Pixel 6 mid-November update addresses fingerprint sensor performance

Google usually issues new updates to Pixels at the beginning of each month. The November update passed by a few weeks ago, bringing minor nips and tucks. However, the company has now published a surprise mid-month update to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

Per 9to5Google, the update is numbered SD1A.210817.037 for global Pixels and SD1A.210817.037.A1 for Verizon variants. You can find download links for your specific model below.

While Google hasn’t yet published a changelog, Verizon claims (h/t DroidLife) the patch “improves the performance” of the in-display fingerprint sensor. The sensor’s unreliability is an issue that several users and Android Authority reviewers have highlighted. Notably, some owners on Reddit have reported that the update does indeed improve the sensor’s speed and reliability. However, others notice little change.

Mid-month patches are pretty rare for Google, but it presumably felt the sensor was a pressing concern. The company initially claimed that the sensor was slower and less reliable due to the “enhanced security algorithms” employed. It’s unclear if another bug, which may cause the sensor to break if the battery empties, was also addressed with this update.

Mid-November 2021 update for Pixel 6 series

Nevertheless, hit up the links below to download the update for your Pixel 6 model. If you’re looking for previous updates or files for your specific carrier, visit here for factory images or here for OTA images.