Timi is the news and deals reporter for Android Police, who has been reporting on technology since 2008. He has worked in tech retail and also the IT space, providing hardware and software support, which gives him a unique perspective on the tech that he covers. This allows him to effectively break down complex subjects into easy-to-read pieces that even casual readers can enjoy. Before joining Android Police, he was a news writer for XDA, where he eventually transitioned to covering deals. He also worked as an editor and reporter for Neowin, where he covered news and attended major tech events like CES. He also reviewed phones, tablets, PC products, and other devices. In addition, he also created video content for the Neowin YouTube channel.
Sign in to your Android Police account
The Google Pixel line isn't just about the hardware; the software matters just as much to the experience. Before a public release, the beta track lets you see features early. That said, we've received a tip that Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 introduces new diagnostic tools that could help you further troubleshoot your phone if you run into certain issues.
We can never argue with more
Google has offered troubleshooting tools on Android for Pixel phones for years, but it's slowly expanded the settings to cover a wider range of scenarios. If you're running Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 and the Play Services beta, check the Device Health and Support page to see the new options.
If you look closely, you should see new options, including "Call diagnostics, Wi-Fi diagnostics, and Mobile data diagnostics." We haven't had a chance to dive in and test every section. But it's not hard to imagine how these can be helpful.
Better than nothing
While I've rarely had issues with calls and connectivity, it's good to have tools that can troubleshoot the problem. You never know; maybe a simple setting could be the problem, or there's a full-blown hardware issue. These tools could help you with those necessary first steps.
They can even guide you on which service route to take. And they can help you decide whether it's worth fixing or whether you want to take the next step and find professional help. If you like to tinker, that's also an option, especially with the Pixel.
Google provides access to official parts, allowing ambitious folks to repair their devices on their own. It won't be for everyone, but it's an option.
By any means
When you're working with larger devices with swappable parts, you can do a lot of troubleshooting on your own. However, with a device like a phone or tablet, you'll rarely get the opportunity to open it up to see what's going on inside.
That's where software tools like Google's Device Health and Support page come into play, offering specific tools that can help you narrow down the root cause. It might not always fix it, but it can at least provide a good idea of what's going on.
Not quite yet
As stated above, you can access these tools, but you will need to be in the Android Beta Program. More precisely, you'll need to update your device to Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1.
This is available for all compatible Pixel phones like the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, and newer. If you own a Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, those devices have lost support and are no longer eligible for the Android 17 QPR3 Beta.
Thanks, Armando