Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 call reception woes: Here’s what you should know

Smartphone technology is sophisticated, and even the most advanced devices can face unexpected challenges. Such has been the case for Google’s Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 series, which have been grappling with call reception issues since the March 2024 security update. This article aims to provide a detailed exploration of the timeline, developments, and current state of affairs regarding these persistent issues.

Emergence of Pixel call reception issues

Following the rollout of the March 2024 security update, reports began flooding in from users of Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 devices detailing difficulties with call reception. Users across forums and social media platforms voiced their frustration, highlighting the widespread nature of the glitch. It was speculated that a modem firmware update within the March update triggered these reception issues, but Google never got to verify this claim.

The severity of the call reception issues prompted multiple publications to draw attention to the matter. We did share some workarounds to the issue, but this wasn’t enough for such a grave problem. Google rolled out the April security update. However, to the dismay of many users, it did not include a fix for the call reception issues, further fueling discontent among Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 owners.

The second Pixel April update fixed call reception issues

Recognizing the urgency of resolving the call reception issues, Google initiated a second April update specifically tailored for Pixel 7 and newer devices. This update, aimed at addressing the modem firmware-related glitches, commenced its rollout around April 21. Google assured users that the update would gradually become available to all affected devices over the ensuing weeks, offering hope for a resolution to the persistent connectivity issues.

Despite Google’s assurances, the staged rollout of the second April update encountered challenges, particularly in its timing vis-a-vis the impending May update. Some Pixel users reported never receiving the second April update meant to rectify the call reception issues. Intriguingly, those who missed out on the update found themselves receiving the May update instead, perpetuating confusion and frustration within the Pixel community.

May update variants and network-specific delays

The release of the May update introduced further complexity to the situation, with Google issuing four builds for Global, Japan, Verizon, and then T-Mobile, C Spire, US Cellular and Cellcom. While the Global, Japan, and Verizon builds are dated May 5, the build heading to T-Mobile, C Spire, US Cellular and Cellcom is dated May 1. These builds, denoted by numbers AP1A.240505.005.A1 and AP1A.240505.004 respectively, present varying solutions to the modem firmware issues plaguing Pixel 7 and newer devices. Notably, build .004 lacks the modem firmware fixes included in the second April update, while build .005 incorporates these crucial enhancements. Here’s a roundup of the May builds for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 devices:

Global:
• Pixel 8/Pro, Pixel 7/Pro, Pixel 7a: AP1A.240505.005
Japan:
• Pixel 8/Pro, Pixel 7/7Pro, Pixel 7a: AP1A.240505.005.B1
Verizon:
• Pixel 8/Pro, Pixel 7/Pro, Pixel 7a: AP1A.240505.005.A1
T-Mobile, C Spire, US Cellular & Cellcom:
• Pixel 8/Pro, Pixel 7/Pro, Pixel 7a: AP1A.240505.004

There’s a curious disparity in the distribution of these builds. T-Mobile, C Spire, US Cellular, and Cellcom users are receiving build .004 — a version devoid of the modem fixes required to address call reception issues affecting Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 users. Meanwhile, the rest of the Pixel community received build .005, which contains the much-needed firmware updates. Apparently, this disparity is due to a delay in implementing the revised modem firmware on these networks, hence prolonging the ordeal for affected users.

It may take a week, two or maybe even more before T-Mobile and co. begin rolling out the newer build that contains modem fixes for call reception issues. But Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 users can at least rest assured that their issues with receiving phone calls will soon come to an end. However, this doesn’t excuse Google’s poor handling of such a significant function. It’s unacceptable to have such issues on $1,000 phones, and especially for that long before getting a fix, leave alone an official acknowledgment from Google.

User feedback and ongoing concerns

While a good number of Pixel users who received the second April update reported a resolution of their call reception issues, some outliers continue to experience persistent connectivity problems. Additionally, a significant portion of users who missed out on the update remain vocal about their ongoing struggles, compounded by the elusive nature of the resolution timeline.

Sure, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 call reception saga has been a frustrating experience for many users. But at least Google took steps to address the issue with the second April update. However, the staggered rollout and the existence of two May update builds created confusion and left some users behind. So hopefully, the carrier-specific rollout of build .005 with the modem firmware fix will be swift to resolve the call reception woes for everyone.