance will alert you to potential Android 6.0.1 problems. It will also help you make a decision about whether or not you want to go through with the Android 6.0.1 update for your device. Most of you probably will but it’s important to dig in and get a second or third opinion before you decide.
Android 6.0.1 has a better battery than expected via /r/softwaregore https://t.co/xMCJskfc8m #softwaregore pic.twitter.com/Lj41NspIca
— Garrett Allen (@DevGarrett) December 8, 2015
We recently took a look at the Nexus 5 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update and that feedback will help get you started. There are a number of other resources out there too.
We’re starting to see feedback go up on social media sites like Twitter, Google’s Nexus Help forums, XDA-Developers, and Android-centric forums like Android Central forums.
If you’re feeling leery about Android 6.0.1, you’ll want to monitor all of those for additional feedback about performance and problems.
How to Fix Android 6.0.1 Problems
If you’re already running into Android 6.0.1 problems or if you just want to get a head start before you download the software on your phone or tablet, you’ll want to take a look at our updated list of fixes for common Android Marshmallow issues.
The list covers everything from battery problems to Wi-Fi issues to problems with performance post-Marshmallow. All of these fixes have been proven to work but in case they don’t, you’ll want to dig into some other sites.
Take a look at Google’s Nexus Help Forums, XDA-Developers, or your favorite Android-centric forum. If you’re a power user, XDA is a great place to go. If you’re a casual Android user, you’ll be better off with the Nexus Help Forum.
You Can Downgrade
If you decide that you don’t like Android 6.0.1 and its performance, and you can’t find a manual fix for your issue, you can also install a different update or a custom ROM to see if that helps.
If you’re not familiar with the flashing process, check out our guide on how to downgrade from one version of Android to another. It’s a great starting point for beginners and it will answer a lot of the questions you might have about the downgrade process.
Just please make sure that you’re careful. Flashing software can be a little tricky. But if done right, you could emerge with a more stable piece of software.
What’s Next
Google hasn’t announced an Android 6.0.2 or an Android 6.1 update. And with the January Android 6.0.1 security roll out underway, we’d be surprised if we saw another Marshmallow update roll out in the near future.
The next confirmed update for Nexus devices is the February security patch from Google. And there’s no guarantee it will have bug fixes on board.
There’s also a chance that it could also bring some new problems to the table. Point is, you can’t rely on Google if you’re dealing with problems right now.
Android 6.1 is reportedly in development but rumors point to a release in June.
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