Need help with your Google Pixel 2 that keeps freezing or not responding? Find out how to fix this problem using generic methods or standard solutions.
Constant lags, crashes and freezes are usual indicators of performance issues among electronics and mobile devices. Often times these symptoms are tied to insufficient memory like when the internal memory is almost full. Bad updates and corrupted downloads are also among the other triggers.
There are also times when a device screen gets frozen when the processor is exhausted from extensive usage, thereby causing the device to overheat. All these possible causes are related to the software and therefore can be resolved on the user’s end. In worst case scenarios, a physical or liquid damage can also be the root cause of the problem. Unfortunately for hardware-related problems like this, service is already necessary in order to get the problem fixed and your device back up and running smoothly again.
If any of the aforementioned symptoms occurs to your Google Pixel 2 handset more than once, it could mean a more serious issue that requires more advanced solutions. But for as long as the hardware components are working properly, fixing the problem on your end is still possible.
Before we proceed, if you are looking for a solution to a different problem, make sure you visit our Google Pixel 2 troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most common problems with this phone. But if you need for help, then fill up our Android issues questionnaire and hit submit. Rest assured we’ll look into your concern.
What to do when your Google Pixel 2 constantly freezes?
Highlighted below are standard procedures and workarounds that are used to deal with an issue on the Google Pixel 2 that is constantly freezing or not responding. Should you wish to troubleshoot a pertinent issue on the same device, the following walkthroughs can help you out. Feel free to refer to these methods when needed.
First method: Forced restart.
A forced restart works the same as a soft reset only that it’s done through the hardware keys since the screen is not responding to touch inputs.
No data will be affected in the process for as long as it’s properly done. Any apps and browser pages that were opened will be forcibly closed. For starters, here’s how to do a forced restart on your Google Pixel 2:
- Press and hold down the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously for about 7 to 8 seconds or until the phone vibrates, restarts and boots back up to a full working condition.
Second method: Check and manage internal storage.
Your phone also freezes more often especially if it is running low on memory. To make sure this isn’t causing your trouble, check and manage internal storage on your Google Pixel 2. If you see that the available storage is below 10 percent, then you’ll need to free up some space by moving or removing some of your apps and data from your device.
- To check and free up storage, go to Settings-> Storage menu then tap to select a category.
If you want you can also set your device to free up storage automatically by clearing backed up photos and videos from your phone’s internal storage when it’s becoming full.
- To do so, head over to Settings-> Storage-> then tap on Smart Storage.
Alternatively, you can just free up storage manually by deleting unused photos, videos, and apps from your device.
- To do so, navigate to Settings-> Storage-> then tap Free Up Space. To select an item to delete, tap the empty box on the right of the item(s) then tap Free Up.
If you don’t find any items in the list, tap the option to Review recent items then follow the onscreen instructions.
Third method: Quit apps running in the background.
When you leave more apps running in the background, there is a tendency that any of these apps crashes. If this happens, the entire system functions might be affected. To prevent this from occurring, quit all the recent apps you’ve recently opened then restart your device.
- To do so, open the Settings app, tap Apps & notifications-> App info. When you reach this menu, select the app(s) to close then tap Force stop.
If the problem occurs only when using certain app, then that app is most likely at fault. In this case, you can just remove or uninstall the erratic app from your device instead.
Fourth method: Boot into safe mode and diagnose apps.
Booting your phone into safe mode can help you determine whether or not a third-party app is causing your Google Pixel 2 to freeze or become unresponsive. All third-party or downloaded apps and services are bypassed or temporarily disabled in this mode, thus making it easier for you to isolate the problem. Here’s how to enter safe mode on your Google Pixel 2:
You can boot into safe mode in two ways — when your device is on or when it’s off.
- To enter safe mode with your device turned on, press and hold the Power button then touch and hold the Power off option on your screen for a few seconds. When you see Safe Mode label at the bottom of your screen, that denotes that you’re already in safe mode.
- To enter safe mode with your device turned off, press the Power button for a few seconds. Release the button when you see the Google logo and the animation begins. Then press and hold the Volume Down button until the animation ends.
Your device then starts in safe mode and the Safe Mode label appears at the bottom of the screen.
Observe your device while in safe mode. If the problem does not occur while in safe mode, a downloaded app is most likely the trigger. Try to see which from your recent apps is causing the problem. You can delete your downloaded apps one by one then restart your device after each deletion to see if that has fixed the problem. Once the erratic app has been deleted, you can reinstall your other apps.
But if the problem persists in safe mode, downloaded apps aren’t the culprit so you’ll need to troubleshoot your device software and hardware.
Fifth method: Check for software updates.
Software updates are rolled out to bring new and enhanced features for your phone. They also contain official fixes to software bugs that have been caused by the previous firmware update(s). If the problem you have happens to be a post-update issue, then a new firmware update might be able to fix it.
- To check for available software update for your Google Pixel 2, head over to Settings-> System-> About phone menu.
You will get an update notification if an update is available. Before you download and install the new update, backup your phone for safekeeping. Then follow the onscreen instructions to implement the new software update on your device. Your Google Pixel phone gets the latest version of Android straight from Google.
Last option: Reset your Google Pixel 2 to factory settings (hard reset).
For software-related problems on constant freezes and unresponsive displays that could not be rectified by any of the prior methods, performing a full system reset would be necessary. A factory reset is often regarded as the last option when dealing with more serious software issues in smartphones. Thus, you may likewise consider this reset if the problem persists and you run out of options. You have to note though that a factory reset will erase all your personal data from your device. That being said, be sure to back them up before you begin with the reset. You can backup your data to your Google Account for safekeeping and easy recovery. Also make sure that your device has ample power to prevent any interruptions. If possible, charge your phone and keep it plugged in until the reset is finished.
Here’s how a factory reset is done on your Google Pixel 2 smartphone:
- Go into Settings and scroll down to select System.
- Tap on Reset options and then Erase all data (factory reset).
- Scroll down to acknowledge and tap Reset at the bottom.
- Confirm your PIN or passcode and continue.
- Wait until the reset is finished and then your phone restarts.
Observe your device after the reset to see if the problem is fixed. If not, then consider the next options.
What to do if the problem persists?
Escalate the problem to your carrier’s customer care or contact Google Support for further assistance and recommendations. If you suspect that a hardware damage is causing your Google Pixel 2 to constantly freeze or gets unresponsive, then you can just take your device straight to a service center and have it diagnosed by a technician for hardware damage repair. If your device is still under warranty, then don’t forget to avail for warranty.
Google Pixel 2 posts you may be interested in reading:
- How to fix Google Pixel 2 that won’t charge [Troubleshooting Guide]
- Why does my Google Pixel 2 not turning on and how to fix it? [Troubleshooting Guide]
- What to do with Google Pixel 2 that can’t connect to Wi-Fi? [Troubleshooting Guide]
- How to fix Google Pixel 2 that cannot send or receive text messages or SMS [Troubleshooting Guide]