Calls and messages that fail on the Pixel 9 follow Google's mobile connectivity page. First the settings: Airplane mode off, Do Not Disturb off, and the right SIM set for calls and messages under Network and internet, SIMs, since the Pixel 9 takes a nano-SIM and an eSIM. Then the network: toggle Airplane mode, restart, and check that Mobile data is on. For voice, Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE should be on in the Phone app's settings if your carrier supports them. For messages, open Google Messages, check RCS chats show Connected, and clear its cache. If calls fail after an update, reset Wi-Fi, mobile and Bluetooth settings. If one person cannot reach you, check Blocked numbers and Call screen settings in the Phone app.
A line that works on another phone but not on the Pixel suggests the eSIM or SIM profile; ask the carrier to refresh it. If the other person cannot hear you, see the microphone causes, including Bluetooth. The Pixel 9 offers Call Screen and Hold for Me features that can answer or filter calls, so a call that never rings may have been screened, and Phone, Call history, Blocked or Spam folders show it. Check these before looking at the network. If the voicemail icon shows but no messages are available, the visual voicemail service may need to be re-registered with the carrier, which a restart of the phone and a call to the voicemail number sometimes triggers.
Check in the Phone app, Voicemail, that your carrier's service is selected and active.
Differential
Likely causes of “Google Pixel 9 cannot make calls or send messages”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The wrong SIM or eSIM selected
What separates it Calls or texts use another number
How to confirm SIMs settings: set the preferred SIM
- 2
Airplane mode or Do Not Disturb
What separates it Calls do not ring
How to confirm Turn them off
- 3
An RCS or app state
What separates it Messages stay pending
How to confirm Messages, RCS chats: toggle and wait for Connected
- 4
Wi-Fi calling or VoLTE off
What separates it Calls fail indoors
How to confirm Turn them on in Phone settings
- 5
A SIM profile problem
What separates it No service on this phone only
How to confirm Ask the carrier to refresh the line
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether calls or texts fail
- The SIM in use
- The RCS status
- Whether it fails on Wi-Fi or mobile data
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedTurn off Airplane mode and Do Not Disturb
ReversibleIn quick settings.
Check the SIM selection
ReversibleSettings, Network and internet, SIMs.
Check RCS
ReversibleIn Google Messages.
Turn on Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE
ReversibleIn Phone settings.
Restart the phone
ReversibleTo re-register.
Reset network settings
ReversibleIf it persists.
Check Call Screen and spam filters
ReversibleIn the Phone app, look at Caller ID and spam settings and the Screened calls history.
Check the voicemail
ReversibleA call that never rings may have gone straight to voicemail.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Two lines
- The SIMs menu controls which number is used.
- RCS
- Stuck RCS is the commonest cause of pending messages.
- Call Screen
- The phone can screen calls automatically.
- Voicemail
- Missed calls may appear there.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If No service persists after a restart and a SIM check, contact the carrier
- !If the other person cannot hear you, see the microphone page
- !If a new SIM fails, contact Google
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why can't I send texts on my Pixel 9?+
The wrong SIM or an RCS state.
Does the Pixel 9 have an eSIM?+
Yes, with a nano-SIM.
Why do calls fail indoors?+
Wi-Fi calling or VoLTE may be off.
Will a reset delete data?+
No.
Why did my phone not ring?+
A screen or filter may have handled it.
Where are screened calls?+
In the Phone app's history.