Calls and messages that fail on a Pixel 8a share causes with the cellular page, but the first checks are about settings. Make sure Airplane mode and Do Not Disturb are off, and that the phone is not set to silence unknown callers or block the number. If messages fail, check that the right SIM is chosen for calls and texts in Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, because a phone with a SIM and an eSIM can default to the wrong line. For RCS chat features, open Google Messages, Settings, RCS chats, and check that the status is Connected; turning it off and on, or clearing the Messages app's cache, often cures stuck messages.
If a call drops right after connecting, a weak network or Wi-Fi calling may be involved, so toggle Wi-Fi calling in Settings, Network and internet, Calls. Restarting and updating Google Messages complete the list. If calls to one contact fail while others work, check whether that number is blocked in Phone, Settings, Blocked numbers and whether Call screen or Filter spam is stopping calls from unknown numbers. Check that Verified calls and Caller ID and spam settings are not hiding a call you expect, and that the phone number has no call-forwarding setting turned on by mistake.
Differential
Likely causes of “Google Pixel 8a cannot make calls or send messages”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Airplane mode or Do Not Disturb
What separates it Calls do not ring and texts do not alert
How to confirm Turn them off in quick settings
- 2
The wrong SIM line
What separates it Texts or calls use the wrong number
How to confirm Set the preferred SIM in SIMs settings
- 3
A stuck RCS chat connection
What separates it Messages stay pending
How to confirm Google Messages, Settings, RCS chats, toggle off and on
- 4
Wi-Fi calling issues
What separates it Calls drop on Wi-Fi
How to confirm Toggle Wi-Fi calling
- 5
A network or carrier fault
What separates it No service
How to confirm Contact the carrier
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether calls or messages fail
- The SIM line in use
- The RCS status in Messages
- Whether Wi-Fi calling is on
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedCheck the quick settings
ReversibleTurn Airplane mode and Do Not Disturb off.
Choose the right SIM
ReversibleSettings, Network and internet, SIMs, set the line for calls and texts.
Check RCS in Messages
ReversibleOpen Messages, profile, Messages settings, RCS chats.
Clear the Messages cache
ReversibleSettings, Apps, Messages, Storage and cache, Clear cache.
Toggle Wi-Fi calling
ReversibleSettings, Network and internet, Calls, Wi-Fi calling.
Restart the phone
ReversibleHold power and volume up.
Check blocked numbers and spam filters
ReversibleOpen Phone, Settings, Blocked numbers and Caller ID and spam, and see whether a number is being filtered.
Check call forwarding
ReversibleIn Phone, Settings, Calls, Call forwarding, make sure nothing is forwarded by mistake.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Two lines
- A phone with a SIM and an eSIM can send from the wrong number.
- RCS
- Stuck RCS is the commonest reason messages stay pending.
- Spam filters
- Spam filtering can silence unknown callers, which looks like missed calls.
- Visual voicemail
- A voicemail that does not appear may need the carrier's voicemail service set up.
- Forwarding
- A forgotten forward sends calls elsewhere.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If calls fail on cellular and Wi-Fi after the checks, contact the carrier
- !If the app crashes, update it
- !If no network is found, book service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why don't my texts send on my Pixel 8a?+
The wrong SIM, an RCS issue or no signal.
What is RCS?+
Chat features in Google Messages.
Why do calls drop?+
A weak network or Wi-Fi calling.
Will clearing cache delete messages?+
No, but clearing data might.
Why do I miss calls with no ring?+
Do Not Disturb, a spam filter or a poor signal.
Why do my group texts fail?+
MMS settings or RCS; check Messages settings.
Could call forwarding explain missed calls?+
Yes, if it is on.