Pixel phones are finally getting widespread VoLTE, but there's still a catch

One of the biggest issues with using a Pixel phone in unsupported markets is that features like VoLTE are often missing. That means you’re missing a key calling feature if you’re using an imported Pixel or traveling overseas. The GSMA previously revealed the Network Settings Exchange (NSX) as a solution last year and told Android Authority it could theoretically work with Google to enable more connectivity features globally. Now, it looks like that day has finally come.

X user akes29 reports that their Pixel 11 Pro running the latest Android 17 beta now supports VoLTE and 5G in unsupported markets. Check out the screenshot below.

The user notes that the Pixel 11 series firmware contains files hinting at plenty of supported carriers and markets. Android Authority contributor AssembleDebug can currently confirm via the Pixel 11 firmware that VoLTE is enabled for China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom, and CSL in Hong Kong.

It turns out that the GSMA and Google announced a partnership for global VoLTE connectivity in a streamed GSMA event last month. The companies revealed at the time that Google would use the NSX to broadly enable VoLTE, starting with the Pixel 11 phones.

The NSX is a hub for carriers to upload their settings for VoLTE and other connectivity features. This, in turn, gives device makers a one-stop shop for accessing these settings and provisioning their phones. This is a far more streamlined approach than the conventional route. Traditionally, smartphone makers had to talk to each carrier and conduct extensive testing on each network. This quickly adds up to lots of resources and time spent.

Google noted during the GSMA event that VoLTE is disabled on Pixels by default if you’re connected to an unsupported carrier that has supplied its configuration data to the NSX. Instead, Pixel owners will have to enable the feature in the settings menu. However, Google will monitor VoLTE network quality and enable the feature by default for some carriers as part of future software updates.

Unfortunately, there’s bad news if you want this feature on an older device in the near future. A Google slide reveals that the use of NSX (and therefore VoLTE support in unsupported markets) applies to the Pixel 11 series and newer. It specifically notes that there are no plans to bring this feature to older phones and smartwatches via a software update.

However, Google employee Taesoon Park didn’t rule out VoLTE on older devices at some point:

But if NSX works better than our expectations, then we will consider to apply (sic) NSX for old devices like Pixel 10 and Pixel 10a. But currently, we don’t have a plan to apply NSX on wearable devices.

It’s also worth noting that this approach isn’t a full replacement for official carrier support. The Pixel’s use of NSX settings only results in “minimum” connectivity, including VoLTE and emergency calls over LTE. However, Google explained that its next steps include updating Wi-Fi Calling and VoNR settings via NSX while leaving these features “functionally” disabled.

“But if the voice quality meets our threshold, we will also give a chance (sic) to enable VoWiFi and VoNR to users through the NSX settings,” Park explains. So it sounds like the groundwork is being laid for greatly expanded connectivity in unsupported markets.

Google also says that it eventually sees other Android OEMs benefitting from this work. Of course, it’s worth noting that Samsung actually beat Google to the punch a year ago by broadly enabling VoLTE by default. Nevertheless, we’re glad that Google is finally addressing a major problem with using a Pixel phone in unsupported markets. This is great news for Pixel owners who frequently travel overseas or for people who imported their Pixel.

We’ve asked Google for confirmation about the rollout and will update our article as soon as the company gets back to us with an answer.