Google Pixel 5 - VoLTE and 5G

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Google Pixel 5 - VoLTE and 5G

Linkzor

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#280371 10-Dec-2020 21:16

I have a Pixel 5 international version (GTT9Q) purchased from JB Hifi in Aussie, running Android 11 with the December 2020 security update. I am on the $39.99 Spark Endless Mobile Plan.

I cannot get VoLTE and 5G working

I rang up 0800 SPARK 5G for assistance and the rep mentioned I needed to get VoLTE working first before I can use 5G.

Various threads mention that for Pixel devices there should be a toggle switch to enable VoLTE under Settings -> Network and Internet -> Mobile Network -> Advanced however I do not see one.

Another issue I have noticed is that it switches to 3/3.5G whenever I am on a phone call and then switches back to 4G when the call is ended.

Anyone else on Pixel devices having similar issues? Any help would be appreciated.

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#2619704 10-Dec-2020 21:20

The switching to 3G for voice is the same issue (no VoLTE, i.e 4G voice).

gajan

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#2619750 10-Dec-2020 21:27

Unfortunately we don’t officially support that device, and hence google hasn’t enabled it (it won’t be tested etc)...

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Linux

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#2619760 10-Dec-2020 21:49

@Linkzor No carrier is going to support you with a imported handset

The handset flicking between 3G and 4G is 100% normal

MaxineN

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#2619764 10-Dec-2020 22:01

Welcome to the various wonders of importing a phone. As per Linux's comments you're not going to get it working unless you want to mess with modem profiles, run a very unsupported setup, potentially void warranty, brick your device or cause the creation of weapons of mass destruction.

Ramblings from a mysterious lady who's into tech. Warning I may often create zingers.

sbiddle

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#2619800 11-Dec-2020 07:07

If it's not clear from the other posts a phone switching to 3G during a voice call is perfectly normal and how every device has worked since the launch of 4G4G do. es not have it's own native circuit switch voice solution and relies on 2G/3G circuit switch for voice in a non VoLTE environment.

Hibino

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#2620153 11-Dec-2020 15:03

I don't think you need VoLTE in order to enable 5G. My imported handset failed to enable VoLTE(need manufacture update settings for each service provider etc) but still getting 5G from Spark without any problem. All I did is ask Spark to enable 5G on my plan(same as your one)

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gajan

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#2620215 11-Dec-2020 17:18

Hibino:

I don't think you need VoLTE in order to enable 5G. My imported handset failed to enable VoLTE(need manufacture update settings for each service provider etc) but still getting 5G from Spark without any problem. All I did is ask Spark to enable 5G on my plan(same as your one)

In this scenario we cannot alway guarantee that all services and functions will work, so YMMV.

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hio77

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#2620239 11-Dec-2020 17:26

gajan: Unfortunately we don’t officially support that device, and hence google hasn’t enabled it (it won’t be tested etc)...

need more device testers!

I'm still waiting for more than 2CA on my mate 20 ;)

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MaxineN

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#2620240 11-Dec-2020 17:34

I'm always up for testing obscure devices.

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techwizard

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#2622638 16-Dec-2020 11:56

I’ve been having the same problem with my US Pixel 5 on an endless plan.

It supports the N78 band, the guy at the Spark store activated it for me.

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techwizard

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#2622961 16-Dec-2020 17:36

When will Spark start supporting this device? Will it forever be stuck on 4G

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#2622962 16-Dec-2020 17:37

There could be a chance that Vodafone supports the Pixel 5 for their 5G network.

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Linux

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#2622964 16-Dec-2020 17:48

techwizard: When will Spark start supporting this device? Will it forever be stuck on 4G

Probably never

Linkzor

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#2623005 16-Dec-2020 19:41

techwizard: I’ve been having the same problem with my US Pixel 5 on an endless plan.

It supports the N78 band, the guy at the Spark store activated it for me.

What did the guy at the Spark store activate for you? 5G or VoLTE?

Linkzor

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#2623011 16-Dec-2020 19:57

Linux:

@Linkzor No carrier is going to support you with a imported handset

Spark's website seem to hint that they would offer some level of phone and in store support with regards to connecting a non Spark sourced device onto their 5G network. Based on the information that they have provided regarding frequency bands, my Pixel 5 shouldn't have any issues on their 5G network. No mention whether VoLTE is required to access 5G or whether I was being given wrong info by the rep on the phone.

Disappointed with the hands off approach from Spark to be honest. If they do not provide any support whatsoever for non Spark devices then they should make it a lot clearer.

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