Google is out of stock of the Pixel 6, but you can still preorder it

Google Pixel 6
Google Pixel 6 (Image credit: Ara Wagoner / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • Google continues to struggle with inventory for Pixel 6 preorders.
  • Interested parties can now sign up for a waitlist.
  • Once the model selected is in stock, an email will be sent to notify you.

To say that the Pixel 6 preordering process was a frustration would be an instant contender for "understatement of the year." Interested parties were met with an array of errors ranging from the standard "501. It's not you, it's us" to random "R" errors when you finally were able to reach checkout. Things to be a bit more stable at the time of this writing, but it's clear that Google was stripped of its initial stock relatively quickly.

Google Pixel 6 Waitlist

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

Now, if you try and place a preorder for the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro of your choice, you have the option to sign up for a waitlist. Currently, it appears as though you can go through and place an order for any unlocked Pixel 6 variant. However, the only Pixel 6 Pro option available at the time of writing is the base Stormy Black model with 128GB of storage. The rest of the options show an 'Out of stock - continue to waitlist' message.

When you go through the process on Google's online storefront, you can select the color and configuration that you want. And then, when you reach the end of the line, you'll be greeted with a "Join Waitlist" button. After tapping that, the site will show you a prompt to notify you once the Pixel 6 or 6 Pro model becomes available.

Google Pixel 6 Waitlist

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

If you flat-out gave up on trying to preorder through Google, all hope is not lost. Looking around, you can still get both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro from either Amazon or Best Buy. We have seen a "Not Available" button appear through Best Buy, but Amazon seems to be a pretty good bet for many. Considering that the Pixel 6 could dethrone the Galaxy S21 as the best Android phone of the year, you'll definitely want to get your hands on one sooner rather than later.

Given that this is the most ambitious phone to come from Google since the original Pixel, it comes as no surprise to see issues with inventory. And based on our first impressions, the wait will be well worth it.

Andrew Myrick
Senior Editor - Chromebooks, tablets, and wearables

Andrew Myrick is a Senior Editor at Android Central. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is collecting different headphones, even if they all end up in the same drawer.