yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] Daniel Cosmici:
I think it might have everything to do with AOD since on my Pixel 3 the same issue exist when AOD is off and double tap activated. If I tap to wake the device, for a short period of time, the display turns on at maximum brightness then dimms after a second based on the ambient light in the room. It's not consistent and certainly it doesn't happen every time, but most of the time is there.

If I use the power button to wake the device, no flash or bright screen. But if I tap to wake, then, yes, it's there. So, since tap to wake is some sort of AOD or at least it's part of it, then my suspicion is that this is just a bad software issue
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] :
I'm having the issue even when AOD is disabled and I didn't transfer any data from a previous device.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] Archangel:
I didnt have a white screen flash but had these tiny white lines,,almost like static lines about every 4th time I turned on my device. I was experimenting and turned my screen brightness up to 90 percent and it hasnt happened for weeks. Not that much of a difference to me since my screen brightness was at 88 percent beforehand.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] mikeprius:
This is my random theory but I think the way AOD and notifications show up for Android 9.0 it is a software issue with managing brightness from the hardware sensors.

I'm not going to RMA bc it's largely harmless and I also don't believe it is a hardware issue. Every time you do an RMA there's no guarantee it'll be better plus aside from that my phone is fine. No issues.

I would be very unhappy if I RMA then had the same issue with ADDITIONAL problems
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] Daniel Cosmici:
Most of the users who applied for a RMA experienced the same issue on the new device. At least from the forums that I follow. Might be that they got a refurbished device with additional problems :)

---------- Post added at 09:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:35 AM ----------

Same here. If the screen brightness is above 90%, no glitches. Neither on AOD or tap to wake. If less, it's right there again.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] gm007:
Does this happen when adaptive brightness off? Can someone try? I'm not having this issue just guessing.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] Daniel Cosmici:
Yes, it does. To me at least. Adaptive brightness on or off, it's the same thing.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] mikeprius:
I have not tried it without. I have adaptive brightness on and AOD off. Mine happens randomly. If you just got your phone it may happen later on, mine was not immediate. That was one thought as well was adaptive brightness.

Most reports have been happening with AOD, unlock/lock, and notifications so it's likely related somehow to how Android 9.0 is interacting with that. Mine is during unlock/lock.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] MameTozhio:
Alright, the December 2018 security patch update is out and this is listed in the bulletin for the 3 and 3XL.

"Improved Always On Display triggering"

Hopefully this means something in regards to this issue.

---------- Post added at 10:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:45 AM ----------

Contrary to what I previously said, I did too experience it with AOD off, earlier this morning.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] mikeprius:
https://www.droid-life.com/2018/12/...ity-update-goes-live-for-pixel-nexus-devices/

December update is live and one issue is AOD. We'll see if it changes anything. I don't have adb on my work computer so unless the OTA hits today, I'll have to sideload tonight.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] MameTozhio:
Just got the OTA. Unfortunately, the issue is not fixed... January, hopefully...
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] mikeprius:
I think eventually we will be saying.....Pixel 4 hopefully it will be fixed LOL

I also just got the OTA and did the AOD on power button off then back on, I still see the screen flash.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] :
I just got the OTA as well but because mine seems so random I can't tell if it's any better. I re-enabled New Notifications and Double tap and we'll see what happens. Based on what you and [MENTION=5665963]mikeprius[/MENTION] have seen it hasn't been fixed.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] Daniel Cosmici:
Same here ?
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] :
Yeah if I enable AOD and and then cycle the screen with the power button I see a flash as well but it's lower intensity and more like stripes. The first time I saw the flashing it was like a camera flash. Full screen and bright white. Definitely weird.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] mikeprius:
It's lessened a bit. Like you other than that sequence, it just happens randomly. I'll probably just ignore it unless it becomes a severe problem. I think in the last 2 weeks or so it has happened twice if that, and it was momentarily. Haven't had issues with the display or battery, etc so it's just more of an annoyance if anything. If I have problems with the display specifically I'll RMA it, but if not then it's just whatever.

I honestly don't think an RMA will fix the issue since it is so widespread anyways.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] :
I agree. It's an annoyance but a minor one. I also agree that if it is a software issue going the RMA route is unlikely to fix anything. Next patch maybe or the Pixel 4... :)
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] Daniel Cosmici:
For me, after 2 days of usage since the December update, I didn't had any more flashes. Before I could create it with almost every press of the power button. Immediately after the update I did had one flash, the very first time after the phone booted, but after that no more.

So, maybe, they actually did something. Time will tell ?
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] :
I'm still seeing the occasional flash but as before there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] shizonic:
Any news? Still no more issues?
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] :
I'm still seeing the occasional random flash. AOD is off. Double tap to wake is on. Hadn't seen it for days then it flashed this morning.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] Daniel Cosmici:
Actually is getting worse. Now I've got a screen flash when turning on the display as well, not only when turning it off. And, at times, some nasty colored (mainly green) flickering on the display, no matter if it's on or off. Looks like is temperature related, since it came after extensive use of the phone and disappeared after I rest the phone for a while. I saw that someone posted on YouTube a short movie, so I'm not the only one. However, the screen flash remained and is persistent now, maybe 9 out of 10 times.

Almost sure this is a hardware issue, since it happens on the second unit already.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] shizonic:
hmm sounds too bad :(
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] Daniel Cosmici:
And I'm not the only one:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.kn...3-owners-are-hit-another-major-screen-problem

This is exactly what happened to me as well. So now I realize why they replace it. It's my second unit already, assume I have to live with it and wait for the screen to just... die.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] Daniel Cosmici:
The funny thing is that I left my Pixel 3 to rest for about 2 days with AOD and all adaptive brightness, double tap and lift to check on (I've been using my old Pixel XL in the meantime). I did not switched it off, just forgot about it. And it just works! No flashes, no flickerings, nothing.

Thats why I still think it's a hardware issue that appears when the phone reaches a certain temperature that makes the screen and ambient display sensor behave erratically.

Sad to see Google devices (Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3 etc.) with so many problems. I've been using my Pixel XL for about 2 years now and never had any, I was expecting the same from a newer phone. But... it had a Samsung screen ? (I think)
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] shizonic:
i just completely disabled AOD and don't have problems anymore. i think it's something i can live with. didn't use AOD that much and it drains battery anyway...
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] shizonic:
Unfortunately, I was happy too early: since this morning it is worse than ever. It flickers throughout and the whole display is affected. In addition, there is a scorch mark on the edge of the screen ... I contacted Google and now get a new device. Hopefully then without any problems.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] Daniel Cosmici:
I've got my second Pixel 3 already and both of them started to flash/flicker approximately 7-10 day after usage. Hope that you'll get a better one now. However it's a lottery and I'm absolutely positive that there is no "prefect" device, at least not with LG p-OLED sceeen.

Please share with us your experience once you receive the new device.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] MameTozhio:
Issue still persists in the latest security update, however I've noticed it not flashing the entire bottom half of the screen as much as previous. Instead, it'll sometimes flash only a small bar.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] Hossam Hesham:
Pixel 3 screen flashing issue

I'm hoping it's really not a hardware issue, I believe it can be fixed via software update in the near future. Mine has done it a couple of times upon unlocking the phone or using ambient display (which I turned off anyway). I also don't know if it relates to the feature that Google added to selfies (phone will flash during selifies). Not sure but I wish they fix it soon.

The most important thing is to have Google officially replying to the issue itself so we know where we stand.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] acidspider:
Haha yes it could be related to the selfie camera flash, conspiracy theory says every time your screen flashes Google is taking Ur selfie, ???
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] Hossam Hesham:
Hahahaha :D
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] deepsas:
I got the same issue with AOD and when i turn that off that issue gone. But, i decided to take to the Carphone warehouse and they replaced mine with a new mobile in 10 minutes and i am not seeing that issue in my new mobile.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] MameTozhio:
Tends to take a few days of use for it to start happening.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] JasMan78:
Same issue here.

I got my Pixel 3 on Christmas eve. First everything was fine. Some days later I saw the first random flashes when a notification arrived and the display was off (AoD was disabled).

Last week I created a Tasker profil which activates the AoD only, when specified apps get an notification (like Signal, phone, Twitter....). Yesterday I was laying in my bed and my phone next to me with the display off. Suddently it began to flash. I unlocked the phone and the whole screen became green and blue, then 3/4 became white, off, etc..

I did a reboot. During the boot the screen was fine. As soon as the lock screen appeared the issue began from start. I disabled the Tasker tasks for AoD. That did not help. I decided to went to bed. The issue was still there this morning. I went to work and checked nearly every hour, if the issue is still present. And nearly 12 hours later after the issue first occured it was gone completly. No more flashes or something else still now.

Because the boot screen was fine and the issue seems to be solved by disabling the AoD let me hope, that this is "only" a software issue.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] JasMan78:
Update: I've re-enabled the AoD today and as soon as the display went to the AoD screen, the issues came back. Then I've disabled AoD again and the issue was immediately gone.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] mikeprius:
After owning this device for 2 months, I have to say the Pixel 3 is a total waste of money. There is very little added benefit from the Pixel 2, all the gimmicks like nightsight can be had on the Pixel 2, plus the random flashes. If I could go back in time, I'd just have kept my Pixel 2.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] propov:
Camera,screen and processor are better in P3. All other parameters are not important. ;).
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] shizonic:
Anyway. If the screen is broken, that brings nothing.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] gvsukids:
Is there a solution to this?
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] JasMan78:
For me disabling the AoD solved the issue.

But I had to wait 12h after disabling it before the screen works normal again. Since then (two weeks ago) I had no more problems with my screen.

This is only a workaround of course. Maybe it will be solved by an update in the next month. Maybe I've to exchange the phone. But as long as nobody can say what's the reason for this issue, I will wait.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] mikeprius:
Loaded Feb update. Screen flash is there. Just wait till the March update boys.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] arktay:
Happened to me several times :)))
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Ok so now what do we do? I just received a brand new Pixel 3 and the flash is there. My wife's phone was bought at release and it's not. They offered me a replacement or refund. Does anyone know what is going on?
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] mikeprius:
Loaded the March update on Monday. Screen flash still there......just wait till the April update right boys ?

On a serious note, in my opinion it depends if you want to go through the whole process. There is evidently quality control problems somewhere and it's impossible to determine unless you keep engaging in the return process enough time.

Myself personally, I'm just going to deal with it and just get the Pixel 4, I don't have time to go through that laborious process. I have to say I've been pretty disappointed all around with the Pixel 3. I don't know if you are having this issue but I have a loud buzzing in my earpiece when i make phone calls. I had an important call last week and could barely hear due to the buzzing.

So, short answer is there really isn't a fix and I don't expect one to happen. Just rolling up and out of this phone later on this year (hopefully it's better than the Pixel 3).

The Pixel 1 and Pixel 2 were good and I could have kept the Pixel 2 without any issue, but the Pixel 3 will have to go. Between issues with the ambient display flash and buzzing earpiece, it's not even a consideration to keep.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
The whole Google / Verizon experience has been less than thrilling to say the least.. If the device was 3 or 4 bills that's one thing. But for 8 hundred plus what a bust. Pixel 4 are you kidding? Why? Do you really think that will be better and better service? Not I. I'm going to look at the iPhones next year. I've only owned one and I hate the iOS but the hardware is pretty. I have to see what I can trade this piece of junk in for. I won't buy from Verizon so I'm limited to 3rd party sales. I can't even sell it for 500 now and it's only a few months old.

No one wants a device that flashes your brain stem every time it turns off. I'm with you. I'm done with this crap.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] mikeprius:
The Pixel 4 was a halfway serious comment, but in reality there were some little issues with the Pixel 2, but overall it was ok. The Pixel 1 when I had it I didn't have any of the reported problems, plus the RAM management seemed to be better. I don't really like iPhone for the iOS. That is the main disadvantage for me. I really hate it and I have used Android so much that it is challenging to even consider leaving it. I know if I get an iPhone I'll hate it after a day if even that.

I'll see what shows up next year. The LG V40 Thinq is nice and I think probably the most underrated phone of 2018.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] kolyan:
For me P3 is the least buggy phone, P2 was junk. And both P2 and P3 have screen flashes
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] fronten:
I just had the white flash once, when picking it up. Was surprised by it, bad moment ;)
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
I'm just not sure yet what I want to do either. The smaller iPhone the XS (5.8") is really a beautiful device but I'm sure it has problems too. They all do. I'm just not comfortable with the IOS as well, but I wonder if I had to use it for 2 weeks if I would still hate it or get used to it. I'm not rooting or modding my devices any longer so I just don't know.

The LG V40 is just too large for me. I'm also not sure that it has an eSim which I need. The XS has DSDS eSim which none of the Pixel's have yet. I guess I'll have to make a decision by black Friday.

---------- Post added at 07:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:30 AM ----------

Never had a screen flash on the P2. And my wife and I both had one. Maybe you were thinking of the P2 XL?
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] ShadowJP88:
Since I'm on lineageOs I do not encounter screen flash
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] kolyan:
Yes I had P2 XL and now have smaller P3
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Right. But I'm on Verizon so I can't flash a rom nor would I if I could. This is a hardware / software flaw and needs to be fixed. Flashing another rom is not the answer I'm looking for.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] wangdaning:
I guess I have the issue as the screen flashes once when going into ambient. Not a big issue to be honest.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
I just worry that something is wrong with the display and the flash will screw something up. I turned off aod until there is a fix.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] mikeprius:
Here's the speaker issue I was talking about and looks like android authority is covering it. Either way it's probably never going to get fixed along with the flash.

https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-3-microphone-issue-964341/#respond
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] wangdaning:
I have a feeling the flash has something to do with the screen tint.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] fronten:
it's 22th of March now, i am on March OTA - and just today I had two of those quick white screen flashes again.

It's not fixed with March update.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] danny.sunju:
I am experiencing this since I got it and I don't have the Ambient Display on, ever.

Not sure if I remember seeing it happen while I had the Q update (rolled back as the dark mode was not fully compatible with many apps).

Hoping that it would be fixed in the next few updates.

Otherwise it's a brilliant device, perfect size unlike the many that come nowadays.:)
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
You will probably need to RMA the device. I believe it's hardware and not software related. They might find a fix in an update but this has been going on for some time now (November or before) and Google is not really dealing with it very well, i.e. not acknowledging it. Read it and weep.

https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/119210591

That being said, I had originally had two Verizon devices bought a week or so after launch with no issues. One phone we still have and it's only flashed once about a week ago and not since. I traded the other one in for a Google version and within a day or so it started flashing with AOD on only. I reported it, sent it back with no restocking fee and ordered a brand new one. I've had it a week with no flashing yet, and I do say "yet". Read the issue tracker thread and you'll see that it can start at anytime even after months of not flashing.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] danny.sunju:
Ah, not gonna do that. Too much hassle and I guess I can live with very rare screen flashes.;)

Thank you for the suggestion!!
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
One week in and it just started flashing again with AOD. Return is pointless but I will make a complaint and leave my account open for an RMA at any time while I own the phone. This is crazy.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
There may be hope for folks that have this issue. Just saw this.

https://www.techspot.com/news/79417-google-deplorable-handling-pixel-3-screen-flash-issue.html
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
So Monday hopefully, thanks for this post. It's now posted on the issue tracker as well. Hey, did you do that? lol
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] acidspider:
Screen flash fix is in April's OTA. Not an April fool..wahoo!
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] JasMan78:
I've just installed the April OTA. It didn't fixed the screen flash issue :(
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] acidspider:
Oh.........it's supposed to
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] devsk:
There are two screen flash issues:

1. Screen flashes at screen off time and/or when AOD is activated.

2. Screen flashes randomly and violently, meaning that content keeps showing but bright flashes occur, leading to potential epilepsy attacks in some people, its that severe. You have to turn off the display, wait for it to cool down or whatever and then, you can turn it on again. It may start flashing again at any time.

April update only fixed 1.

2. is a hardware defect and you should get the device replaced under warranty. I had to.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] mikeprius:
So i took the OTA update. It's just been a short period but i have not had any screen flashes since loading.

When I toggle AOD, then hit the power button to turn it off then press it again back to turn on the screen I see some banding and not a screen flash. I don't use AOD, but at this point, I am optimistic that the update has stopped the screen flash after like.......6 months of ownership. Aside from this, have not had any other issues.

I will carefully see, but I feel like since the power button toggle did not cause a flash it may have been fixed. The banding I think is just from the AOD transitioning off and on.

Before this caused a flash:

1. Settings- display- toggle AOD on

2. Stay on menu, press power button to turn off screen

3. Press power button immediately again to turn back on screen

4. Screen flash (now just banding only)
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] shizonic:
Can confirm this. No more flashing so far.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] JasMan78:
I guess I've the first issue. Because the screen is fine as long as the AoD setting is disabled. As soon as I enable the AoD setting, the screen do

one

bright white/green flash when it went from the normal screen to the AoD screen (screen goes off by pressing the on/off buton or after the display timeout). Do you have the same flash?
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] utfluc:
Agreed, there are two issues, not one. This should become more apparent as issue #1 gets patched. I had #2, now waiting for my replacement.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] JasMan78:
As I've written I've only one bright flash when the AoD setting is on and the AoD screen becomes active. During normal screen operations everything is fine.

I'm curious if anybody else is having this single flash issue or if it's a indication for the second issue.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] Madara76:
Same issue here.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] Bumblesquach:
I had the flash when AOD was on and it would flash the bottom 3rd of the screen when going to sleep.

This has not occurred since the April update.
[Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers] mikeprius:
No periodic flashes are software bugs not hardware. Other than doing the toggle mine would only flash once very seldom. I speculate that the issue is related to how the screen transitions when exposed to light. I have AOD off but auto brightness. My guess is there is something coded that caused issues.

If you are still having frequent flashes after the most recent update you may have hardware issues.

I haven't had anymore since the update myself and it seems like it has went a way for most people who had it before