How to Fix Your Pixel 6’s Connectivity Issues

There’s a lot to love about the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, but there are some serious headaches, as well. The last time we covered the devices, we talked about how to fix the Pixel 6’s slow fingerprint sensor. Today, it appears a new headache has surfaced, with many users complaining their Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro won’t connect to their cellular network.

These signal problems are outlined by many frustrated users on Reddit; some say that their phones will drop connection, only to reconnect with some stability in minutes, while others have to go through troubleshooting measures in order to restore cellular connectivity. According to 9to5Google, some experience their Pixel showing a “No SIM” alert, while others see the SIM connected, without being able to use the connection at all. With more than 100 replies to this Pixel Phone Help support page, there are clearly many Pixel users upset over this issue.

A new phone might not help

Some users have had success in receiving a new Pixel 6 or 6 Pro from Google. While you can certainly contact Google and see if your model can be replaced, it might be more of a hassle than it’s worth. If the issue turns out to be isolated to specific, faulty units, then sure, a replacement could work. However, for a couple of reasons, that might not be the case here. Even the original poster of the aforementioned Pixel Phone Help page says their issue was fixed without a replacement (more on that later).

According to Android Police, we might be looking at a broader issue with the modem Google used with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. The Exynos 5123b modem used in the Pixel 6 series is already known to be less capable and reliable than the Qualcomm X60 modem Samsung uses in its Galaxy S21 lineup, even though the company owns Exynos.

This issue might also be Android 12-related

However, the Pixel 6’s modem might not be totally to blame here. While most of the buzz surrounding this issue is coming from Pixel 6 users, other Pixel users are also experiencing similar connectivity issues. Since the Pixel 4, 4a, and other devices don’t share the same modem as the Pixel 6 series, the other major denominator here is Android 12.

If the issue is related to Android 12, that would actually be good news. Once Google identifies the problem, it could issue a software update, or even fix something server-side. That would be a much simpler solution than if hardware was to blame, which would be the case if the Exynos modem turned out to be a bust.

Either way, replacing your current Pixel wouldn’t fix the issue if either of these two situations turns out to be causing the issue. For now, you’d be better off going with a less drastic approach.

How to fix signal loss on Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

Since the situation is so new (many of these complaints started within the last few days) we will need to wait for Google to officially respond before we know more. Until then, users have found workarounds to address the issue.

Update carrier services

Remember the OP who wrote that first Pixel Phone Help support post? They claim their issue was fixed with an update to Carrier Services. Go to your updates in the Play Store to see if you have any pending updates for Carrier Services. It’s possible that update could fix the issue.

Reboot your device

Some Pixel users have temporarily solved their connectivity problem with a simple reboot. It’s no guarantee, but hopefully it can get you back up and running.

Disable “Adaptive Connectivity”

Adaptive Connectivity is a Google feature that attempts to save battery life by automatically switching from 5G to 4G when it thinks you wouldn’t benefit from faster network speeds. However, this feature seems to be playing a part in the Pixel 6’s connectivity issues. Disabling Adaptive Connectivity might cost you a few percentages of battery life, but it’ll be worth it for a stable cellular connection.

Get a new SIM

Some users found a fix in a replacement SIM card from their carrier. If the other options don’t work for you, it’s worth a shot to take your Pixel back to whoever supplies your connection and ask for a new SIM.