The Pixel 4a launched in 2020 with a physical SIM and Wi-Fi calling, and calls or messages that fail on it are usually down to a network mode, the carrier's settings or a SIM that needs reseating, because the phone is old enough that carriers have changed their networks since. Start by restarting the phone and switching Airplane mode on and off. Open Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, and check that your line is on, that Calls and SMS use it and that Preferred network type is set to the automatic LTE or 5G mode,
The checks in more detail
since the Pixel 4a is a 4G phone and a mismatch can drop service. Make sure Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE are on in the SIM settings, because carriers that shut down 3G need VoLTE for calls to connect. For messages, the Messages app uses RCS chat where the carrier supports it, and an iMessage registration left over from an iPhone stops texts reaching you, so turn it off for the number. Clear the Messages cache from Settings, Apps.
If group texts fail, check the group settings and MMS. If the phone says it has no service, remove the SIM and look at it: a SIM that is dirty or cracked, or one that has been replaced by an eSIM transfer, will not work. Try the SIM in another phone, or another SIM in the 4a, to learn where the fault lies. The 4a received its last software update in 2023, so no new fixes are coming;
if calls drop because the carrier's current network needs something the phone lacks, only a newer phone helps, though most carriers still support it. Reset network settings through Settings, System, Reset options, Reset Wi-Fi, mobile and Bluetooth, which clears saved networks and pairings. Ask the carrier to refresh the line and to check the IMEI for blocks. If the phone never finds a network with a good SIM, the radio may have failed. Because this phone is old, back up to Google One or your computer and keep your data safe while testing.
Differential
Likely causes of “Google Pixel 4a cannot make calls or send messages”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A network mode that does not suit the carrier
What separates it Calls drop or no service
How to confirm Choose the automatic LTE or 5G mode
- 2
VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling off
What separates it Calls fail
How to confirm Turn them on in SIM settings
- 3
iMessage still registered
What separates it Texts from iPhones do not arrive
How to confirm Turn off iMessage for the number
- 4
A loose or damaged SIM
What separates it No service
How to confirm Reseat it and test in another phone
- 5
End of software support
What separates it Carrier changes break old features
How to confirm Contact the carrier or replace the phone
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether calls, texts or both fail
- The network type setting
- Whether VoLTE is on
- Whether the SIM works elsewhere
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedRestart and toggle Airplane mode
ReversibleFirst.
Check the SIM settings
ReversibleNetwork type, VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling.
Turn off iMessage
ReversibleIf you left an iPhone.
Reseat the SIM
ReversibleAnd test it elsewhere.
Reset network settings
ReversibleIn Reset options.
Ask the carrier
ReversibleTo refresh the line.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- 4G phone
- The 4a does not use 5G.
- VoLTE
- Needed where 3G is shut down.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If no network is found with a good SIM, contact the carrier or replace the phone
- !If the IMEI is blocked, contact the carrier
- !Back up before resetting
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why do calls fail on my Pixel 4a?+
The network mode or VoLTE may be wrong.
Does the 4a still get updates?+
No, its last update was in 2023.
Why do iPhone texts not arrive?+
iMessage may hold the number.
Can the carrier help?+
They can refresh the line and check the IMEI.