Pixel 2 NFC Ticking Sound

[Cherenkov]

*Mods please delete if there's already a thread for this that I didn't find*

So there appears to be an issue with the Pixel 2 (not the XL) wherein if NFC is on, you can hear a faint ticking sound. It sounds like a watch ticking, but not quite on time, most audible near the top speaker. Turn off NFC and it goes away.

Google recommends contacting them for an RMA if your phone is doing this.

I called them for this. We went into Safe Mode, back into regular, tried some other things. Ticking noise persisted.

Tried a factory reset, noise persisted.

They finally gave me an RMA. They're doing an advanced replacement, so sending a new and then I send the "old" one back. They say I'm getting a new phone because the phones are so new, but in future it'd more likely be a refurb. It takes about 2 business days for the RMA to process (they send you a link to follow through to 'order' the RMA), then another 1-2 days for delivery. The advanced replacement requires a hold for the value of the phone until the receive the old phone back.

Will update if the replacement phone has the same issue.

 

[jlp0209]

I have the same issue. Man, there are so many little issues with this phone (Pixel 2 non-XL) that when combined will probably prevent me from keeping it.

 

[gnahc79]

there's a thread on XDA about this as well. Some users have the issue, some do not (I don't).

 

[Cherenkov]

I don't really use NFC so I don't care too much, but for a $800 phone I'd prefer that it work without issues. Maybe in a year I'll want to start using NFC?

Engadget wrote an article about this, which is how I found out it was even an issue.

 

[cbreze]

My pixel is coming in a couple of weeks. Is the issue only when NFC is enabled? I don't use NFC, but agree this should not be an issue. OK so read the engadget article and it's the clicking not the high pitch whine related to NFC being enabled. Crap, lotsa sh!t showing up with this phone(pixel2), Was so looking forward to it. Starting to fence sit now the more I hear.

 

[Cherenkov]

Yes, if you disable NFC the ticking sound stops. Even while it's on it's not too too loud, you'll hear it if the phone is near your ear. It's more of a concern as to why it is ticking. If there is some physical or electrical fault that could lead to further damage.

 

[CarbonOak]

Thanks for the info as it's the first time I've heard of this. I just checked mine and I have no issue.

 

[cbreze]

I wish we knew what percentage of these have the problem

 

[cyndie1030]

Does anyone know if you have to have NFC enabled to use Android Pay at stores?

 

[openwheelracing]

I don't here this ticking noise. Do I have to be in a totally quiet room to hear it?

 

[Large Hadron]

I don't here this ticking noise. Do I have to be in a totally quiet room to hear it?

That depends on how good your hearing is.
Or your phone may simply not do it.

 

[Large Hadron]

Does anyone know if you have to have NFC enabled to use Android Pay at stores?

Yes, Android Pay requires NFC.

 

[openwheelracing]

That depends on how good your hearing is.
Or your phone may simply not do it.

I will respond back later after the World Series. Before.bed time I will listen for this clicking sound.

 

[DJM626]

I wish we knew what percentage of these have the problem

Someone will come along and say it's "isolated" as they always do, even if it effects a thousand or more units, or that it's a non issue or user error or some damn excuse just because they don't want to put the blame on Google to make them look bad

 

[nitro2k1]

I had this issue and just exchanged my Pixel 2 for a new one. I have the same clicking on the new one.

 

[mattsican]

yeah I don't usually use NFC but I turned it on to check and you can hear a soft ticking sound if you put it up to your ear. turned NFC off and it went away.

 

[Cherenkov]

I had this issue and just exchanged my Pixel 2 for a new one. I have the same clicking on the new one.

That's why I had them send an advanced replacement. This way I can compare both side by side. If they both have issues, they're both going back since I'm still within the return window for my original Pixel 2.

 

[jlp0209]

Printed out my RMA label but will sit on it for a bit to see if Google issues a fix. The RMA email says I have 14 days to send the phone in from the date of email and not a week ago when the phone was delivered. So I think this will give me an extra week to sit on it. I had an iPhone 8+ with this same clicking noise and it ended up being software, fingers crossed. The fact that people are getting replacements that still have clicking may be a good sign / just a bug? I'm reaching here I know, lol. I really like the Pixel 2 and want to keep it.

 

[cbreze]

Sounds like with this and some other issues I’m wondering if the refurbished will start coming out. Is there a point where you’re just about guaranteed a refurb over a new one. Like after the 2 week return option? Just wondering.

 

[Gurds]

I don't have this issue