Pixel Devices Experience Stronger Haptic Feedback After Update
Recently, Google released its March 2025 software update for Pixel devices running Android 15. Users have been noticing a significant change in the haptic feedback on their devices, reporting that the vibrations feel notably stronger than before. This shift has not been universally welcomed; in fact, many users have expressed dissatisfaction with the new intensity.
In response to the growing concerns about haptic feedback, Google’s Pixel team acknowledged the issue on Reddit, stating they are looking into the user complaints regarding haptic intensity. They recommended that users who wish to adjust their vibration settings navigate to Settings > Sound & vibration > Vibration & haptics. This allows users to tailor the feedback to their personal preferences.
The March update was primarily designed to include various fixes and improvements across devices, including enhanced camera stability and fixes for Bluetooth call volume. However, it seems that the changes to haptic feedback were an unintended side effect. Many users took to Reddit, sharing their thoughts and experiences with the update. The general sentiment among these users appears to be negative, with numerous reports indicating that the haptics have become overly vigorous for their liking.
For instance, one user articulated a sense of disappointment, comparing the new feedback to a “spring” rather than the expected thump, suggesting that it feels less precise and somewhat low-quality. Another user echoed this sentiment, stating that the prior haptic response was preferred and felt more refined compared to the current stronger setting.
The complaints have been particularly prevalent among users of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 series devices, as well as the Pixel Tablet. These users feel that the change has impacted their overall experience with the devices.
To remedy the situation for those who find the updated vibrations too intense, adjusting the settings is a straightforward process. Users can modify the vibration strength or even disable it entirely through the phone’s settings menu, specifically under Sound & vibration > Vibration & haptics. This adjustment provides a temporary solution while users await any potential fixes from Google.
Overall, the mixed feedback surrounding the haptic changes sheds light on how updates—while intended to enhance functionality—can sometimes lead to unintended consequences that affect user experience. As Google continues to address these concerns, the ability to customize settings helps users regain control over their devices’ features.