June 9] Pixel 6 mobile network keeps dropping for some users

Here’s the crux of the article in video form:

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…

Original story (published on November 18, 2021) follows:

Ever since Google launched the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, many users who have been using them for a while have come up with plenty of issues.

We have seen a bunch of Pixel 6 bugs such as stuttering or lagging issues, microphone or speaker not working properly, ghost calling, slow fingerprint reader, and many more.

Although, Google has already taken care of some bugs such as the ghost calling and slow fingerprint scanner, many others are yet to be acknowledged or fixed.

Google Pixel 6 network dropping issue

While Pixel 6 owners are already struggling with several ongoing issues, a new bug has surfaced which is making it even more frustrating to use these handsets.

Some recent reports (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) suggest that the Pixel 6 users are now having network connectivity issues. Users say that their smartphone is continuously dropping mobile network and isn’t recognizing the SIM.

Those affected say that their mobile network gets vanished completely showing ‘No SIM card – No service’ in the top status bar.

I’m using the unlocked pro on Verizon and noticed a lot of “lost internet connection” issues today while driving around town in areas with strong coverage. Has anyone else noticed this? The update isn’t available for my device, so hopefully that’ll help, but what I noticed today was def concerning. (Source)

My issue is not as persistent but I lose LTE or 5G every few hours and it will not reconnect without a reboot. I’ve also gone through all the troubleshooting song and dance and am working on RMA so I can get a replacement…(Source)

Workaround like simple rebooting, changing SIM or carrier, and even factory resetting couldn’t help the users to get rid of this glitch.

Google Pixel 6 Wi-Fi connectivity bug

As if the mobile network bug wasn’t enough, some have also complained of Wi-Fi automatically disconnecting.

As per reports, the Wi-Fi toggle gets randomly turned off and shifts to mobile data, while for some, it gets turned off when the device’s screen is off for a few minutes.

My pro connects to WiFi, but keeps deciding to randomly turn off WiFi and go onto mobile data. It’s becoming very annoying. (Source)

I’m currently experiencing the exact same issue as you. The wifi toggle turns itself off after having my phone’s screen off for a few minutes. (Source)

It looks like these issues are related to software as most of the time they can be resolved by simply rebooting the device. This is frustrating since many Pixel 6 users are not able to connect to the internet or call anyone.

Unfortunately, Google has not yet acknowledged any of the aforementioned bugs and We hope that these network glitches and several other ongoing issues with Google Pixel 6 get resolved as soon as possible.

That said, we will update this space as and when Google fixes the Pixel 6 network dropping bug.

In the meantime, you can also go through our dedicated Pixel 6 bugs and issue tracker to get insights over all the ongoing bugs that are affecting Pixel 6 users.

Update 01 (November 24)

IST 12:10 pm: One of the affected Pixel 6 owners on Verizon notes that the only way the phone works reliably is to manually set Preferred Network to LTE.

This, as he points out, disables the one reason to spend extra for a 5G unlimited Verizon plan.

Update 02 (December 07)

IST 12:33 pm: The December 2021 update is rolling out and the changelog notes that it brings general improvements for network connection stability and performance. How well this fix will work remains to be seen.

Update 03 (December 14)

IST 06:35 pm: The latest Pixel 6 December update brings improvements for network connection stability and performance. And hence, the network dropping issue should be fixed after updating.

General improvements for network connection stability & performance *[7]. (Source)

Update 04 (December 16)

IST 11:27 am:Google has removed the relevant support page from their community forum where users have been complaining about the network issue with Pixel 6 & 6 Pro.

There are numerous reports still coming in for data/cellular connectivity issues on Pixel 6. But Sadly, Google has not yet acknowledged any of them. And now it seems that the company is trying to suppress the complaints.

Thanks for the tip: Robert Calaceto!

Update 05 (December 17)

IST 11:21 am: While users are complaining about the network issue on their Pixel 6 phones, here’s some good news for some users. T-Mobile users will soon be able to get faster 5G speeds on their handsets.

A recently shared modem log suggests that Pixel 6’s Exynos 5123b modem is capable of handling uplink and downlink traffic using multiple channels. More on that here.

Update 05 (December 17)

IST 06:16 pm: A community manager on the Google forums has acknowledged the Pixel 6 mobile connectivity issue after the December update and said that they are currently investigating it.

We have received reports of mobile connectivity issues on Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro after the December software update from customers. We’re actively investigating the reported connectivity issues and will update this post once we have more to share. (Source)

Update 06 (December 20)

IST 06:16 pm: Now, there might be a workaround for users that have been facing issues with mobile network on their Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro devices.

My fix has been to join the beta program for the Google Carrier services on the play store and update it. Ever since i have had a better signal and no loss of connection whatsoever (it’s been more than a week now)
Source

Update 07 (December 21)

IST 12:35 pm: A Redditor has shared an alleged screenshot of what appears to be a response from Google support regarding the network issues on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

In the response, the support team has confirmed that the engineers have come up with a potential solution for the problem and are looking for testers who’re willing to participate in the test run of the potential solution.

Thus, if all goes well, we can expect to see a fix begin rolling out very soon.

Update 08 (December 23)

IST 06:38 pm: In case you don’t want to go around applying for the beta for Carrier Services, you can simply download and install this APK file for the latest beta version that should help improve the network reception.

Update 09 (December 24)

IST 06:15 pm: The Carrier Services trick does not seem to be helping all users. Some have come out to confirm that nothing changed even after attempting the suggested workaround.

My new Pro 6 unlocked/Verizon/November update dropping calls all the time; wifi calling same thing. Got a new 5G sim yesterday, no improvement. Using the beta Carrier Services, no improvement. (Source)

Further, it’s been a week since the problem got acknowledged, however, Google is yet to share any further details regarding a fix.

Update 10 (December 25)

IST 12:15 pm: One user has shared a potential workaround for the network issues especially for data connections. Check it out below:

On the wrong signal lte helped in the settings of the SIM to turn off emergency calls 2g. Some switch after entering * # * # 4636 # * # * and also use 3 dots in this menu and select the network in which the phone is located helped to solve the problem of connecting to the Internet via SIM. It helped us to 2 pixels 6. It didn’t solve the problem from SIM 02 Czech. I still have outages and the card had to go to the old phone. (Translation via Google, my English is bad. I am sorry. Maybe he’ll help someone anyway) (Source)

Update 11 (December 27)

IST 1:13 pm: One of the affected Pixel 6 user who’s been facing network issues now notes that the workaround for this issue might involve downgrading to the November update.

Update 12 (December 28)

IST 01:20 pm: It seems the network issues are beyond just the December update as reports continue to flood in — some indicating that they are facing issues even though they’ve not bagged the latest update.

One user has revealed some steps they had to perform in order to get a stable network connection at home or outside. Here’s their take:

1. I have installed an eSIM together with the physical SIM. If both SIM cards are active, the disconnections no longer occur. However, the battery consumption for the “cellular network standby” area increases from approx. 34{5376dfc28cf0a7990a1dde1ec4d231557d3d9e6448247a9e5e61bb9e48b1de73} with only the physical SIM card to about 55{5376dfc28cf0a7990a1dde1ec4d231557d3d9e6448247a9e5e61bb9e48b1de73} with two SIM cards.

hence

2. As soon as I’m at home on the WiFi, I activate airplane mode. Then I activate WiFi so that I can use WiFi calling to make calls using the cell phone number (s) as well as being reachable on them. As a result, the battery consumption for “cellular network standby” drops again towards below 10{5376dfc28cf0a7990a1dde1ec4d231557d3d9e6448247a9e5e61bb9e48b1de73} or towards 0 if I have been in WLAN for more than 24 hours.

So in order to use a Pixel 6 Pro that behaves reasonably “normal”, I “only” have to remember to deactivate airplane mode when I leave the house or when I come home, to turn on airplane mode and then turn on Wi-Fi. (Source)

Update 13 (December 29)

IST 10:17 am: It appears that Google is offering some users who are facing network issues a full refund. At least one individual confirmed the information via the official issue tracker.

Google have pulled the December update from there system so no one else can get what we have.

They offered me a full refund but then I’d have to return the Bose headphones as well, Google have screwed us big time.

I’ve asked for a exchange for another brand new phone and that’s the last I’ve heard from them. (Source)

Update 14 (December 30)

IST 01:55 pm: It seems the network issues have stirred up a lot of Pixel 6 series users as a single thread on the official issue tracker has garnered 1000 comments from frustrated users.

This was even pointed out by an individual who alleges that Google told them they wouldn’t offer a refund as the engineers are working on a fix for the problem.

Update. My pixel 6 still un-useable two weeks after the December 2021 update. Google told me today that no refunds/return being offered as their engineers are working on it – but no fix yet and no priority fix due (as only S3 level severity to loose network) . Any fix – if any – will likely be rolled into the January security update ..
You can see their issue tracker here at the official Google bug page. It has maxed out at 1000 angry customer comments
https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/210484323?pli=1 (Source)

Update 15 (December 31)

IST 10:32 am: Google now says that it has paused the rollout of the December patch to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro devices. This, the company adds, is after some users reported calls were dropping or disconnecting.

The tech giant is also advising those affected to downgrade to the November patch. Head here to learn how to do so.

Update 16 (January 01)

12:07 pm (IST): One of the affected users suggested a possible workaround that can possibly help to overcome the network connectivity issue of Pixel 6 and 6 Pro devices.

Update 17 (January 03)

12:07 pm (IST): Reports from user of Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users ho have reverted back to the November update report that their phones are a lot more usable.

Update 18 (January 04)

12:07 pm (IST): While there is still no fix for this issue that causes constant mobile network dropout, there is hope for users who want more granular control of their Pixel 6 Pro network.

This, as reports now have it that the Pixel 6 Pro is now getting a setting toggle that allows users to disable UWB 5G on or off.

Update 19 (January 05)

10:37 am (IST): With the Pixel 3a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5a getting the January patch, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users have something to look forward to later this month when it becomes available for them.

Update 20 (January 06)

02:43 pm (IST): Google has delisted the December 2021 update for Pixel 6 and 6 Pro from its website so that users do not install this faulty update on to their devices if they haven’t already.

Update 21 (January 07)

11:50 am (IST): Google says that the January patch for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro devices will come later this month.

Update 22 (January 10)

11:35 am (IST): Here’s another workaround for Pixel 6 connectivity issue. If you are still bothered by this bug then, you can try this workaround and see if it helps.

Update 23 (January 11)

01:33 pm (IST): Some users report that the January patch for Pixel 6 on GrapheneOS does not have any kind of issues. So, users can try it to see if it resolves the issues in question for them.

However, we recommend you install the official update which is yet to be released. It’s worth noting that the official January patch for Pixel 6 devices will release at the end of the month.

Update 24 (January 12)

01:12 pm (IST): One of the Pixel 6 users (Artem Russakovskii) also sideloaded the December update and reported that the network issue that users have been reporting was fixed. So, users having this issue can try to sideload the update and see if gets resolved.

Update 25 (January 20)

12:15 pm (IST): Here’s another workaround suggested by one of the affected users. It involves manually setting the APN settings, however, there is no guarantee that it’ll work for everyone. But still, you can try and see if it helps.

Go to Settings -> Network & Internet -> SIMs -> Access Point Names -> Add the APNs from your provider -> Reset the Phone afterwards for good measure (Source)

Update 26 (January 22)

09:52 am (IST): Sadly, the latest January 2022 update has made the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro barely usable rather than sorting out the issues.

This also includes some Three subscribers in the UK. The signal level drops on a random basis, however, turning off features like Wi-Fi calling helped in resolving the problem.

Update 27 (January 26)

04:44 pm (IST): As we have already highlighted in our tracker, Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro receive February 2022 update on Feb. 07. So, we expect this patch to bring improvements for mobile network issues.

Update 28 (February 02)

10:45 am (IST): Google has listed the changelog of its February 2022 update which is expected to release on February 07 for all Pixel phones.

It includes a potential bug-fix for the device connectivity issue and improvements in network usage. This means that the widespread mobile network issue may finally get resolved with the upcoming Pixel 6 update.

– [Phone] Bug fixes for device connectivity, developer services, safety & emergency, system management & diagnostics and utilities related services.

– Updates to system management services that improve device connectivity, network usage, stability, security and updatability. (Source)

Update 29 (February 08)

4:000 pm (IST): It looks like the February update hasn’t fixed the mobile network connectivity issues for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users either. More on that here.

Update 30 (February 18)

09:50 am (IST): Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are now receiving yet another February update that comes with version number SQ1D.220205.004. But unfortunately, this software update also did not mention any fix or improvements for the network dropping issue.

Update 31 (February 22)

01:18 pm (IST): According to the update schedule shared by Fido, Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are expected to receive March 2022 patch on March 07. And we expect this update to bring fixes for the ongoing mobile network issues.

Update 32 (February 24)

10:27 am (IST): Pixel 6 users who are running Android 12L beta 3 and still having mobile network issues can now share their feedback directly to Google via survey.

Update 33 (March 03)

12:47 pm (IST): Google Play System March 2022 update for Pixel 6 phones include bug fixes for device connectivity. This means that it may also have some improvements for the annoying network issue that users have been reporting for months.

Update 34 (March 17)

01:06 PM (IST): A user now reports that the network dropping has been improved with the latest Android 12L beta. However, this may not be the case for all users.

Update 35 (March 28)

03:57 pm (IST): According to reports, many users are still facing network dropping issues on Pixel 6 devices even after the March update.

Update 36 (April 9)

01:11 pm (IST): It seems that the network dropping issue persists with April 2022 update as many users are still reporting it (1, 2, 3).

Update 37 (May 5)

10:15 am (IST): Google has released Android 12 QPR3 beta 3 for Pixel devices with bug fixes. It also includes various fixes to improve call quality and connectivity.

Update 38 (June 7)

10:17 am (IST): The stable Android 12L QPR3 has been released for Pixel 6 devices with June 2022 update. And it brings some general improvements for network connection stability and performance.

Update 39 (June 9)

10:03 am (IST): Many users are now reporting that the network issue on Pixel 6 still persists even after the June 2022 update.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Google section, so make sure to follow them as well.

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