OnePlus has begun rolling out a major software update for its latest smartphone, the OnePlus 5, after a report surfaced indicating the device would reboot when a user attempted to call 911.
It was a troubling development, to say the least, but OnePlus has now confirmed to us that it is rolling out a fix.
Users are encouraged to download the update, which will either arrive automatically over-the-air, or else can be found by navigating to Settings > System Updates on your device.
We’d also advise making the upgrade as soon as possible, and one of the reddit users who first reported the problem has since said that it fixes the problem.
If you can’t see the update, don’t panic, as OnePlus added that rollout timings may vary by region.
Prior to issuing the update, OnePlus issued us with the following statement:
“We have been in touch with the customer and have tested a software update that has resolved the issue.”
Multiple users took to Reddit to report the issue, with one posting a video to Facebook demonstrate the unprompted shutdown.
Related: OnePlus 5 vs OnePlus 3T
What caused the issue remains to be seen. Some posters have suggested it pertains to the phone’s GPS functionality.
It could be the phone encounters a problem when using GPS to provide a location to the person at the other end of the call, something emergency service operators look to leverage. Should this be the case, the issue may not be limited to 911 calls.
It’s likely the issue is something OnePlus can rectify with a software update, but until that time, it’ll remain a worry for those rocking the 5th generation handset.
Redditor ObscureProject wrote: “There has been only one instance in my life when I had to dial 911, and let me tell you, it was hard enough dialing those 3 numbers. If this had happened in that instance… That is absolutely terrifying to me.”
We’ve reached out to the company for further clarification on the situation and will update this story when information is forthcoming.
Are you a OnePlus 5 owner? Are you going to be carrying a backup with you until this issue is resolved? Drop us a line in the comments below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
