If your Google Pixel 9 has been stuck on the “Optimizing your device” screen after a software update, you’re not alone. Across Reddit, Google’s official support forums, and Android community discussions, Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro owners have reported this frustrating issue.
The device may hang for an unusually long time on the “Optimizing your device” screen during boot, sometimes looping endlessly or taking several hours to finish. For some users, the phone eventually starts; for others, it remains frozen, making the device temporarily unusable.
While this problem can feel alarming, especially if your phone appears to be stuck, it’s often related to software changes, corrupted cache files, or conflicts during the update process rather than permanent hardware damage. Here’s what’s happening, why it occurs, and what you can do to fix it.
Why Your Pixel 9 Gets Stuck on “Optimizing Your Device”
After a major Android or Google Play system update, your Pixel 9 needs to optimize apps and services to work with the new system files. Normally, this process is quick, taking just a few minutes. But in some cases, the process becomes stalled due to:
-
Corrupted cache or data from apps after the update.
-
Incompatible or outdated apps that interfere with optimization.
-
System bugs introduced in the latest Android or security update.
-
Storage or memory errors, especially if your phone is nearly full.
-
Rarely, hardware-level issues with storage (eMMC/UFS failure).
The good news is that, in most cases, this can be resolved with some troubleshooting steps—no factory reset required unless absolutely necessary.
Step 1: Wait (But Know When to Stop Waiting)
Google notes that the optimization process can sometimes take up to an hour if you have many apps installed. If the progress indicator is slowly moving, give it time.
However, if your Pixel 9 has been stuck on the same screen for more than two hours with no visible progress, it’s time to move on to the next steps.
Step 2: Force Restart Your Pixel 9
A simple forced reboot can clear minor glitches:
-
Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously.
-
Keep holding for about 10–15 seconds until the device restarts.
-
If the phone boots normally, let it complete any remaining optimization in the background.
If it returns to the same screen, continue troubleshooting.
Step 3: Boot Into Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads your Pixel 9 without third-party apps, which can sometimes cause the optimization loop.
-
Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears.
-
Tap and hold Power Off until the “Reboot to Safe Mode” prompt appears.
-
Tap OK to restart.
If your phone boots properly in Safe Mode, a third-party app may be causing the issue. Try uninstalling recently updated or non-essential apps, then reboot normally.
Step 4: Clear the Cache Partition
Corrupted cache files are a leading cause of post-update boot problems. Clearing the cache partition won’t erase your data, but can often resolve the optimization loop.
-
Power off your Pixel 9.
-
Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons until the bootloader screen appears.
-
Use the volume buttons to highlight Recovery Mode, then press Power to select it.
-
When you see the Android logo with “No command,” hold the Power button and press the Volume Up button once.
-
In the recovery menu, use the volume keys to highlight ‘Wipe cache partition,’ then press the Power button.
-
Confirm and reboot.
Many Pixel users report that clearing the cache fixes the issue without further action.
Step 5: Check for Another Update (or Rollback)
Sometimes, Google releases a minor follow-up patch to address issues like this. Once your phone boots successfully, go to:
Settings > System > System update
If an update is available, install it immediately. If you can’t get past the optimization screen at all, you may need to manually flash the previous firmware version using Google’s factory images (this is best done by advanced users or at a service center).
Step 6: Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If none of the above solutions work, a factory reset may be necessary. This erases all data, so back up your information if possible.
To reset:
-
Enter Recovery Mode (as described above).
-
Select Wipe data/factory reset and confirm.
-
Reboot and set up your device from scratch.
What If the Pixel 9 is Still Stuck on Optimizing Your Device? Hardware or Warranty Options
If your Pixel 9 remains stuck even after a factory reset, it may indicate a hardware-level issue, such as a failing storage component. Contact Google Support or your carrier if your device is still under warranty.
As a temporary solution, if you can’t use your Pixel 9 reliably, consider using a secondary phone or backup device until repairs or replacements are arranged.
Bottom Line
The “Optimizing your device” hang on the Pixel 9 can be frustrating, but in most cases, it’s a fixable software issue, not a sign your phone is bricked. By following these troubleshooting steps, starting with a reboot, Safe Mode, cache clearing, and resorting to resets only if necessary, you can often restore your device to normal operation.
If nothing works, don’t panic: Google’s support channels and warranty program can help you get a working replacement. For most users, though, patience and a few minutes of troubleshooting will get their Pixel 9 back up and running without permanent damage.
