Two weeks ago the latest Android OS version was released under the name of Android Oreo and users have already started to update to their devices to it. However, recently, a bug was discovered that left a number of customers dissatisfied and disgruntled by the performance of the new OS version. Even though the issue is not too problematic, it could still lead to a certain unpleasant consequences for users who aren’t careful.
The Bug
The core of the newly arose issue has to do with the prioritizing of the internet connection that the mobile device uses. As you know, there are two ways in which smartphones connect to the Internet. The first way is by using a local connection such as a Wi-Fi router or an access point. The second option is through the mobile operator’s network. Normally, most mobile plans that customers use have limited mobile data that gets drained the more internet you use. This means that whenever Wi-Fi or access point connection is available, it is preferable to use that instead of the mobile data in order to save it for when there isn’t local network nearby. Due to this, smartphone devices are set to prioritize local connections over mobile data whenever both are available and both options are enabled. This leads us to the issue with the Oreo bug which effectively reverses the prioritizing. Therefore, users who have updated to Oreo and have had both their Wi-Fi connection and mobile data enabled, eventually found out that their mobile network megabytes have been getting drained since the device was using them as default Internet connection instead of the nearby Wi-Fi network. Depending on the mobile plan that the user might have, this could lead to either a heavy decrease in the mobile internet connection speed or to the accumulation of significant taxes both of which scenarios are highly unpleasant.
Do not have both connections enabled at the same time
The main reason why some customers had this problem (and also the reason why it has been revealed to begin with) is the fact that some users tend to have their both Internet connection options enabled on their device. Likely, the idea behind that is to be connected to the Internet at all times. However, this could also mean that a bug such as this could lead to unforeseen consequences such as high mobile plan taxes or depleted mobile connection megabytes. Also, keeping both connections enabled at the same time would also increase the speed at which your device’s battery is getting drained. Therefore, we advise to generally avoid doing this and only use one option at a time unless being constantly online is absolutely imperative for you.
Most of the affected devices are Nexus smartphones
The Oreo update is still not that common and only few devices have it. Most of the smartphones that have had the update to Oreo are of the Nexus brand – a line of devices designed by Google. This is the reason Nexus devices are the first to get the update and also, in some cases it could happen automatically. As far as other smartphones are concerned, the update will likely come at a later time and would need to be manually installed. Hopefully, by that time, the bug will be fixed. If you haven’t gotten the Oreo update yet, it might be a good idea to wait some time until the bug has been dealt with and only then have it installed on your smart device. Alternatively, for those who want to get rid of the issue, a rollback to the previous OS version could deal with the unpleasant issue as well. However, as we already mentioned, this bug can be easily handled as long as you do not keep your mobile data connection while also using a Wi-Fi network at the same time.
Fix is underway
Currently, experts at Google are working towards fixing the issue. At the time of writing, the problem is still present, yet it would hopefully be resolved sometime soon. Until then, in case you have already updated to Oreo, just make sure to be careful with what connection you are using and you should have no issue with unwanted drainage of mobile data megabytes.
