Josh Miller/CNET
Update: Well, that was quick. Google has reposted the factory images and OTA files for the update, both of which are the same build number as what was pulled: N6F26U. Give the update a try and post in the comments if you run into any issues.
Nexus 6 owners have taken to Reddit and Twitter to complain about issues when using Android Pay after the March security Android update.
As Android Police reported, the update appears to break Android’s SafetyNet API. SafetyNet verifies whether or not an Android device has been rooted or otherwise had its software tampered with.
For sensitive applications, such as Android Pay, if SafetyNet doesn’t pass, then the app is disabled. Third-party developers can also integrate SafetyNet into an app to ensure personal data isn’t compromised.
Nexus 6 owners on Reddit started reporting the issues shortly after the March security update was released. Google has pulled the most recent update (N6F26U) from its update website, where the company typically posts factory images and the files to load over-the-air updates manually.
According to the Google Nexus Twitter account, the company is aware of the problem and actively looking into it.
While it’s frustrating when issues like this occur, it’s nice to see Google reacting quickly to address the problem.
If you absolutely need access to Android Pay (or another app impacted by the issue) the only option is to manually install — or flash — last month’s software update. The process isn’t for the faint of heart or those not all that tech-savvy, so my best advice is just to wait for Google to release an update.
The ultimate security tool against bad USB devices:
