VoLTE and Pixel 3a XL

[alexs20]

Hello,

My question is to anyone who already has VoLTE profile enabled and using Pixel 3a XL - does it work?

I know that in official FaQ section of Public Mobile it is not listed as VoLTE compatible,

https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/on/get-help/articles/volte 

but checking my IMEI number on Telus website it is saying - compatible.

https://www.telus.com/en/support/article/how-to-use-volte 

So please report anybody who was able to activate.
In case someone do not know how to check - dial *#*#INFO#*#* and then open Phone Information. You should see VoLTE provisioned toggle in ON (enabled) or OFF (disabled) state...

Thanks.

[filmgoerjuan2]

Just thought I'd update this thread nearly a year later as I had an interaction with Customer Support about this issue as I have a Pixel 3a XL and recently upgraded my subscription from a 3G speed only plan to a 5G Canada/US plan (where VoLTE is required/preferred for US roaming).

We went through a back-and-forth of them updating my account to be VoLTE enabled; however, while my SIM would use VoLTE with a phone from the PM authorized list (iPhone 8 and iPhone XR on iOS 16+), it continued to drop from LTE to 3G when making a voice call on the Pixel 3a XL.

The agent then confirmed:

Our technicians investigated and they didn't find any errors on our end.

They confirmed that your device Pixel 3a XL is not compatible with our Public Mobile VoLTE.

VoLTE for that device is compatible with TELUS and Koodo but not Public Mobile.

I find it highly suspect that PM is not supporting the Pixel 3a XL with VoLTE while Telus and Koodo are fine with it; there doesn't seem to be any logical reason why they would do that, but yet here we are.

If anyone has gotten their Pixel 3a XL working with VoLTE on PM, I'd love to know!

[oldandgrumpy]

My account has VoLTE according to the SMS received as well as confirmation from a CS agent. 

VoLTE does NOT appear as provisioned on my 3a XL.  Phone drops to 3G when making calls.

Interestingly, VoLTE shows as enabled and works as expected when using the 3a XL with a Rogers SIM card.

I have an active ticket with support and am awaiting a solution.

[DennyCrane]

I just tried my sim in an old Pixel 3a and it dropped from LTE to 3G when making a call.

I'm going to upgrade the software to Android 12 after the battery charges up a bit, and then I'll try again.

EDIT: I've updated the software to Android 12, reset the phone, but still it dropped to 3G to make a call. What's interesting is this link states that the Pixel 3a would be updated in June 2022 to allow for VoLTE roaming, but my device says that there are no further updates available beyond May 2022.

https://www.xda-developers.com/june-2022-update-pixel-volte-roaming-carriers/#:~:text=The%20feature%...

[DennyCrane]

I have an old 3a at home (not XL) and i have VoLTE enabled on my line. If you like I can swap the sim when i get home and see if it's working. Won't be until tonight though. 

[wetcoaster]

Also... Depending on your location the difference between 3G and VoLTE might not be as much of a difference that 3G isn't adequate for a few more months.

So you could wait until Public Mobile declares the roll-out as complete. If you don't get VoLTE at that point you could shop for deals on the nex promotions?

[hTideGnow]

HI @alexs20   Yes, other than wait and keep checking, nothing much you can do.  Even you open ticket, they will just read the same help page you found

but if you have a friend with newer phone, test your sim card there.  As long as you confirmed your account is VoLTE, then you can focus on confirming if your Pixel works

[alexs20]

Checked my current firmware and it is SP2A.220505.008 from Sep 2022... so if xda-devs are right then it should support it. Ok, looks like there is no big choices, but only to wait..

[alexs20]

@hTideGnow no, I am not sure, and this is why I am asking. as I know volte is currently activated only for these who joined in Feb 2023. But I am here since Dec 2022... so not sure if it is already active or not. But all phones in my house are old, so no chances to check for sure. 
My main problem is that currently I see some good deals are running on Pixel 6 and if my phone doesn't work with lolte then probably it is time to get new phone. but if my old phone works - then it is just wasting of my money... 🙂 this is why trying to make decision asap , before all these deals are over.

[wetcoaster · Accepted solution]

The list in the help article is not conclusive. It's essentially the phone line up sold by the Telus group There are multiple reports of phones not on the list that work (mine included).

I remember a note recently that Googles latest upgrade to the 3a / 3a XL included VoLTE capability so that it can be used for calls in the US after the 3G shut down. So if you are on the latest update your phone "should" likely work.

It might simply be that your line / account has not migrated to VoLTE just yet.

[will13am]

@alexs20 , according to this information, the 3a xl should work.  However, it does suggest carrier specifics.  I am going to guess that it could be YMMV with this service.  

https://www.xda-developers.com/june-2022-update-pixel-volte-roaming-carriers/

[hTideGnow]

HI @alexs20  some senior CS agent said she asked, confirmed that some phone could work on Telus VoLTE and might not work here  (I think it was for iPhone 6s)

I still think there is a chance it will work eventually.  Right now, they are still setting up, it could work when all are done

And you sure your account is already VoLTE enabled?  did you test your sim in a phone there is certainly VoLTE compatible and on the list?