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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteTo check your Pixel Buds firmware, connect the buds to your phone, then open More settings > Firmware update. That screen shows separate versions for the earbuds and charging case, and provides controls to check for or install an update.
Check firmware on a Pixel phone
- Connect your Pixel Buds to your phone.
- Open Settings > Connected devices.
- Tap the settings control beside your connected Pixel Buds.
- Open More settings > Firmware update to see the earbud and charging-case versions and available update controls. Google’s Pixel Buds settings guide documents this route.
Check firmware on another Android phone
- Open the connected earbuds in the Pixel Buds app.
- Choose More settings > Firmware update.
- Review the displayed versions or use the controls to check for an update. Google’s settings guide also describes the app route.
Google recommends keeping both the Android phone and Pixel Buds app up to date in its Pixel Buds Quick Start Guide. If the app does not recognize the earbuds, check that it has the Nearby devices permission, as required by Google’s firmware update guidance.
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Start a manual update
- Place the earbuds securely in their charging case.
- Open More settings > Firmware update.
- Choose Manual update available and follow the on-screen instructions.
Google estimates that the manual update flow takes about 15 minutes; this is its estimate, not a measured average. Google says, “You can trigger an update without waiting for it to be done automatically.” See Google Pixel Buds Help.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Automatic updates can be switched on or off in the same firmware settings area. When they are off, Google says the device notifies you when an update is available but does not download or install it on the Pixel Buds. Google’s web companion does not provide automatic updates for Pixel Buds Pro or Pro 2. Google’s update guidance describes these options.
#1 Best Overall
- Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are designed to be the most comfortable earbuds yet, with a twist-to-adjust fit; they’re built for Gemini, with the Tensor chip that powers premium, immersive sound and cancels twice as much noise as before[1]
- Pixel Buds Pro 2 are made to stay put; use the twist-to-adjust stabilizer to lock your earbuds in during workouts, or adjust the other way for all-day comfort
- Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 2.0 cancels up to twice as much noise as before[1]; Adaptive Audio lets you be aware of your surroundings while drowning out distractions in loud spaces for comfortable listening[10]
- Immerse yourself in clear, crisp audio; the 11 mm drivers and high-frequency chamber deliver powerful bass and smooth treble, and spatial audio with head tracking give you immersive surround sound[2]
- Go live with Gemini, your Google AI assistant; brainstorm ideas, make grocery lists, and schedule events, just by using your voice – with advanced audio processing, you can have clear conversations, even in noisy environments[2,11]
Use a computer and Google’s web companion
Google documents computer firmware management for Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Pixel Buds 2a. It recommends Chrome or Edge and lists these minimum operating systems: ChromeOS 128, macOS Sonoma (version 14), or Windows 11. Pair and connect the buds to the computer over Bluetooth, open the web companion, and grant access when prompted. The companion can manage firmware, check battery life, and adjust audio preferences. Google’s web companion and firmware help has the compatibility details.
There is a picker limitation for Pixel Buds 2a: Google says only Pixel Buds Pro and Pro 2 appear in the device-picker dialog. This means the web companion is not the right route for selecting the 2a in that dialog; use the Android app instead.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are designed to be the most comfortable earbuds ever, with the most secure fit; and they’re built for Google AI, with the Tensor chip that powers premium, immersive sound
- Pixel Buds Pro 2 are small, light, and made to stay put; use the twist-to-adjust stabilizer to lock your earbuds in during workouts, or adjust the other way for all-day comfort
- The first Google Tensor chip in an earbud, the Tensor A1 chip powers twice the Active Noise Cancellation and delivers premium sound[1]
- Conversation Detection pauses your music and switches your earbuds to Transparency mode when you start talking, so you don’t have to take them out
- Pixel Buds Pro 2 have large 11mm drivers for powerful bass and a new high-frequency chamber for smooth treble
If a Windows update is stuck at 0% or 50%
- Disconnect the earbuds from the web companion.
- Remove them from Windows Bluetooth settings.
- Pair them with the computer again.
- Reopen the web companion, select the earbuds, and retry the update. Google’s troubleshooting steps specify this recovery sequence.
Which route should you use?
| Route | Models and requirements | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel phone settings | Use Settings > Connected devices, then the Pixel Buds settings control and More settings > Firmware update. Google’s settings guide. | You have the buds connected to a Pixel phone. |
| Pixel Buds app on Android | Use More settings > Firmware update; the app requires Nearby devices permission. Google’s firmware guidance. | You have an Android phone other than a Pixel, or prefer the app. |
| Web companion on a computer | Google documents Pro, Pro 2, and 2a, with Chrome or Edge and ChromeOS 128, macOS 14, or Windows 11 requirements. The picker dialog lists only Pro and Pro 2. Google’s web companion guidance. | You want to manage firmware from a supported computer and have a compatible model. |
Why there is no single firmware number to check against
Google’s cited help pages do not give one universal latest firmware version for every Pixel Buds model. The version numbers on your connected device’s Firmware update screen are the relevant ones to check; use the on-screen update control to find out whether an update is available for your earbuds.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Pixel Buds Pro use Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal to adapt to your ear and help block outside sounds, creating a quiet foundation so your music can shine.
- Pairs with any Bluetooth 4.0+ device, including Android, iOS, tablets, and laptops[7]
- The battery keeps up with your life, with up to 11 hours of listening time, or up to 31 hours with the charging case[2]; you can charge them wirelessly with Pixel Stand or other Qi-certified chargers[3]
- The battery keeps up with your life, with up to 11 hours of listening time, or up to 31 hours with the charging case[2]; you can charge them wirelessly with Pixel Stand or other Qi-certified chargers[3]
- Transparency mode helps you hear outside sounds in real time so you can be more aware of your surroundings, like when crossing the street
Rank #4
- Google Pixel Buds 2a deliver lightweight comfort, crisp audio, Active Noise Cancellation, and a dependable battery, all for less[1]
- Hear only what you want to hear; Google Tensor A1 powers Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 1.5 to help block external noise; or switch to Transparency mode to hear the world around you while you listen
- Immerse yourself in clear, crisp audio with the 11 mm dynamic speaker driver, or customize the levels of bass, treble, and more with the 5-band equalizer
- Pixel Buds 2a are built for lightweight comfort and an impeccable fit; secure them during workouts or commutes with the twist-to-adjust stabilizer, or twist the other direction for relaxed comfort
- Hear and be heard with Clear Calling; it helps block background noise, so wind, external chatter, or other distractions in your environment won’t interrupt your conversations[2]
Rank #3
![Google Pixel Buds Pro - Noise Canceling Earbuds - Up to 31 Hour Battery Life with Charging Case[2] - Bluetooth Headphones - Compatible with Android - Porcelain (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31425F9zJxL._SL160_.jpg)
- Google Pixel Buds Pro are fully upgraded with helpful features like clearer calling and insights to protect your hearing.
- And they’re available in new colors.
- Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal blocks outside sounds, so your music shines.
- Beamforming mics help make calls crystal clear, even in loud places.
- To play music, check the weather, or have notifications read to you, just say “Hey Google,” or press and hold the earbud for help.
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