Android Auto fails to make calls on closed flip phones: Gemini to blame
Owners of Motorola Razr and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip devices cannot make calls with the screen closed, reports Android Authority.
The issue emerged after switching to the Gemini voice assistant. Users report on Reddit and Google forums that attempting to make a call with the phone closed triggers a message: "open the flip to continue." Incoming calls work without issues.
Most complaints involve the Motorola Razr Ultra (models 60 and 70) running Android 16, which began rolling out in June 2025. A Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 user reported that calls stopped going through after activating Gemini. In April 2025, the device owner switched back to Google Assistant—and the problem disappeared.
Representatives from Google and Motorola confirmed they are investigating the incidents but have not yet released an official fix. In September 2026, Google began removing Google Assistant from devices that meet the minimum requirements for Gemini. This complicates the temporary solution: reverting to the old assistant is no longer possible on all phones.
No workaround is currently available. Flip phone owners must open their devices to make calls. The issue highlights the growing reliance on AI tools integrated into everyday functions—despite early-stage errors.
Android 16, released in June 2025, included camera updates, fraud protection, and real-time notifications. However, the calling bug became an unexpected side effect of integrating Gemini into Android Auto.
