Google Pixel phone app bug transmits audio to callers

A rare but potentially concerning bug has been discovered in Google Pixel smartphones, related to the 'Take a Message' feature in the Phone app. This option is designed to automatically handle missed or declined calls, but in some instances, it behaves unpredictably.

The core issue is that while recording a voice message, the function can begin transmitting sound from the phone owner's microphone to the caller. In other words, the person leaving a message unexpectedly hears everything happening near the device, as if the call had been answered, while the phone's owner cannot hear them.

Initial reports of the bug emerged as far back as September 2025. Since then, at least six confirmed cases have been documented across various Pixel models, including the Pixel 5, Pixel 10, and Pixel 4a. In one recent episode, users noted that when 'Take a Message' activates, the microphone activity indicator lights up, signaling that audio is actually being transmitted.

For now, the bug does not appear widespread. A common detail across all cases is that most affected devices are older models that no longer receive system updates. Some users have reported that disabling the 'Take a Message' feature completely resolves the issue. Google has not officially commented on the situation. Nevertheless, this raises privacy concerns, especially given that the feature is available on Pixel 4 and newer devices in the US, UK, Ireland, and Australia.