Carrier support for GrapheneOS on Pixel 4a (5G)

desperatemouselives

I seem to be having problems with carrier compatibility - in an EU country - when using GrapheneOS that I do not have when using the stock OS. Everything works fine when I use the stock OS, I can make and receive calls, and although VoLTE does not appear anywhere in the menu (and therefore probably does not work), everything else seems to be fine. The phone seems to be compatible with the carrier, although it's one of the Japanese models.

When I use the same phone and the same SIM with GrapheneOS, I can initially make and receive calls (after inserting my SIM) , but after a while - in a process that I do not understand - calls become impossible, but SMS messages work fine. Call forwarding does not work. It involves some connection to the carrier each time I open that
menu, and that connection fails on GrapheneOS. People calling me get a busy signal, and I can't initiate call, as it's ended immediately.

What could be causing this? Is there a way to solve this without the involvement of the carrier or at all? Could it be carrier-specific?

other8026

desperatemouselives I haven't seen any mention of others here on the forum with this problem, so maybe it's your phone or your carrier...

First, it's worth mentioning that GrapheneOS uses the same configuration files as the Stock OS to set up carriers. Generally speaking, if the Stock OS works with one carrier, it'll work as well on GrapheneOS.

One thing you can try is resetting your mobile settings. You can first take our your SIM, then reset the settings here: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Mobile Network Settings, reset your phone, then reinsert the SIM. (Taking out the SIM and resetting are probably unnecessary, but this is what I'd do.)

Another thing you can try if you're willing is to use Google's Phone app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.dialer&hl=en&gl=US

desperatemouselives

other8026 I waited a few days with my reply, but can now say that the reset has worked. Everything is fine. Thanks!

IMPORTANT NOTE: It only worked with the SIM card in.

desperatemouselives

I also used to think that if stock works, Graphene should work fine too... I find it baffling. My guess would be that the carrier wants to fingerprint the OS in some way (e.g. to activate services... no matter how invasive this is), and somehow fails.

As I said, the phone seems to be compatible, I have made lengthy calls with it and received calls using the stock OS, call forwarding works too. Everything seems to work.

I'll try the resetting, thanks for the tip.

I have actually tried the stock Phone app, and the same thing happened. It occurred to me that I could perhaps try using Google servers instead of the Graphene ones (in the network settings), but I have a hunch that's not what's wrong.

Does it make any difference if I flash Graphene with the SIM card in vs out? Btw, the SIM card is not a very recent one, and it's running out of storage space (which has not been an issue so far).

Skyway

desperatemouselives try resetting network as stated . it doesn't matter if Sim is in when flashing . please note pixel 4a is EOL and not supported by grapheneos

desperatemouselives

Skyway Thanks! We are talking about bramble, Pixel 4a (5G), which is not the same as 4a - the latter is already listed as EOL, mine is about to be. It should not influence functionality though. It is a refurbished device (clearly) that was relatively cheap, and only intended to test whether Graphene even works for me. It is actually still better than the stock OS on the phone I've been using up to now, and I'm really fed up with bloatware and the usual security issues on stock Android and Apple OS. . I also have my misgivings about later Pixel models, and I like the jack (will not use Bluetooth headphones).

Blastoidea

desperatemouselives
I share your feelings.

I’ll have a hard decision when I buy a P8, and have to choose between GOS and Google Photography.

Mutual exclusivity is sometimes hard.

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Blastoidea I’ll have a hard decision when I buy a P8, and have to choose between GOS and Google Photography

Can't you install Google Camera on GrapheneOS?

desperatemouselives

Blastoidea The GOS camera app works fine for me, so I can't comment. I don't really use it much anyway. The stock camera app should work fine, if the GOS is not good enough for you.

What I meant about later models is the Tensor chip. Not sure what the current opinion is, but I remember reading that it is a concern if you want the best possible privacy. I will also probably never buy a brand new Pixel as long as used ones in great condition are available at such good prices. It is also a lot more sustainable (environmentally) to buy second-hand phones.

Blastoidea

[deleted]

I thought not, but the honest answer is “I don’t know”.

Skyway

Blastoidea I use google camera with grapheneos .

Blastoidea

Skyway
Thanks, that’s good to know.