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Google ‘improves’ Pixel 6 fingerprint sensor with surprise mid-month update
August 21, 2025
Google usually issues new updates to Pixels at the beginning of each month. TheNovember updatepassed by a few weeks ago, bringing minor nips and tucks. However, the company has now published a surprise mid-month update to thePixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
Per9to5Google, the update is numbered SD1A.210817.037 for global Pixels and SD1A.210817.037.A1 forVerizonvariants. You can find download links for your specific model below.
While Google hasn’t yet published a changelog, Verizonclaims(h/tDroidLife) the patch “improves the performance” of the in-display fingerprint sensor. The sensor’s unreliability is an issue that several users andAndroid Authorityreviewershave highlighted. Notably,someownerson Reddit have reported that the update does indeed improve the sensor’s speed and reliability. However,othersnotice 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 imagesorhere for OTA images.
Pixel 6 Pro
Have you noticed improved fingerprint sensor performance after installing the update? Let us know in the comments below.
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