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How to fix status bar icons displayed as dots on Pixel devices

Discover a workaround to resolve the issue of status bar icons appearing as dots on Pixel devices after recent updates. Learn how to tackle this bug affecting notifications and Quick Settings toggles on your Pixel device effortlessly.

The latest updates from the Silicon Valley giant, including the December patch and Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2, brought improvements to Pixel devices. However, alongside these enhancements, an issue emerged, causing status bar icons to display as dots.

Problem

After installing the December patch, users reported status bar icons appearing as dots on Pixel devices. This issue restricts access to notification details, affecting user experience. Status bar icons, including app icons, WiFi, carrier data, and Quick Settings toggles, are grouped as dots, even with sufficient space available.

Solution: Adjusting Display Size for Clarity

Rectifying this issue involves a simple tweak in the device’s display settings. Follow these steps to restore standalone icons:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Display > Display size and text.
  2. Select a smaller value under Display Size towards the left.
  3. Continue adjusting until standalone icons reappear in the status bar.

Do so until the standalone icons are back in the status bar.

Although developers are aware of this issue, an official fix rollout timeline remains unspecified. In the interim, these workarounds serve as viable solutions to mitigate the problem.

Conclusion

By adjusting the display size through simple settings modifications, you can restore clear visibility of status bar icons on your Pixel device. Stay updated on any official fixes while employing these workarounds for improved visual accessibility.