Impact of the 2G & 3G cellular network shutdown in the U.S.
In September 2024, older 2G networks will shut down to make way for faster 4G/LTE and 5G networks.
If your device is LTE/VoLTE compatible, make sure your LTE/VoLTE settings and software are up to date:
LTE
Pixel:
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet 👁 and then
SIMs 👁 and then
Google Fi. - Select the Preferred network type: LTE or 5G (recommended).
Samsung:
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Mobile Networks.
- If it's not present, tap Connections.
- Tap Network Mode 👁 and then
LTE or 5G.
VoLTE
Pixel:
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap the Magnifying glass.
- Enter
volte. - Tap VoLTE Calls Menu.
- If there’s no menu option, the device either doesn’t support VoLTE or VoLTE is defaulted to "On," which is the default for most new devices.
- Turn on VoLTE Call.
Samsung:
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Connections 👁 and then
Mobile networks. - Turn VoLTE calls on or off.
- If you can't change the "VoLTE calls" setting:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap More 👁 Image
. - To find the "VoLTE calls" setting, open Settings.
- If you can't change the "VoLTE calls" setting:
Software Update
Pixel:
- Open your device's Settings app
- Tap System 👁 and then
Software updates. - Check for any System updates and install them.
- Check for app updates and install them.
Samsung:
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Software update 👁 and then
Download and install 👁 and then
OK. - Tap Start.
- When the restart message appears, tap OK.
- Repeat these steps until the device shows that you have the latest software version.
In 2021, carriers in the U.S. announced they would phase out their 3G networks. As a result, some devices that don’t support Voice over LTE (VoLTE) or VoLTE roaming may lose voice calling services, including calls to 911, or connectivity when the 3G networks are shut down. For the latest information on the 3G phase out, visit the FCC website.
For U.S. customers, if you’re using an older device where VoLTE was not enabled for your carrier you will experience loss of connectivity on your home network and we recommend you upgrade to a device that has VoLTE enabled for your carrier. Devices without VoLTE roaming support will not be able to roam on other LTE US networks. Contact your carrier for information about whether VoLTE or VoLTE roaming is supported for your device.
For international customers who are roaming in the U.S. and on a device without VoLTE roaming support, you will lose connectivity and/or voice calling capabilities while on affected carrier networks in the U.S. Contact your carrier for information about whether VoLTE roaming is supported.
June 2022 software update
In June 2022, Google released a software update that enabled VoLTE roaming for many U.S. and global carriers. This allows many Pixel devices to roam in the U.S. with VoLTE, if your carrier supports VoLTE roaming. Contact your carrier for more information.
The software update is available for the following Pixel devices, if applicable for your carrier:
- Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL
- Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL
- Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL
- Pixel 4a
- Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5
- Pixel 5a (5G)
- Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro
Android 13
- Pixel 6a and later