Google Says Fix Is Rolling Out for Googlebook Phone Pairing Issue

Android Authority reported on October 9, 2026, that Google identified the pairing problem as a first-time setup timing issue. The report said Google has started rolling out a Google Play Services app update that addresses the issue.

To pair a phone with a Googlebook, users are instructed to tap the phone icon on the laptop’s taskbar and then scan the QR code that appears. Android Authority said it was able to scan the code with its Pixel phones, which took it to the cross-device services toggles on the phones. On the laptops, however, the QR code screen did not disappear, and the cross-device features did not work either.

Some Googlebook users have seen their Pixel phones refuse to pair with the new laptops. Android Authority said its own staff, including colleague Paul Jones and the reporter, also encountered the issue on their Googlebooks.

Google has confirmed the cause and outlined the solution, and the Google Play Services app update is now being released. The report did not include a timeline for when the update will reach all affected devices.

Editor's Summary Google has confirmed that a first-time setup timing issue prevents some Pixel phones from pairing with Googlebooks, with the taskbar QR code remaining on screen. The company is rolling out a Google Play Services update intended to resolve it. Android Authority reported that its staff also encountered the problem on their Googlebooks.