Google is finally fixing Pixel pocket dialing and making a major change to the Messages App

It seems like Google has been paying attention to what users are saying, as the company is now working on two important updates for its popular products. One change deals with a major headache for owners of its smartphones, and the other is a small fix to an annoying new feature in its main texting app.

For years, people using Google Pixel phones have complained about accidentally touching the screen while the device is in their pocket or bag. This “pocket dialing” issue causes phones to randomly call people, turn on the flashlight, or even activate airplane mode without anyone actually touching the screen. The problem has been around since the Pixel 6 model and has affected newer phones all the way up to the latest models. This was especially frustrating because other phone companies like Samsung and Xiaomi have long included a special “pocket mode” that uses a sensor to stop the screen from responding when covered up.

Fortunately, Google has finally recognized this widespread complaint. An engineer quietly updated the company’s official issue tracker to say the problem has been solved and asked users to “watch out for future releases.” While this fix was not part of the December 2025 software update, it strongly suggests that Pixel users can expect relief from accidental touches starting with the January 2026 update, or perhaps soon after in a later special feature drop. This change will be a welcome relief for those who have been forced to turn off handy features, like “Tap to check phone,” just to keep their device under control.

Separately, Google also appears to be dialing back a new feature it recently added to the Google Messages app. The new “Remix” feature allows people to edit images they share, but the way Google first launched it drew a lot of criticism. The button for “Remix” was large and sat right on top of pictures in the chat, which made it hard to look at photos or use two fingers to zoom in properly.

Because of the backlash, a look into the newest beta version of the Messages app shows that Google is planning to make the button much less visible. Instead of covering the image, the “Remix” option is being moved to more out-of-the-way spots. For example, it now appears in a menu when you long-press a picture, next to the caption box when you attach a photo, and down in the corner of the full-screen image viewer. This change suggests Google is listening to the complaints and trying to make the feature less intrusive, although it is important to note that users still won’t have a way to turn the “Remix” tool off completely.