Some Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 owners report losing use of their cameras immediately after installing Google's November update, Android Authority reported. A shutdown lasting around five minutes appears to have restored camera access for some affected users.
Affected owners describe opening Pixel Camera to a black preview or an error instead of a working viewfinder. Reports include failures of both the front and rear cameras, leaving those users unable to take pictures with either. Switching to a third-party camera app reportedly produces the same problem.
The Shutdown Workaround
The reported workaround involves turning the phone completely off and leaving it powered down for around five minutes before switching it on again. Diamond and Gold product experts on Google's Support forum recommended an extended shutdown to affected owners. Several users reportedly recovered camera functionality after trying that approach.
An ordinary restart reportedly did not bring the cameras back for users who tried it. Other unsuccessful attempts included clearing the camera app's cache and data, removing its app updates, and trying Safe Mode. One owner also reported that a factory reset failed to restore camera access.
Complaints have surfaced in Reddit discussions as well as Google's Support forum. One affected Pixel 11 owner identified their installed software as build CP4A.261105.040.D1.
The Update Behind the Complaints
The Android 17 QPR2 rollout began on November 10, 2026, a month earlier than expected. It arrived alongside the November 2026 Feature Drop and the month's security patch. The update brings 33 fixes for Pixel devices, including a Pixel 11 series camera correction intended to address photos occasionally failing to save.
The eligible devices extend back to Pixel 6a and include Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold. The rollout also covers the Pixel 7, Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 families, alongside newer Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 models. Owners can also install the update using downloadable OTA packages for sideloading.
For the Pixel 11 series, the global software version is CP4A.261105.040.D1, while Canadian devices receive CP4A.261105.040.B2. Other listed devices have the global build CP4A.261105.040.A1. The Android security patches cover 135 issues dated November 1 and another 97 dated November 5, spanning high to critical severity.
A separate security bulletin for Google devices adds 166 fixes. The cause of the reported camera failures remains unclear.
