Some Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 users are reeling from an annoying disruption affecting their devices’ core functionality. After the recent March 2024 software update, several Pixel users are reporting issues with receiving phone calls and text messages (SMS) reliably. As per reports, calls often go straight to voicemail without ever ringing on the recipient’s Pixel device, while text messages delay or never appear.
Frustrated users on multiple US and Canadian carriers, as well as in Europe and India, are venting their anger on Reddit and the Pixel community forum with reports of the problem. All of these markets are official Pixel markets, so the phones are certified for use in these regions. Granted, this suggests there’s a potential call reception glitch on some Pixel devices introduced by the latest March update.
“I have unlocked Pixel 7 (Europe) with dual sim. After March update or Google Play update, my phone stops receiving calls [or SMS] when it is idle for some time,” one exasperated user wrote. “After restart or toggle Airplane mode on/off, everything is back to normal. Phone is at the same spot. I never had this issue before.”
This has been echoed by several other Pixel owners (1,2,3,4,5,6,7) experiencing similar issues with missing calls and text messages, with the March update as the common denominator. Affected users describe a range of troubling scenarios. Some phones never ring, leaving only missed call notifications as evidence. For others, calls go directly to voicemail, leaving the user unaware. In some cases, only restarting the device temporarily restores call functionality.
The issue appears to affect the latest Pixel 8 series and its immediate predecessor, the Pixel 7 series, including the budget Pixel 7a. There has been no official acknowledgment from Google, which leaves users with no answers as to what’s happening and when a fix will be available.
Hopefully, Google will provide a swift fix to fully address these issues and restore reliable phone calls and messaging capabilities to their Pixel devices.
Hillary Keverenge
2122 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.
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