Some Google Pixel phones are being prompted to download the full Android 12 update again [U]

The final version of Android 12 rolled out in mid-October with the November security patch serving as the first bug-fixer. Some Pixel owners today are being prompted to install the Android 12 OTA again in an update that does not appear to change anything.

Update 4:18 p.m. PT: Google issued the following statement this afternoon, and looks to have pulled the unintended OTA:

We’re sorry for the alert you received. Not to worry, we’ve resolved this issue and you can disregard it.

In a follow-up with us, the company said there should be “no” impact for people that have installed today’s OTA, and that a future update will return their device to the correct carrier build.

People with older Pixel phones — 3a to 5a — are receiving the standard “System update available” notification. The changelog is for the full Android 11 -> 12 OTA that users already received in late October. Meanwhile, the update size is quite large at over 1.5GB.

There are reports of this update hitting Pixel 3/a, 4/a, and 5/a devices worldwide, but not every user is seeing the repeat OTA this morning. Additionally, the Pixel 6 does not appear to be affected. It’s unclear whether Android Beta Program enrollment (past or present) makes an impact.

We’re seeing a 1.69GB update on a Pixel 4a that was previously enrolled in the Android 12 Beta, but opted out of last week to successfully get the November patch. Meanwhile, a Pixel 5 still on the Beta Program that sideloaded the November update is not seeing today’s OTA.

Oddly, these devices being prompted to update again are already on the Android 12 November security patch from the start of this month. Early reports indicate that the mystery OTA is for the same version they are already running. (We’re in the process of confirming this on our own devices.)

Update: Our unlocked/currently SIM-less Pixel 4a on SP1A.211105.002 updated to the Verizon SP1A.211105.002.A1 build, which other users are also seeing happen.

For reference, here are the latest November build numbers:

Global

• Pixel 3a/XL, 4/XL, and 4a: SP1A.211105.002
• Pixel 4a 5G, 5, 5a: SP1A.211105.003

Verizon

• Pixel 3a/XL, 4/XL, 4a, 4a 5G, 5, 5a: SP1A.211105.002.A1

Australia

• Pixel 4/XL, 4a, 4a 5G, 5: SP1A.211105.004

Assuming this update is effectively a re-install, it’s unnecessary and wasteful for those with bandwidth constraints.