An intriguing bug has been uncovered in the Pixel Phone app that results in your audio being leaked to the caller while they leave a message.
Introduced last year, the Take a Message feature was designed to help Pixel users manage missed and declined calls more efficiently. It offers a real-time transcription of the caller’s message, allowing users to decide whether to take the call based on its importance.
However, a small number of Pixel phone users have encountered a concerning bug where their audio is transmitted to the caller instead of the other way around. This means that the caller can hear background noise or conversations from the user’s end while leaving a voicemail.
According to reports, this bug has affected only a handful of users, with just six cases reported over the past four months. The first instance was documented on Reddit in September by a Google Pixel 5 owner.
Interestingly, the issue has been observed across various Pixel models, including older 4a devices and even the newer Pixel 10. While the number of affected users is minimal, Google has acknowledged the problem and is actively investigating the issue.
If you find yourself experiencing this privacy-compromising bug, the solution is simple. Disable the ‘Take a Message’ function in the Phone app by accessing the More menu, navigating to the Call Assist section, selecting Take a Message, and toggling the feature off.
While the bug reports may be rare, it is essential to address them promptly to ensure user privacy and security. Google’s commitment to investigating and resolving the issue demonstrates their dedication to providing a seamless and secure user experience on Pixel devices.
