Flashing Firmware for Pixel 7a to Facilitate "SMS over Wi-Fi" in EMEA

[rybshik]

Hello everyone,

I'm planning to install "Pixel IMS" on my Pixel 7a to enable "Wi-Fi Calling" and, most importantly, "SMS over Wi-Fi" with the Russian mobile provider MTS ( MTS on Wikipedia )

Before I proceed, I’m wondering if it would be beneficial to change the phone's factory firmware to optimize or enable "SMS over Wi-Fi" specifically for use in that region (EMEA?)

For some context, the Pixel 7a was purchased in Canada, and it seems the current firmware is tailored for Canadian operators.
I’ll be using the device in a location where MTS doesn’t offer any cellular roaming, so all connectivity will be entirely via Wi-Fi.

I’ve found factory images for the Pixel 7a on the Google Developers website, including options for different regions and Android versions. I’m considering flashing version 13.0.0 (TD4A.221205.042.A1, May 2023, EMEA) but I'm unsure if this is the best option.

Here are the firmware versions I’m considering:

"lynx" for Pixel 7a

• 13.0.0 (TD4A.221205.042.A1, May 2023, EMEA)
• 13.0.0 (TQ3A.230901.001, Sep 2023)
• 14.0.0 (UP1A.231005.007.A1, Oct 2023, Japan)
• 14.0.0 (UP1A.231105.003.A1, Nov 2023, JP carriers)
• 14.0.0 (UQ1A.240205.002.B1, Feb 2024, Softbank)
• 14.0.0 (AP2A.240805.005, Aug 2024)

Would flashing one of these versions optimize the device for SMS over Wi-Fi with MTS, or should I keep the original firmware, which updates automatically as needed?

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[eliotcougar]

Pixel 9 pro here... I wasn't able to enable VoWiFi on MTS RUS for my phone... VoLTE works though...