Connect to mobile networks on a Pixel phone

You can adjust how your phone uses data by changing your mobile network settings.

Depending on your carrier and service plan, your phone may connect automatically to your carrier’s fastest available data network. Or you may need to add a SIM or pick settings for a specific carrier.

Pixel 4a (5G) and later phones work with 5G service. Learn about 5G on your Pixel phone with our step-by-step tutorial. Learn about 5G on your Pixel Fold with our step-by-step tutorial.

Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 11 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

Change mobile network settings

Open your phone's Settings app.
Tap Network & internet SIMs.
Tap a setting.

Tip: To reset all your network settings, in your phone’s Settings app, tap System And then Reset options Reset Mobile Network Settings.

Available mobile network settings

The following options vary by phone and Android version:

Mobile data: Turn mobile data on or off.
Roaming: Let your phone send data over other carriers' networks when you leave an area covered by your carrier’s networks.
App data usage: Learn how to check app usage of your mobile data.
Data warning & limit: Learn how to reduce mobile data use.
Preferred network type: Pick your preferred network type from options, like 5G and LTE. Learn more about 5G on Pixel phones.
Network: Pick your network operator from available networks.
Access point names: Help your carrier find the right IP address for your phone and connect your phone securely.

Multiple SIMs & mobile network settings

If your phone has more than one SIM, to change each SIM's mobile network information, use the tabs at the top of "Mobile network settings."

Learn more about Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) on Pixel phones.

Set default SIM for data, calls, and text messages

Open your Settings app.
Tap Network & internet SIMs your network.
For each network, set your preferences:
- Data: Turn on Mobile data.
  Important: Only one SIM can be the default for data. If you already have one set up, you'll get a notification.
- Calls: Tap Call Preference. Then pick your default carriers, or tap Ask me every time.
- Texts: Tap SMS Preference. Then pick your default carriers, or tap Ask me every time.

Use a different SIM during calls

Calls: If you’re on a call, you can’t get a call through the other SIM at the same time. Calls to the other SIM will go to voicemail.

Data: Most data goes through the default SIM for that use type. Exception: During a phone call, all data goes through the SIM making the call.

To use data during calls on a SIM not normally used for data:

Open your Settings app.
Tap Network & internet SIMs.
Turn on Data during calls.

Fix mobile network connection problems

Connection speed and strength can vary. Factors include your network type, its traffic, and your distance from its antennas.

If you’re in your network’s coverage area, but your connection is bad or you can’t connect, try these steps:

Check errors, settings & updates

If you have an error message about your SIM, contact your carrier.
- If you use 2 SIMs, a SIM error message could say, “Voice unavailable” or “Voice interruptions.” Learn more about dual SIMs.
Make sure Airplane Mode is off.
1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & Internet.
3. Turn off Airplane mode .
Reset your network settings.
1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap System Reset options.
3. Tap Reset Mobile Network Settings.
Check for system updates. Learn how to check for updates.

Confirm that you have the right kind of SIM for your phone and carrier. Learn more about SIM cards and eSIM.

Check slow 5G connectivity

A 5G icon in your status bar shows when your phone is within an area where 5G service is available. It doesn’t mean that your phone is getting 5G service at that time.

Try these steps:

Turn off Battery Saver. Battery Saver turns off 5G. Learn more about Battery Saver.
Some carrier networks offer 5G service in smaller areas than their other services. Check with your carrier for its 5G coverage area.
Different carrier networks can offer different types of 5G. Speeds vary. Check with your carrier for its 5G type and speed.
Signal obstructions, like buildings, walls, and some phone cases can interfere with mobile service, including 5G. Try to avoid or remove obstructions.
When 5G service isn’t available, Pixel phones with 5G fall back to 4G and lower networks. Find your phone’s configuration and capabilities in our tech specs.

Learn more about 5G network types and compatibility.

Confirm 5G compatibility

Important: Pixel phones work with all major carriers. But not all Pixel 4a (5G) and later phones work on all 5G networks. Check with your carrier to make sure your phone works on its 5G network. See a list of certified carriers.

Both your phone model and your carrier network determine the kind of 5G service you need. In the US, some Pixel 4a (5G) phones are made specifically for use with Verizon. Learn which Pixel phone models can work with which kinds of 5G.

Know when you're on 5G | Pixel

Check for system update (Denmark, Norway & Sweden only)

Can't connect Pixel to the 5G network or experiencing connectivity issues

For Pixel 6a, 7, and 7 Pro customers using TDC (Denmark) and ICE (Norway) networks
- To connect your phone to the 5G network, you’ll need the latest system update.
- To install the update:
  - Open Settings System System Update.
  - Pixel 7 and 7 Pro: You’ll be prompted to install the system update during the phone setup.
For Pixel customers using OneCall and MyCall (Norway) networks
- 5G services may not be available on all carrier networks and varies by country.
- 5G service, speed, and performance may depend on operator network capabilities and signal strength. Actual results may vary. Some features are not available in all areas. Data rates may apply. Learn more about 5G on Pixel phones.

Can't make a Wi-Fi call with my Pixel

Wi-Fi calling features vary by country and may not be available on all carrier networks. Call quality and performance depend on many factors. These factors include Wi-Fi network capabilities and signal strength.