VoLTE Implementation For Google Pixel 3a/3a XL

atarilinux

I found something interesting on a super-partition. Maybe this can help with getting the super partition issue for the Google Pixel 3a resolved? I'd need someone more technical in this realm to weigh in.

https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-universal-guide-for-making-your-partitions-inside-super-read-writable-again.4483933/

atarilinux

@Futura @Eric-H

Do you still want to try this? If so, I can kick off Step 2 on GitHub. From my notes, this is what you stated last.

Lineage 19.1
Android 12.1 (September build)
Side load via TWRP, Do not use fastboot

Based on the Q&A Call, I don't know if this is something you still want to try out because of the retro-fitted Super Partition issue and that the installation process is a bit unclear. Based on my reading, I'm assuming this is probably not an issue just to Ubuntu Touch or the Google Pixel 3a, but I could be wrong. I'm assuming this part has already been figured out somewhere and that we would just need to apply a similar fix to the Ubuntu Touch port.

Futura

@atarilinux
After attempting to use LineageOS to connect to my cell network and test VOLTE, I found that my device would not even get cell service at all. MVNO reselling att.
I think even if I got that to boot, it would still not activate on my carrier.

Futura

said in VoLTE Implementation For Google Pixel 3a/3a XL:

@atarilinux
After attempting to use LineageOS to connect to my cell network and test VOLTE, I found that my device would not even get cell service at all. MVNO reselling att.
I think even if I got that to boot, it would still not activate on my carrier.

I might be mistaken here and thinking about my old old P2 XL, I did a LOT of device flip/flopping over the last month or two. My 3a XL was supposedly refurbished and was having battery issues so I sent back to the seller. I have been focusing time and finances into the Fairphone 5 since.

atarilinux

@Futura

If it doesn't work with Lineage OS, I think one of the following is probably happening:

The VoLTE patch for the Google Pixel 3a might not be in the Android image.
Lineage OS might not be picking it up.
Lineage OS supports VoLTE, but not VoLTE roaming. I read somewhere that the VoLTE patch only allows VoLTE roaming on the Google Pixel 3a.
The roaming setting might not be turned on in the Lineage OS settings.
The carrier doesn't support VoLTE roaming.
The carrier dropped support for the Google Pixel 3a.

I completely understand on the device switching and focusing on the Fairphone 5. No issues or worries there! I'm also on the market for a new phone as I'm certain this device is on borrowed time. I'm still looking to get a Fairphone 5 if I can. However, any progress made on the Google Pixel 3a would be good I think as it seems a number of users were using this phone in the US. So, until I can get a new phone, I'm going to be seeing what I can do with this one. Enjoy the Fairphone 5! I heard it is great with Ubuntu Touch on it!

atarilinux

Just checking in to see if anyone is willing to help test to see if we can get VoLTE to work on the Google Pixel 3a with any version of Lineage OS. This will help determine if VoLTE is even remotely possible for the Google Pixel 3a. We will need to look at several carriers. If you try this out, please list the following:

Android Version (We currently think the VoLTE patch is in Android 12.1.)
Lineage OS Version
Phone Version (sargo or bonito)
Phone Carrier
Country

If Lineage OS can detect VoLTE, this can give some hope that we may be able to get VoLTE working in the Google Pixel 3a for Ubuntu Touch.

atarilinux

Some more info on the VoLTE Patch. It looks like it only supports Verizon and Unlocked Google Pixel 3a models in the US. Not sure about international models. Similarly, the patch only enables VoLTE Roaming which has to be allowed by the carrier. The patch was available as an OTA update to Android 12 on June 2022.

https://www.xda-developers.com/google-pixel-3a-june-2022-update/

Additional information on installing and testing the Google Pixel 3a with Android 12 to see if your carrier supports VoLTE Roaming.

https://www.androidinfotech.com/37846-install-google-pixel-3-xl-volte-roaming-support-update/

If VoLTE works for you with Android 12, then we know we can move forward with seeing if we can get this incorporated into Ubuntu Touch. If this does not work for anyone, then we will need to switch to a different device if we want VoLTE. It has already been confirmed that not all carriers support this update. Even though VoLTE roaming is enabled on the phone with the Android update, the carrier will drop the calls down to 2G, even with the Android 12 VoLTE patch. It is important to ensure both the phone and the carrier is supported with VoLTE Roaming capabilities for the Pixel 3a. Even if we get everything to work, we will probably be looking at a much smaller population than all Google Pixel 3a/3a XL Ubuntu Touch users getting VoLTE because of this nuance.

ElliotLurie

I'm willing to help test. I have Verizon, live in the USA, and have VoLTE working on the latest version of LineageOS for MicroG. How can I help?

Also, can I get some elaboration on the super partition problem? It doesn't seem to be an issue for Postmarketos on a mainline kernel.

ElliotLurie

After forking and building myself, I assume these lines have something to do with it?

cp: cannot stat 'partitions/*': No such file or directory
System image: Applying update: halium_halium_arm64.tar.xz
cp: cannot stat 'partitions/*': No such file or directory
System image: Applying update: device_sargo.tar.xz
System image: Applying update: version.tar.xz
cp: cannot stat 'partitions/*': No such file or directory
losetup: /dev/loop0: detach failed: No such device or address

Can these be fixed by tinkering with the build script or the kernel?

mr_growl

@atarilinux I've been using a pixel 3a with volte for several months on lineage with no problems.

Android version: 15
LineageOS version: 22.2-20250607-NIGHTLY-sargo
Phone Version: Sargo
Phone Carrier: Amaysim (Optus)
Country: Australia