Google turns on VoLTE for Pixel 11 in unsupported markets, older devices excluded

The change was first reported by an X user posting as akes29, who said their Pixel 11 Pro running the latest Android 17 beta now supports VoLTE and 5G in unsupported markets. The user pointed to files in the Pixel 11 series firmware that reference a large number of carriers and markets. An Android Authority contributor, AssembleDebug, confirmed from that firmware that VoLTE is enabled for China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom and CSL in Hong Kong.

The step follows an announcement by the GSMA and Google at a streamed GSMA event last month that they would work together on global VoLTE connectivity. The two organizations said at the time that Google would use the GSMA's Network Settings Exchange to enable VoLTE broadly, starting with the Pixel 11 phones.

The NSX is a hub where carriers upload their settings for VoLTE and other connectivity features, giving device makers a single place to obtain those settings and provision phones. Google described it as more streamlined than the conventional route, in which phone makers negotiate separately with each carrier and run extensive testing on each network, consuming resources and time.

Even with the NSX, VoLTE is off by default on a Pixel connected to an unsupported carrier that has supplied its configuration data to the hub, and owners have to turn the feature on in the settings menu. Google said it will monitor VoLTE network quality and switch the feature on by default for some carriers through future software updates.

Older devices will not get the same treatment for now. A Google slide presented at the event limits NSX use, and therefore VoLTE support in unsupported markets, to the Pixel 11 series and newer, and states that there are no plans to extend the feature to older phones and smartwatches through a software update.

Google employee Taesoon Park left the door open somewhat. "But if NSX works better than our expectations, then we will consider to apply NSX for old devices like Pixel 10 and Pixel 10a," he said. "But currently, we don't have a plan to apply NSX on wearable devices."

The arrangement does not amount to full official carrier support. Pixel use of NSX settings produces only what Google called "minimum" connectivity, covering VoLTE and emergency calls over LTE. Google said its next steps include updating Wi-Fi Calling and VoNR settings through the NSX while leaving those features functionally disabled. "But if the voice quality meets our threshold, we will also give a chance to enable VoWiFi and VoNR to users through the NSX settings," Park said.

Google said it expects other Android manufacturers to benefit from the work eventually. Samsung enabled VoLTE broadly by default a year earlier, ahead of Google. Android Authority said it has asked Google to confirm the rollout and will update its report when the company responds.