Google Pixel Wi-Fi & mobile (call drops) network connectivity issues surge after Android 14 update

As more Google Pixel owners continue getting acclimatized to the latest Android 14 update, new things keep coming up. Users are getting to know the interesting features included in the update, but there are also new bugs and issues to deal with. The latter is the case, where multiple reports indicate that the update to Android 14 may have triggered an issue with Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity on various Google Pixel smartphones resulting in call drops, with some people experiencing crackling and popping sounds during calls.

Now, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, mobile network connectivity issues aren’t new on recent Google Pixel phones. It’s a well-documented problem, especially with the newer models powered by the Tensor chipset. Constant network disconnection that often lead to calls dropping and poor mobile data or internet have plagued the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series since launch. It’s no surprise that Android 14 hasn’t done much to address the issue.

However, what’s concerning is that we are also seeing reports of mobile network connectivity issues coming from Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a owners. These phones don’t have Tensor chipsets, and, in fact, had been working fine before the update to Android 14. But suddenly, they won’t connect to mobile network at all. For lucky ones, calls go through, but they disconnect after a few seconds. The recipient doesn’t hear anything while the caller can only hear popping and crackling sounds in some cases. So, if anything, this points to a potential software and not hardware issue. But Google hasn’t said anything so far.

The issue affects multiple carriers, including T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Google Fi and even Canada’s Rogers, among others. But besides call dropping, crackling and popping sound issues, some Google Pixel owners have also reported constant Wi-Fi disconnections ever since Android 14 rolled out. When mobile data isn’t working properly, we turn to Wi-Fi. Unfortunately for Pixel owners, it seems neither is reliable on the latest Android OS.

You can always chose to reset your network settings. This is available through Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. However, this may or may not work.

Another network issue affecting some Google Pixel phones after the update to Android 14 is 5G connectivity. Apparently, some 5G-capable Pixel phones are suddenly unable to connect to 5G network after this update. Instead, they default to LTE even with 5G set as the preferred network in settings. I’ve mostly come across reports from outside the U.S. Folks in India using Airtel and Jio seem to be the most affected, but there are reports from other regions too.

As noted earlier, the Pixel community always has something going on with network issues. But there’s a sudden surge in mobile and Wi-Fi network connectivity issues ever since Android 14 update rolled out. Granted, it’s possible a future update may alleviate these issues, but that’s in Google’s hands.

Featured image: Google Blog

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