Pixel 3 doesn't reconnect automatically after dropping mobile network signal

[Android Central Question]

128 GB, factory unlocked Pixel 3.

Several times a day I walk through different places where mobile network is extremely poor or null (elevators, underground floors, underground parking spaces).
As expected, my phone drops mobile network signal ("Emergency Calls Only" message displayed at upper left corner).

However, after I leave these places my Pixel 3 won't reconnect automatically to the mobile network (even though I'm already in a place with full network coverage). Time doesn't seem to be an issue, half an hour can go by and the phone will be stuck in "Emergency Calls Only" mode.

Only after toggling airplane mode or rebooting my phone does it reconnect to the mobile network.

Is there any fix for this? Not sure yet if it's a carrier or a phone issue...

Thanks in advance,
Ricardo

 

[GSDer]

You didn't say which carrier you're with. I'm guessing that's probably a clue.

 

[fwn]

Here in Chicago with excellent Verizon service the handover has been seamless.

 

[mustang7757]

128 GB, factory unlocked Pixel 3.

Several times a day I walk through different places where mobile network is extremely poor or null (elevators, underground floors, underground parking spaces).
As expected, my phone drops mobile network signal ("Emergency Calls Only" message displayed at upper left corner).

However, after I leave these places my Pixel 3 won't reconnect automatically to the mobile network (even though I'm already in a place with full network coverage). Time doesn't seem to be an issue, half an hour can go by and the phone will be stuck in "Emergency Calls Only" mode.

Only after toggling airplane mode or rebooting my phone does it reconnect to the mobile network.

Is there any fix for this? Not sure yet if it's a carrier or a phone issue...

Thanks in advance,
Ricardo

Sounds like a carrier issue, which carrier you on ?

 

[brosko]

128 GB, factory unlocked Pixel 3.

Several times a day I walk through different places where mobile network is extremely poor or null (elevators, underground floors, underground parking spaces).
As expected, my phone drops mobile network signal ("Emergency Calls Only" message displayed at upper left corner).

However, after I leave these places my Pixel 3 won't reconnect automatically to the mobile network (even though I'm already in a place with full network coverage). Time doesn't seem to be an issue, half an hour can go by and the phone will be stuck in "Emergency Calls Only" mode.

Only after toggling airplane mode or rebooting my phone does it reconnect to the mobile network.

Is there any fix for this? Not sure yet if it's a carrier or a phone issue...

Thanks in advance,
Ricardo

Mine does the same thing and always has. There are times that it will.conmect but I'd say maybe only 10% or less of the times.

 

[brosko]

Sounds like a carrier issue, which carrier you on ?

It doesn't seem like it. My pixel 1 (same exact SIM card, just switched it over to p3) never did that. Also my Nexus 5 doesn't nor does my wife's or son's phones. All on At&t on the same plan. This phone has a little more trouble reconnecting it seems.

 

[mustang7757]

It doesn't seem like it. My pixel 1 (same exact SIM card, just switched it over to p3) never did that. Also my Nexus 5 doesn't nor does my wife's or son's phones. All on At&t on the same plan. This phone has a little more trouble reconnecting it seems.

If it shows emergency instead the carrier sign that's most likely a carrier problem

 

[brosko]

If it shows emergency instead the carrier sign that's most likely a carrier problem

Only the pixel 3 does it out of 8 or so phones we have or have had on the same network. So I guess something in the network isn't playing nice with the p3 if it is network related?

 

[mustang7757]

Only the pixel 3 does it out of 8 or so phones we have or have had on the same network. So I guess something in the network isn't playing nice with the p3 if it is network related?

Interesting, my pixel 3xl never ran into that issue using Tmobile or Att , network would come from the carrier as it's not wifi having the issue . Which carrier you use?

 

[brosko]

Interesting, my pixel 3xl never ran into that issue using Tmobile or Att , network would come from the carrier as it's not wifi having the issue . Which carrier you use?

AT&T

 

[mustang7757]

AT&T

So you seen this in areas that had good coverage?

 

[brosko]

So you seen this in areas that had good coverage?

No It's only when the phone loses reception completely and the bars go hollow to emergency calls only. Like for example going through a tunnel. There's no reception for a minute or so. Every other phone reconnects within 10 seconds or so after exiting the tunnel, but the p3 will just stay stuck with the hollow bars and emergency calls only until you do something to make it "wake up" , like toggle airplane mode or try to make a call (after a few failed attempts saying mobile network not available) it will re connect. Otherwise it will stay without network connection for who knows how long.

 

[brosko]

It's like it's not scanning frequently enough for the mobile network whereas other phones are, thus needlessly being without reception.

 

[brosko]

Not a big deal to me as I almost never completely lose reception (maybe 2-4 times a year), just something I have noticed when it does happen.

 

[mustang7757]

Not a big deal to me as I almost never completely lose reception (maybe 2-4 times a year), just something I have noticed when it does happen.

Gotcha..

 

[brosko]

I just really noticed it these past 2 months and had a chance to test my theory when I had to go to NYC 2 times and go through the tunnel on the train. Both times only the p3 won't reconnect on its own until coaxed to do so.

 

[mustang7757]

I just really noticed it these past 2 months and had a chance to test my theory when I had to go to NYC 2 times and go through the tunnel on the train. Both times only the p3 won't reconnect on its own until coaxed to do so.

Yeah the tunnel their you lose reception briefly

 

[Almeuit]

I think AT&T customers have been having issues with it.

 

[puch96]

Hmm.. Sprint customers are having issues that when the phone drops to 3G, it won't automatically reconnect to LTE. Until airplane toggle, or reset. Mine included.....