The Pixel 2 came out in 2017. It still works as a phone on most carriers, but Google stopped updating it at the end of 2020.
The quick answer
- Calls and data: yes on most US carriers; check the IMEI
- Software: stuck on Android 11, no security updates since 2020
- Most apps still install, but banking apps may refuse it
- OK as a backup; not for anything sensitive
Calls after the 3G shutdown
The Pixel 2 supports VoLTE, so it kept working after the 3G shutdown. It was sold by Verizon and unlocked, and works on Verizon and T-Mobile networks and most prepaid brands on them. AT&T and its prepaid brands are the ones to check before switching.
How to check yours
- Find the IMEI: dial *#06#, or look in the phone's settings or under the battery.
- Enter it in your carrier's compatibility checker. Every major carrier and most prepaid brands have one.
- If it isn't supported, it's usually missing approval for VoLTE (calls over 4G), which every US phone now needs.
The software limit: Android 11
The Pixel 2 got its last update in December 2020 on Android 11. Most apps still support Android 11 in 2026, but the lack of security patches is the bigger concern: don't use it for banking or as your main phone.
Who it still works for
A spare phone, a dedicated camera (its camera still holds up), or a Wi-Fi device for a child.
If you're replacing it
A new moto g 2026 or Galaxy A17 costs little, gets years of updates, and several carriers give them away when you switch. Pair it with a low-cost plan such as Mint Mobile ($15 a month for 6GB on a 12-month term) or Visible ($25 for unlimited, taxes included).
Current offers from Metro, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T and Xfinity.
See phone deals →Frequently asked questions
Does the Pixel 2 still work in 2026? +
What's the last Android update for the Pixel 2? +
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Jean Gilles has researched personal finance, consumer technology, and wireless pricing for over a decade. He founded ShopCellPlans in 2019 and writes every review on the site.