For the past few years, Google’s Pixel phones have had recurring problems with calling 911, and the issue has once again reared its ugly head. Over the past 24 hours, multiple users on Reddit have complained about being unable to call 911, while the Bell carrier in Canada issued a warning that the Pixel 6 and up was also having problems contacting emergency services on its network.
According to user Fabulous_Disaster730, who posted yesterday about difficulties contacting emergency services during a gas leak, her Pixel 9 Pro repeatedly prompted her to turn on wifi calling or turn off airplane mode before she could call 911, despite her having full signal on both 5G and wifi. The phone would then freeze and restart. After multiple attempts, she resorted to asking a friend to place the call for her instead.
Multiple replies mentioned facing similar problems yesterday as well, across multiple networks and models of Pixel. Bell, however, was the only carrier to issue an official notice.
Aside from the obvious danger, the problem with this bug is that it’s not consistent. Despite seemingly having had a surge yesterday, it’s been a known issue as far back as 2021. However, it doesn’t affect all users, nor is it entirely predictable when or how it will pop up. While recent reports are of calls simply not going through, one user posted two months ago that their call did go through, but they only heard screeching and static on the other end of the line. These recent reports are only the latest in an ever-evolving concern.
It’s also not clear what’s causing the problem. In 2021, the problem was attributed to Microsoft Teams, but even with that error patched up, users are still facing problems. To Google’s credit, Bell said it reached out to the company shortly after it learned about yesterday’s uptick in cases, and afterwards said that a fix had been issued. However, no other carriers have issued similar notices, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see other users making their own complaints in the future.
It’s worth noting that Bell mentioned that Pixel 6 users and up were the ones affected this time around, and that the Pixel 6 also happened to release in 2021, which is when the bug first started making news. Whatever is at the core of the problem here, I wouldn’t be surprised if it worked its way in on the Pixel 6 and just hasn’t yet been addressed.
However, given the severity of the issue, it’s something that needs looking at sooner rather than later. I’ve reached out to Google for comment on this issue, and will update if I hear back. In the meantime, it’s best to be prepared in case the worst happens. If you’re on a Pixel phone, here’s what you can do to contact 911 in an emergency:
First, try to place a 911 call
If you have time and the danger is not immediate, it’s worth trying to call 911 on your Pixel despite the issues. While users reporting problems have increased as of late, it’s still not an everyone or every time problem. It’s possible your call will still go through without issue.
You can also text 911
If, however, you are unable to call 911, it’s worth remembering that in certain jurisdictions (check this regularly updated list to see if where you live is supported), you can also contact 911 via text. This is a slower method of reaching out for help, but is still better than nothing. To text 911, open your texting app, put in 911 as the recipient, and write a concise message with your issue, your location, and any necessary specifics, like cross streets, landmarks, a specific hiding location, or whether you’re able to talk.
Use a backup phone
While I don’t expect someone who isn’t constantly reviewing tech to have multiple phones on hand, the surest method to ensure you’ll be able to call 911 if you’re on a Pixel is to keep a backup phone that isn’t a Pixel handy. This could be a landline or another cell phone. Crucially, it can be an old cell phone, even one that isn’t actively attached to a phone plan. So long as your phone is able to connect to a network, it’s legally required to be able to call 911, so if you have an old phone you’ve upgraded from and haven’t traded in laying around, it may be smart to keep it charged up in case you need it in an emergency.