Recently, some Pixel 10 users have shared concerning reports on Reddit about a serious issue with their devices. One user described a problem with their Pixel 10 XL when trying to call 911. The call would connect, but all they heard was loud electronic noise and beeping sounds. This user tried calling four times, but the issue persisted each time. They eventually used a Pixel 7 on the same Google Fi network, and the 911 call worked perfectly. In the comments of this Reddit thread, other Pixel 10 users reported the same problem. Oddly, this issue only happens when calling 911—regular calls to other numbers work fine.
This is alarming because 911 calls are critical in emergencies, and a failure to connect clearly could lead to serious consequences. This isn’t the first time a smartphone has had trouble with 911 calls. The Google Pixel series faced similar issues in 2021 and 2023. The 2021 problem was caused by a conflict with the Microsoft Teams app and was fixed with an update. However, the 2023 issue was never publicly acknowledged or resolved by Google.
While the number of reported cases is still small, and the exact cause isn’t clear (it could be a software glitch like before or related to the carrier), it’s worth taking precautions until Google fixes the issue. Here are some steps to minimize risks:
- Test your phone with non-emergency numbers. Some users say regular calls aren’t affected, but don’t test by calling 911, as it can tie up emergency resources. Instead, try a non-emergency number, especially after a software update, to check if calls work normally.
- Carry a backup phone or note alternative contacts. The most reliable solution is to have a spare phone or a list of non-emergency contacts, like a trusted person, in case your Pixel 10 fails during an emergency.
- Report the issue to Google. If you experience this problem, contact Google’s customer service through the Google Store or other channels. Reporting it can help get the issue noticed and fixed faster.
- Stay updated on Google’s fixes. Keep an eye on Google’s official updates, as they may release a software patch to resolve this issue soon.
Have you ever had trouble making an emergency call with your phone? Share your experience!
