A post about incoming calls problems with Moto G54.

AssemblyGMX

My previous post was  "EE telephone for technical support almost unresponsive"  This post is long and please be patient. I really feel stressed about this.

With much appreciated help from the EE Shop I learned that the previous problem was related to updates changing the way incoming calls are accepted (or rejected)  on my Moto G54.  I started to use the "new" way of answering calls (simply swipe to the right and this lets me answer the call) and, for a time, everying was back to normal.

To put this in context yesterday, when I was waiting for an urgent NHS appointment,  I had 7 consecutive telephone calls from the NHS and I was unable to answer even one of them.  I tried everything possible but nothing worked and the NHS number did not receive incoming calls.  I was really stressed about possibly missing a much wanted urgent appointment.

Unknown to me Moto G54 had, again, changed the way incoming calls are answered.  Now it seems I just have to tap answer - no holding down and swiping which it was changed to so recently.  I feel under a lot of pressure particularly since Plusnet have told me that my landline is going to be switched off.

Although it is not the answer, and would be expensive, I was so upset yesterday that I considered getting rid of my Moto G54/EE contract (I own the Moto G54 so it is sim only) altogether and try to find a mobile 'phone I can cope with.

I am totally useless technically and even when trying to manoeuvre my way through instructions, somehow, often what I am supposed to click on is not on the list when directed to Settings.

(The good news is that someone took pity on me and found out that my emergency appointment (this was at 12.40 pm) was at the hospital at 1 p.m.  Someone very kindly gave me a lift and I got there on time - but only just and I was really harrassed.

I think I have managed to turn off automatic updates in Settings but I am so scared that the same problem will recur and, with no notice, I won't be aware of it and it will be the same problem all over again.

If there is, what would be called "an idiot's" guide to make sure the way I answer my calls does not change again it will save me from feeling that my only option is to scrap my less than one year old Moto G54.  I have had Moto since Moto 5 with no problems like this with my previous phone.

I apologize profusely for this long post but, if anyone can explain (bearing in mind that, to me, the things I am supposed to tap on in my Moto G54 Settings never seem to be there) it will help me greatly.  Thanks very much.

Grumpy_chap

I don't believe that the changes you mention (the way to answer calls) are specific to EE or to the G54.  AIUI, these are Android updates and will affect any phone using the same OS.  Rollout time may vary.

The solution might be to swap the phone for a feature phone with physical buttons rather than touchscreen operation 

Frozen_up_north

Answering calls on an Android phone is awkward as it depends on whether the phone is locked or unlocked… a school kid programming mistake.
When locked, swipe up the call indicator, when unlocked tap to answer. iPhones just require you to tap the green phone symbol, whether locked or not…
The whole way of navigation with Android phones is not intuitive, eg many settings are not found under “settings” and are only found by swiping down on the screen, or swiping down twice…

flaneurs_lobster

What @Grumpy_chap said. If you don't need the smartphone for other functions then get yourself a "feature" phone just for making/receiving calls/texts.

Around £20 from Argos.

EDIT : See that you are using Whatsapp, that means that you will have to persist with a smartphone.

AssemblyGMX

Thank you very much for replying, Grumpy_chap and Frozen_up_north.  The previous time, when this happened, I did try unlocking my phone and I kept getting reminders to set a pin for security reasons.  I removed the pin altogether but at that time it did not help.  I'll take the pin off again in case it helps.

So is it is definitely an "update" problem but not related to EE or Moto G54, thanks Grumpy_chap?  Yesterday I was more than "Grumpy" - I was beginning to feel frantic.

To swap my 'phone will be expensive as less than a year old although I think if I stay with EE I may not have to pay an early termination fee.

Re:  "The solution might be to swap the phone for a feature phone with physical buttons rather than touchscreen operation."  Can you suggest what particular 'phone range I should be looking at, please?  Would they still be smartphones?   

(EDIT - flaneurs_lobster has kindly explained that they would not be smartphones, thank you.)  Would the SIM in my MOTO G54 transfer to a feature 'phone? 

 I am trying to be lighthearted but I can see myself with a mobile 'phone the size of a brick -  like in the very early mobile days.  I use WhatsApp a lot of the time and ordinary calls and texts.

I am trying not to be a defeatist (or blame my age) but I really am very discouraged - probably just now because I was so stressed yesterday not being able to answer all these calls from the NHS but could hear them ringing out.

AssemblyGMX

flaneurs_lobster said:

What @Grumpy_chap said. If you don't need the smartphone for other functions then get yourself a "feature" phone just for making/receiving calls/texts.

Around £20 from Argos.

EDIT : See that you are using Whatsapp, that means that you will have to persist with a smartphone.

I'm thinking out loud, and might be losing the plot because this is (much valued) money saving site.  I wonder about buying a feature phone, PAYG and giving the number to "important" people like GP, NHS and close family - to keep me going until my present contract runs out - maybe by then I'll be a bit less stressed - if financially not really money saving.

I have just been notified that I have been awarded a "Name Dropper" badge in MSE - does that mean I'm in some sort of trouble?

Frozen_up_north

I'm also a "name dropper"...

Beware of PAYG as the traditional form of "PAY once every now and again" is vanishing, a typical example is Tesco PAYG... I came across someone recently who topped up their phone with quite an amount, and now it's going to start paying Tesco Mobile every month whether they like to or not (as far as I can see).

I recently bought the lower cost brother of the 54, the Moto G35 at £99.99 from Argos. I needed a particular app that wasn't available on my iPhone 13 and find the G35 very impressive for the money, the only downside is the camera doesn't perform at all well in dim light without flash, or outside in semi darkness, the iPhone can take pictures of the night sky hand held and shows an aurora quite well. I am nit picking as the cheapest new iPhone (the 16E) costs £549, enough said.

I will keep the G35 as a spare phone and will probably take it overseas on holiday too... Once I got used to it, it's great and it does everything I need - and still fits in a shirt pocket.

AssemblyGMX

This is good to keep in mind, thanks Frozen_up_north.  Did you experience any problems answering incoming calls on your Moto G35?  I was extremely pleased with my new Moto G54 from January 2025 until the problem of not being able to answer incoming calls arose.

PHK

Do you think the following approach would work for you?

When the phone rings tap the answer icon.

If that doesn't answer the call  then hold the green answer icon and swipe it up.

Alternatively, if you search the Play Store for Voice Access by Google and install it. You'll be able to control the phone with your voice. When it rings you just say "Answer" or "Decline"

AssemblyGMX

I think I've tried that, thanks PHK.  I'll see what happens when my next incoming call arrives and will try that again.

Re:  "Alternatively, if you search the Play Store for Voice Access by Google and install it. You'll be able to control the phone with your voice. When it rings you just say "Answer" or "Decline""

If I'm brave enough to try that it would be great.  Would that work if I left my PIN in place and the phone was locked?

In all other ways I am happy with my Moto G54.

A big thank you to everyone who so very helpfully reply.