Google Pixel phones have had intermittent problems calling emergency services over the past few years, and this problem has reared its ugly head again. In the last 24 hours several users on Reddit complained that they could not call 911, and Bell in Canada issued a warning that Pixel 6 and newer also had problems communicating with emergency services online.
According to user Fabulous_Disaster730, who posted yesterday about difficulty contacting emergency services during a gas leak, her Pixel 9 Pro repeatedly prompted her to turn on Wi-Fi calling or turn off Airplane mode before she could call 911, despite having full signal on both 5G and Wi-Fi. Then the phone would freeze and reboot. After several attempts, she asked a friend to call her.
Several answers mentioned that yesterday I encountered similar problems on several networks and Pixel models. Bell, however, was the only airline to issue a formal notice.
Besides the obvious danger, the problem with this error is that it is inconsistent. Even though there seemed to be a surge yesterday, it was known issue still in 2021. However, this does not affect all users, and it is impossible to predict when or how it will appear. Although recent reports suggest that calls are simply not going through, one user posted two months ago that their call went through, but they only heard screeching and static on the other end of the line. These recent reports are just the latest in an ever-changing problem.
It is also not clear what is causing the problem. Problem in 2021 was attributed to Microsoft Teamsbut even with this error patched upusers are still facing problems. To Google's credit, Bell said it reached out to the company shortly after learning of yesterday's rise in cases and then said a fix had been released. However, no other carrier has issued similar notices, and I wouldn't be surprised if other users file their own complaints in the future.
It's worth noting that Bell mentioned that Pixel 6 and older users were affected this time, and that the Pixel 6 was also released in 2021 when news of the bug first began to surface. Whatever the root cause of the problem, I wouldn't be surprised if it affected the Pixel 6 and still hasn't been resolved.
However, given the seriousness of the issue, it needs to be addressed 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 using a Pixel phone, here's what you can do to call 911 in an emergency:
What are your thoughts so far?
Try calling 911 first.
If you have time and the danger isn't immediate, it's worth trying to call 911 on your Pixel despite the problems. Although the number of users reporting problems has increased recently, it is still not a problem for everyone every time. Your call may still go through without problems.
You can also text 911
However, if you are unable to call 911, it is worth remembering that in some jurisdictions (check this regularly updated list to find out if the place where you live is supported), you can also contact 911 via SMS. This is a slower method of seeking help, but still better than nothing. To send a message to 911, open your text messaging app, enter 911 as the recipient, and write a short message indicating your problem, your location, and any relevant details such as street intersections, landmarks, the specific location where you're hiding, or whether you can talk.
Use a backup phone
While I wouldn't expect anyone who isn't a full-time technology reviewer to have multiple phones on hand, the surest way to ensure you can call 911 if you're using a Pixel is to keep a backup phone on hand that isn't a Pixel. This could be a landline or another cell phone. It's important to note that this could be an old cell phone, even one that isn't on a data plan. As long as your phone can connect to the network, by law it must be able to call 911, so if you have an old phone that you upgraded from that hasn't been sold yet, it might be smart to keep it charged in case you need it in an emergency.
