Google Pixel 6 Can’t Receive Calls? Here Are the Fixes (2026 Guide)

If your Google Pixel 6 isn’t receiving incoming calls, the most common causes are network signal issues, misconfigured call settings, or a software glitch introduced by a recent update. Start with the quick fixes below before moving to more advanced solutions — most users resolve this within the first three steps.

The Pixel 6 runs on Google’s first-generation Tensor chip and Samsung’s Exynos 5123 modem, which has had documented connectivity issues since launch. Google has addressed many of these through software patches, so making sure you’re on the latest Android version is critical. As of 2026, the Pixel 6 runs Android 16 and continues to receive security patches.

Before You Start

Before diving into fixes, confirm these basics:

• Check if the issue is caller-specific. Ask someone to call you. If only certain numbers fail, the problem may be a blocked contact or carrier-side issue — not your phone.
• Look at your signal bars. If you see no signal or one bar, skip to Solution 1 (signal troubleshooting). If you have full bars but calls still don’t come through, skip to Solution 4 (call settings).
• Check if calls go straight to voicemail. This usually points to Do Not Disturb being on, call forwarding being active, or a carrier-side setting like Conditional Call Forwarding.

Solution 1: Toggle Airplane Mode to Force a Network Re-Registration

This is the fastest fix and resolves the problem for most users. Toggling Airplane mode forces your Pixel 6 to disconnect from the cellular network and re-register, which clears temporary network glitches.

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
2. Tap the Airplane mode tile to turn it on.
3. Wait 15–30 seconds.
4. Tap Airplane mode again to turn it off.
5. Wait for the signal bars to return, then ask someone to call you.

If this works but the issue keeps returning throughout the day, there’s likely a deeper network or modem issue — continue to Solution 3.

Solution 2: Restart Your Pixel 6

A restart clears temporary memory and resets all running processes, including the modem and telephony stack. This fixes transient software glitches that can block incoming calls.

1. Press and hold the Power button and Volume Up button simultaneously.
2. Tap Restart.
3. Once the phone boots up, test by having someone call you.

If a regular restart doesn’t fix it, try a forced restart: press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds until the phone reboots on its own. This is useful if the phone feels frozen or unresponsive.

Solution 3: Disable Adaptive Connectivity

The Pixel 6’s Adaptive Connectivity feature automatically switches between 5G and LTE to save battery. However, this feature has been a documented source of call drops and missed incoming calls, especially on the Pixel 6’s Exynos modem.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network & internet.
3. Tap Adaptive connectivity.
4. Toggle it off.

While you’re here, also consider forcing your phone to LTE only if you’re in an area with weak 5G coverage:

1. Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → select your carrier.
2. Tap Preferred network type.
3. Select LTE instead of 5G.

Many Pixel 6 owners on community forums report that switching to LTE-only permanently resolved their call reception issues, especially in areas where 5G coverage is spotty.

Solution 4: Check Do Not Disturb and Call Settings

Several call-related settings can silently block incoming calls without any obvious notification. Check each of these:

Do Not Disturb:

1. Open Settings → Sound & vibration → Do Not Disturb.
2. Make sure it’s turned off, or check the People section to ensure calls from your contacts are allowed through.

Blocked Numbers:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu → Settings → Blocked numbers.
3. Remove any numbers that shouldn’t be blocked.

Call Forwarding:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu → Settings → Calling accounts → select your SIM → Call forwarding.
3. Check each option (Always forward, When busy, When unanswered, When unreachable) and disable any that are active and shouldn’t be.

Spam and Call Screen Settings:

1. In the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu → Settings → Caller ID & spam.
2. If “Filter suspected spam calls” is on, try turning it off temporarily to see if legitimate calls are being incorrectly flagged.

Solution 5: Update Carrier Services and Phone App

Google’s Carrier Services app handles VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, and other carrier-specific features. An outdated or corrupted version can cause incoming call failures.

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for Carrier Services and tap Update if available.
3. Also search for Google Phone and update it.
4. Restart your phone after updating.

If updating doesn’t help, try clearing the Carrier Services cache:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Carrier Services.
2. Tap Storage & cache → Clear cache.
3. Restart your phone.

Solution 6: Re-Seat or Replace Your SIM Card

A loose or damaged SIM card can cause intermittent call reception failures even when data works fine. This is because voice calls and data can use different network pathways (especially with VoLTE).

1. Power off your Pixel 6.
2. Use the SIM ejection tool to remove the SIM tray (located on the left side of the phone).
3. Remove the SIM card, inspect it for visible damage or dirt, and blow gently on the contacts.
4. Re-insert the SIM card firmly and push the tray back in.
5. Power on and test.

If you have access to another SIM card from the same carrier, try it to rule out a defective SIM. Your carrier can also issue a free replacement SIM at any retail location.

Solution 7: Reset Network Settings

This resets all network-related configurations — Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, cellular settings, and VPN configurations — back to factory defaults. It won’t delete your personal files, apps, or photos.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System → Reset options.
3. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
4. Tap Reset settings to confirm.
5. Your phone will restart. After it boots, test incoming calls.

This is one of the most effective fixes because it clears any corrupted APN settings, VoLTE configurations, or carrier profile issues that may have accumulated over time.

Solution 8: Boot into Safe Mode

If the problem started after installing a new app, Safe Mode will help you determine if a third-party app is interfering with your phone’s calling functionality. In Safe Mode, only pre-installed system apps run.

1. Press and hold the Power button and Volume Up button.
2. When the power menu appears, press and hold the Power off option.
3. Tap OK when prompted to reboot into Safe Mode.
4. Your phone will restart with “Safe mode” displayed in the bottom-left corner.
5. Test by having someone call you.

If calls work in Safe Mode, a third-party app is the culprit. Boot back to normal mode and uninstall recently installed apps one at a time until you find the problematic one. Common offenders include third-party dialer apps, call recording apps, and VPN apps.

To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your phone normally.

Solution 9: Check for Software Updates

Google regularly releases monthly security patches and feature updates that include modem and telephony fixes. Running an older software version can leave known call-reception bugs unpatched.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System → System update.
3. Tap Check for update.
4. If an update is available, download and install it.
5. Your phone will restart after the update. Test incoming calls.

As of April 2026, the Pixel 6 is running Android 16. Google’s April 2026 update addressed app crashes and restored the missing Backup option for Pixel 6 through Pixel Tablet. Make sure you’re on the latest available build.

Solution 10: Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, a factory reset will erase everything on your phone and return it to its out-of-box state. This eliminates any software configuration issue that could be blocking calls.

Back up your data first:

1. Open Settings → System → Backup.
2. Make sure backup is enabled and run a manual backup to Google.

Perform the factory reset:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System → Reset options.
3. Tap Erase all data (factory reset).
4. Tap Erase all data to confirm.
5. Enter your PIN if prompted.
6. Your phone will restart and begin the setup process.

After setup, test incoming calls before restoring apps and data. If calls work on a clean install but fail again after restoring apps, the issue is with a restored app or configuration.

When to Contact Your Carrier or Google

If a factory reset doesn’t fix the issue, the problem is almost certainly hardware-related (defective modem) or carrier-side. Here’s what to do:

• Contact your carrier to check for account-level call blocks, network outages in your area, or provisioning issues with your SIM. Carrier support numbers: T-Mobile (1-800-937-8997), Verizon (1-800-922-0204), AT&T (1-800-331-0500), Google Fi (1-844-825-5234).
• Contact Google Support if you suspect a hardware defect. The Pixel 6 launched in October 2021, so most units are outside the standard 1-year warranty. However, if you purchased through the Google Store, check your order history for any extended coverage.
• Visit a uBreakiFix location (Google’s authorized repair partner) for hardware diagnostics. They can test the modem and antenna components. Find a location at uBreakiFix.com.