There’s a reason software goes through various layers of testing before it starts rolling out to everyone — and so far Android 14 has proven to be a prime example of why.
Android 14 beta was particularly buggy when it rolled out, and beta 2 seems to be following that lead. Fortunately, version 2.1 is rolling out in beta with some Much needed bug fixes.
Bug fixes aren’t the most exciting update in the world, but they are very important. Android 14 can’t be rolled out until it’s stable enough. And the more bugs that are fixed now, the better the end product will inevitably be. Which we hope will lead to fewer problems after the stable release is released to the public.
One of the major bug fixes in Android 14 beta 2.1 aims to fix a bug that prevented people from opting out of the beta program. This is a very serious problem, especially if the shareware proves to be so difficult that you cannot use it properly.
The release notes indicate that this fix is not backward compatible. So, if you’re on Android 14 beta and want to get out of it, you’ll need to update your phone before you can go back to a stable build. Once updated, head over to Google FAQ For details on how to get rid of the trial version once and for all.
Other interesting bug fixes include resolving issues with the battery percentage meter and notifications from Google Messages. Apparently, some people have found that their phone battery is showing 0% when in fact this was not the case. No doubt it caused a few cases of confusion and anxiety.
The problem with Messages was that it seemed to have a habit of not showing notifications when the always-on screen was active. It’s hard to see these issues and the strange problems they can cause – but that’s why beta testing exists.
There are a bunch of minor issues included with this update as well, like Always On Display turning off when connected to wired Android Auto. Various stability issues are also said to have been fixed, including constant app and device crashes, issues with Google TV’s picture-in-picture mode, issues with Google Photos and Contacts, and sound disturbances in the device’s speakers.
All of that should be fixed once you update your device to the latest Android 14 beta.
We still don’t know when Android 14 will be released to the public, although the earliest launch date is August — the same month that hosted the Android 13 release last year. Google has at least three more betas planned between now and then, and they don’t include bug fixes like in beta 2.1. Pixel phones will be the first to get the update when it’s available, while the Pixel 8 series will likely roll out the software right away.
In the meantime, you can check out our Android 14 hub for all the latest news and rumors surrounding the next version of Google’s mobile operating system. And if you’re not willing to wait for the public release, be sure to check out our guide on how to download the Android 14 beta.
