Running into bugs is part of using a Pixel phone, especially if you’re on the Android beta channel. That risk has surfaced again with the latest Android 16 beta, as many Pixel users are now reporting apps crashing instantly on launch since earlier today.
Many Pixel users on Reddit report apps like Shopify, Alexa, Messages, Calendar, Google Meet, and banking apps crashing for them upon launch. Based on user feedback, the culprit appears to be the latest Google Play services beta v26.04.33 (260400-861456685) release.
The issue appears to affect all Pixels on the beta program, going as far back as the Pixel 6a and Pixel 7. Even some non-Pixel devices, like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, appear to be affected, but based on reports, it does not appear to be a widespread problem for other phones. The crash supposedly happens when the app tries to establish a network connection.
If your Pixel is running the latest Android 16 QPR3 beta, and you’re experiencing random app crashes, uninstalling the newest Google Play services beta build should fix the issue. You can switch back to the stable channel by leaving the beta program, or manually downgrade to an older beta build if you want to stay enrolled.
If you go back to the stable channel, your Pixel will mostly install the November 2025 Play services build.
Google will likely release an updated Play Services beta build to address the crashing issue. If you cannot wait until then, rollback to a previous version. And if stability is of importance, always remember to stick to the stable channel.
App crashes are a common issue on the Android beta channel
This is not the first time that Pixel users on the Android beta program have run into random app crashes. Just a month ago, Google rolled out an emergency Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 update to fix a frustrating bug that led to some apps crashing on startup.
Unfortunately, Pixel users on the stable Android channel are not having a good time either. There are several reports of the January 2026 update breaking Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on Pixel phones. While the issue doesn’t appear to be widespread, it’s still affecting a sizable number of users.
