Google Confirms Microsoft Teams Bug Can Block Emergency Calls on Android 9 and Lower

Google Confirms Microsoft Teams Bug Can Block Emergency Calls on Android 9 and Lower

Google has started sending out emails recommending users install the Microsoft Teams update as soon as possible to fix a bug that was preventing some Android devices from making emergency calls. The company previously stated that this issue only impacts all users with Android 10 and above, but it has now confirmed that the emergency calling bug may also affect devices running older versions of Android.

In a recent tweet, Mishaal Rahman, the senior technical editor at Esper, shared a screenshot of the email received by some Android users regarding a “critical update” required for their mobile phones. Additionally, Google notes on its support page that the bug could impact running Android version 8 or higher (i.e, versions 8.0, 8.1, 9, and 10).

“You may have a version of the Microsoft Teams app installed that could unintentionally prevent emergency calling (e.g. 911, 999, 112, depending on your region) if you are not signed into the Teams app. The issue is caused by an unintended interaction between the Microsoft Teams app and the Android operating system,” The Google Team said in the email.

https://twitter.com/MishaalRahman/status/1476824392420188163?s=08

Earlier this month, Google acknowledged a new issue that was blocking 911 calls on Android phones because the Microsoft Teams app was creating duplicate instances of the “PhoneAccount” class in the Android OS. The PhoneAccount function allows Android applications to make and receive phone calls, and you can read Mishaal Rahman’s in-depth Medium post for more details.

Google also plans to roll out an Android update on January 4

Microsoft has been working with Google to resolve the problem, and it has already released an update (version 1416/1.0.0.2021194504) to address the emergency calling bug in Microsoft Teams. Meanwhile, Google also plans to roll out an Android update on January 4 to provide a fix for this bug that could affect other applications.

Google has provided a workaround to fix an issue that could prevent select users (who have the Teams app installed but are not signed in) from downloading the latest update. The company is suggesting to uninstall and then reinstall the Android app from the Google Play Store to fix the issue as well as make sure that it is up-to-date.