[Updated] Pixel 7 & 7 Pro 'No network' or 'No service' (connectivity) issue allegedly a known problem; fix in the works

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on October 18, 2022) follows:

The Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are now available in 17 countries across the world. The new powerful processor was custom-built using Google AI and makes these devices quicker, more efficient, and more reliable.

Now, multiple Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro users are reporting that they are experiencing cellular connectivity issues.

Several users claim that after inserting their SIM card into their Pixel 7 or 7 Pro handsets, they can see network bars and can make phone calls.

However, after a while, the cellular network is no longer available, and they receive ‘No network’ or ‘No service’ notifications on their devices as well as frequent network failures.

Received my Pixel 7 Pro last week and constantly have the network connection dropping to ‘No Service’ with the exclamation mark over the signal icon. There doesn’t seem to be a pattern at all, it’s happened in various locations and situations. I assume this is the dreaded issue I’ve been reading about.
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Everything seems to work great with the phone apart from.. shocker, phone connectivity.. connects to sim network for 2 seconds or so and then drops out for another minute or so, repeat over and over.
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Another reported issue is that users receive a “No SIM” warning after inserting a physical SIM card. Some claim to have tried various providers and SIM cards with the same effect (1,2,3).

Other Pixel 7 users reported encountering the ‘No network’ issue while switching between networks or connecting to a cellular network after leaving a Wi-Fi zone.

My first upgrade since the 4xL, and I’m a little concerned over this. Any time I leave an area with a wifi signal, like leaving my house to go to work, I notice the mobile data doesn’t like to establish a connection on its own. I can usually remedy this by toggling airplane mode for a few seconds, but I don’t think I should have to do that every time I want to reestablish cell data after wifi.
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Troubleshooting methods like using a new SIM, resetting network settings, checking network settings, and fully factory resetting the phones don’t seem to fix this issue.

But as usual, not everyone is affected. According to Android Authority, network connectivity issues should be a thing of the past and not on the Pixel 7 duo. Granted, this article isn’t to discourage new customers from buying them.

Even better is that several users allegedly contacted Google support, who assured them that they are aware of the problem and that a patch is in the works. However, no ETA was provided.

Below is a screenshot of one such instance:

Although Google improved cellular connectivity in general in Pixel 7 and 7 Pro devices, we could be looking at another network connectivity saga similar to the Pixel 6.

That said, we will keep an eye out on the latest developments regarding the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro ‘No network’ or ‘No service’ connectivity issue and update this story as and when anything noteworthy comes up.

14:37 pm (IST): According to reports (1,2,3), there is a possibility that some Pixel devices were shipped with faulty modems.

However, Google is issuing replacements for devices with poor signal, network, or cell reception related issues.

My Pixel 7 Pro was dropping signal on Voxi (Vodafone). I contacted Google and got my replacement yesterday. It’s had absolutely no issues with signal and data speeds.
Would recommend trying to get a replacement.
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06:09 pm (IST): A potential workaround to resolve the ‘No network’ or ‘No service’ is to manually enter your carrier’s APN info.

You can access the APN settings in the following way:

Settings -> Network Internet -> Sims -> select your SIM -> Access point names
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You can find your carrier’s APN data through their website or by contacting their support team.

12:55 pm (IST): One of our readers recommends a workaround that could help to fix or mitigate the problem. Basically, you should turn off the ‘Wi-Fi Calling’ option once you get the ‘No network’ or ‘No service’ message.

Thanks for the tip, Jackie Shiller Groveman!

06:35 pm (IST): Google has released December 2022 update for Pixel 7 devices which includes network connectivity and stability improvements.

So this update should fix the connectivity issues on Pixel 7 devices if they persist to date.

04:52 pm (IST): Responding to a user’s complaint, Google support has allegedly confirmed that this is a known issue and they are working to fix it. However, there’s still no ETA on the same.

02:50 pm (IST): It seems that this issue persists even after January 2023 update as fresh reports (1, 2) are still coming in.

11:23 am (IST): Some users have shared (1, 2) that the Android 13 QPR2 beta 2 update has fixed the signal problem. Hence, those affected can install it and see if it helps.

12:07 pm (IST): A Redditor suggested that they have managed to resolve this issue by turning off ‘Private DNS’ from settings. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet and then Private DNS.
3. If you can’t find it, search for ‘Private DNS’.
4. Pick ‘off’ option.

12:52 pm (IST): According to one of our readers, contacting your carrier to swap the physical SIM for an eSIM could help you fix the ‘dropping network’ issue.

Thanks for the tip, Fabell Guillermo!

08:22 am (IST): Disgruntled users report that connectivity issues persist after the latest February patch (1, 2, 3). However, current connectivity issues for T-Mobile customers is likely due to the ongoing outage.

12:58 pm (IST): The recent outage with T-Mobile appears to have been resolved. And thus, the issue with network connectivity on Pixel 7 devices should now be fixed.

04:34 pm (IST): A recent report claims that the Google Pixel 7 series does not support the latest 5G standards (3GPP Release 17, not even Release 16). Instead, it only supports 3GPP Release 17 (from 2018).

Each new 5G standard release offers stability improvements in network performance. For instance, according to Qualcomm, 3GPP Release 16 offers the following:

‘A plethora of enhancements to the foundational aspects of the 5G system, in terms of coverage, capacity, latency, power, mobility, reliability, ease of deployment, and more’

That said, it seems that support for a more modern 5G standard (3GPP Release 16) will come to the Google Pixel 7 series with the Android 14 update.

So, in theory, the performance and stability when using 5G networks will improve.

01:41 pm (IST): The network issue on Pixel 7 persists even after the March 2023 update as fresh reports (1, 2) continue to pour in.

Note: You can also check out our Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro updates & bugs/issues tracker.

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