General Android Question

[wayneP]

We have a Moto G6 that was originally Android 8 and upgraded to Android 9. I know we are a couple versions behind in upgrades.

We use the device as a phone with very few active apps. The cellular data is turned off. We use the phone 99% of the time in our home for phone calls and some weather checks. It is used on Wi-Fi except for the rare occasion when the power is out.

How important is an Android upgrade for us?

 

[Unforgiven]

OK, typed all the below, then remembered that 3G is getting turned off, so your phone needs to support at least VoLTE (Voice over LTE) to make calls in the very near future, and the G6 does not. Short story is that you will probably need to upgrade for that reason, but not because of android.

It probably isn't important at all so long as the apps you use still work. You should install security updates as they become available, but I wouldn't get hysterical about it.

Eventually the battery will fail and you may be forced to replace the phone, many folks say batteries will only last 2- years. I have an original Motorola Droid (circa 2010??) and it will still hold a charge.

 

[puppykickr]

It's not.

In fact, from what I have seen, updates like that generally only bring problems.

If the device is working as you like, leave it alone.

Also, as old as that device is, there are probably no more updates available for it.

 

[puppykickr]

@Unforgiven is correct, the 3G system is scheduled to be axed shortly.

A new device is in order.

If you have wi-fi, you may continue to use the old device on that.

There are calling apps, and everything online will still be available to it, through wi-fi.

I have a number of devices that I use in this way, as wi-fi only mini computers.

One free calling app that I have been using for years is Dingtone.
This allows you to have a real working phone number that works over wi-fi and cellular data.

So you can use it as a primary number on what you have now, as well as a secondary number on whatever you wind up getting- at the same time.

https://dingtone.en.uptodown.com/android

 

[wayneP]

OK, typed all the below, then remembered that 3G is getting turned off, so your phone needs to support at least VoLTE (Voice over LTE) to make calls in the very near future, and the G6 does not. Short story is that you will probably need to upgrade for that reason, but not because of android.

It probably isn't important at all so long as the apps you use still work. You should install security updates as they become available, but I wouldn't get hysterical about it.

Eventually the battery will fail and you may be forced to replace the phone, many folks say batteries will only last 2- years. I have an original Motorola Droid (circa 2010??) and it will still hold a charge.

The phone is on Verizon LTE but I don't know how to check for VOLTE. This phone was originally on Google Fi and is still using Google software.

 

[ocnbrze]

The phone is on Verizon LTE but I don't know how to check for VOLTE. This phone was originally on Google Fi and is still using Google software.

well according to this:https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_g6-9000.php your phone supports 4G LTE which is fine......only 2G/3G is turning off.

 

[kate]

According to this the Moto G6 supports VoLTE on Verizon (assuming you have the US version):
https://community.verizon.com/t5/Br...ied-Unlocked-Android-Smartphones/td-p/1089311
Even the older G4 models and G5 Plus supports VoLTE.

well according to this:https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_g6-9000.php your phone supports 4G LTE which is fine......only 2G/3G is turning off.

Having 4G LTE isn't the same as supporting VoLTE, and unfortunately GSM Arena doesn't list what phones support it. There are a number of 4G phones that carriers won't enable VoLTE on.

 

[ocnbrze]

According to this the Moto G6 supports VoLTE on Verizon (assuming you have the US version):
https://community.verizon.com/t5/Br...ied-Unlocked-Android-Smartphones/td-p/1089311
Even the older G4 models and G5 Plus supports VoLTE.


Having 4G LTE isn't the same as supporting VoLTE, and unfortunately GSM Arena doesn't list what phones support it. There are a number of 4G phones that carriers won't enable VoLTE on.

oh i see....i guess i failed to read that the op uses the phone on wifi only........got it

 

[Unforgiven]

Boy, seems the 3G shutdown info has gotten pretty muddy. Here is Verizons knowledge base on phones that will no longer work when 3G is shut down.
https://www.verizon.com/support/knowledge-base-218813/
Money quote for you:

After December 31, 2022 , if you are a Verizon customer still using a device that is 3G (CDMA) or 4G that does not support HD Voice (Non-VoLTE), the device will no longer make/receive calls, send/receive text messages, or use data services. Until this date, your device will still be able to use these services.

Looks like you should be good until the end of next year, but I see one thing you should already have on your list for Santa next Christmas.

 

[wayneP]

Boy, seems the 3G shutdown info has gotten pretty muddy. Here is Verizons knowledge base on phones that will no longer work when 3G is shut down.
https://www.verizon.com/support/knowledge-base-218813/
Money quote for you:

Looks like you should be good until the end of next year, but I see one thing you should already have on your list for Santa next Christmas.

It seems like this is a Verizon issue. As I mentioned earlier, this was a Google Fi phone purchased directly from Google. I'm sure it was capable of wi-fi calling and I'm pretty sure it used Volte when connected to the T-Mobil network. I may be wrong because I didn't use the phone long or much. It was going to be a replacement for my wife's 3G flip phone.

I remember the Verizon tech telling us some Verizon features won't work when the flip phone was ported over but I didn't pay attention to which features would be affected.

 

[Unforgiven]

I think Verizon charges for WiFi calling. I have Mint Mobile (T-Mo MVNO) and get WiFi calling for free. That is different than VoLTE. Both the carrier and the phone have to support it.

 

[kate]

I'm pretty sure it used Volte when connected to the T-Mobil network.
I don't know how to check for VOLTE.

When did you activate it on Verizon? If it was after April 30th 2019 it has to support VoLTE.

To see if VoLTE is turned on check here:
Settings > More > Cellular networks > VoLTE
Settings > Network & Internet > Call
(Or a similar location, varies by device where it's located)

Sometimes it's called Enhanced LTE, or HD Voice.

If you can't find it try this, works on some phones:
Dial *#*#4636#*#* on the dialer app.
Tap on Phone Information
Enable VoLTE Provisioning
Then try to find it in Settings again

The cellular data is turned off. We use the phone 99% of the time in our home for phone calls...

Assuming your Moto G6 supports VoLTE you might have to turn data on to make calls after 3G is shut down.

I think Verizon charges for WiFi calling.

Calling other US numbers is free
https://www.verizon.com/support/wifi-calling-faqs/#wifi-cost

 

[Rebekkah Jayson]

no need whatsoever since you are using for very basic things like weather check and phone calls. so if it ain't broken don't fix it.

 

[wayneP]

When did you activate it on Verizon? If it was after April 30th 2019 it has to support VoLTE.

To see if VoLTE is turned on check here:
Settings > More > Cellular networks > VoLTE
Settings > Network & Internet > Call
(Or a similar location, varies by device where it's located)

Sometimes it's called Enhanced LTE, or HD Voice.

If you can't find it try this, works on some phones:
Dial *#*#4636#*#* on the dialer app.
Tap on Phone Information
Enable VoLTE Provisioning
Then try to find it in Settings again



Assuming your Moto G6 supports VoLTE you might have to turn data on to make calls after 3G is shut down.

Thanx again, Kate.

I still can't find anything that specifically mentions VOLTE or enhanced calling. What I find under the SIM settings are a voice LTE setting and a separate data LTE setting.

I have a PagePlus Cellular phone that I take when I go out alone and it doesn't have any kind of VOLTE indication, but PagePlus has a tool on their website where you check VOLTE compatibility and my Samsung J3 is OK. I haven't found a similar tool on the Verizon website,but he next time we go to the Mall, I'll run into the Verizon store and have them check for VOLTE.

It's no big deal either way. I can get a newer version of the Moto G from Google for $49 with a Google Fi credit of $50; so the phone is essentially free. I like the Motorola phones because they are pretty close to the stock Android. Google Fi supports Wi-Fi calling and VOLTE on the T-Mobile network and T-Mobile is as good around us as Verizon. I'm not sure if Volte is supported on the other Google Fi network.

 

[kate]

I edited your post to fix the quote formatting.

What I find under the SIM settings are a voice LTE setting and a separate data LTE setting.

Guessing the Voice LTE is it. Honestly don't know why this feature seems to have 4 different names.

PagePlus has a tool on their website where you check VOLTE compatibility and my Samsung J3 is OK. I haven't found a similar tool on the Verizon website

This is the page to check if a phone is compatible with Verizon, but since yours is already activated I don't know if it will say "Compatible" or "already in use" instead:
https://www.verizon.com/bring-your-own-device/

How important is an Android upgrade for us?

Back to your original question, if your phone does have VoLTE I agree with what @Unforgiven has crossed off in his first post above. If you only use apps from the Play Store and don't visit dodgy websites the phone should be fine for a few more years. Of course if you can get a good deal on a new one that's always an option.