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About two weeks ago, Google rolled out Android 15 Beta 3 for Pixel devices. This update brought some new features and key tweaks, being the first Android 15 beta build with the “Platform Stability” tag. Now, the company has released Android 15 Beta 3.1, a minor update focused on some bug fixes. However, users will be happy to know that it solves the annoying lock screen authentication bug.
Android 15 Beta 3.1 update rolling out for supported Pixel devices
The main bug reported in Android 15 Beta 3 prevented people from using their device normally from the lockscreen. When the phone is locked, users can still access actions, such as activating shortcuts or controlling music playback. However, a bug was causing the device to request PIN or fingerprint authentication to execute such actions. Of course, this bug was quite frustrating, since it forced you to unlock the device to perform actions that should not require it.
Fortunately, the fix to that bug is available in the latest Android 15 Beta 3.1 update. The firmware, which is identified with the build number AP31.240517.031, is now available for download from the official Google repositories. Those whose devices are running the previous update should also be receiving the OTA availability notification. You can also manually check for updates from the Settings menu on your phone.
Compatible Pixel devices; more fixed bugs
The update is available for the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a. In addition to the lock screen authentication bug, there is a fix for facial unlocking. Before, face unlocking could sometimes fail for no apparent reason, even under ideal conditions. Lastly, the update also includes fixes for issues that “were impacting system stability, connectivity, and audio quality.”
The Android 15 Beta 3.1 OTA size is around 63.87 MB. If you have not yet received the update notification and do not want to wait, you can try a manual installation. You will find the necessary files and tools here.