Google Finally Fixes Pixel Pocket Dialing & Accidental Touches

Google is preparing to roll out a long-awaited fix for one of the most persistent annoyances affecting Pixel phones: accidental screen touches and pocket dialing. After years of user complaints, the company has marked the bug as “fixed” in its official issue tracker, signaling that a solution is imminent in an upcoming software update. Android Central

A Frustration Pixel Users Know Too Well

Many Pixel owners have experienced the same frustrating scenario: reaching into a pocket or bag only to find their phone has unexpectedly dialed contacts, opened apps, turned on the flashlight, or even triggered emergency calls — all without any intentional input. Android Central

Unlike some Android competitors that include built-in pocket mode or accidental touch suppression, Pixel devices have historically lacked an effective system-level solution. That’s led to users resorting to workarounds like disabling gesture wake features or tightening up lock screen behavior just to reduce unwanted input.

What’s Changing

A Google engineer recently updated the official Pixel issue tracker, marking the accidental touch prevention bug as resolved and advising users to watch for future releases. While Google hasn’t publicly detailed how the fix works or when exactly it will roll out, this change strongly suggests a system-level pocket mode—likely integrated into a future Feature Drop or Android update. Android Central

The fix did not appear in the December 2025 Pixel update, meaning users can expect it with a subsequent release in early 2026.

Why It Matters

Beyond minor inconveniences, pocket dialing can lead to serious issues — such as unintended emergency calls or wasted battery life from unwanted screen wake events. By better detecting when a phone is enclosed in a pocket or bag and ignoring unintended touches, Google aims to improve both usability and overall user experience on Pixel devices.

What Pixel Owners Can Do Now

Until the official update lands, Pixel users can reduce accidental interactions by:

• Turning off gesture wake features like Tap to Wake or Lift to Wake
• Adjusting lock screen shortcuts to minimize active elements
• Using a tighter-fitting case to limit screen exposure

These adjustments won’t replace a built-in pocket mode, but they can help minimize accidental actions in the meantime.