After a Pixel Buds firmware update, check the settings that affect how you use the earbuds: sound mode, touch gestures, in-ear detection, and device switching. Google’s help pages explain where to find these controls but do not say that firmware updates routinely reset preferences, so treat this as a quick verification—not an assumption that anything changed.
Where to check firmware and settings
On a Pixel phone, open Settings → Connected devices, then tap the settings icon beside your paired Pixel Buds. On another Android phone, use the Pixel Buds app. In the settings, open More settings → Firmware update to view update information. Google documents these paths in its Pixel Buds settings guide and quick-start guide.
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On supported newer models, you can also manage settings and firmware through Google’s web companion while the earbuds are connected over Bluetooth. Google lists ChromeOS 128 or later, macOS Sonoma (14) or later, and Windows 11 or later as compatible; Chrome or Edge is recommended. See Google’s firmware update instructions for availability and details.
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- Check the displayed firmware version for both the earbuds and the charging case.
- Review whether automatic updates are on and whether another update is available.
- Checking the version is not the same as installing an update. Google says manual initiation is available for Pixel Buds 2a, Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Pixel Buds A-Series.
- Google’s quick-start guide recommends keeping the phone firmware and Pixel Buds app current as well.
Settings to verify after updating
Noise control and sound mode
Confirm the mode you intend to use—such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency, Adaptive Audio, Adaptive Sound, or Off—if it is available on your model. These options are not universal: Google lists Adaptive Audio for Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Adaptive Sound for Pixel Buds A-Series. They are distinct features, not different names for the same control. Check Google’s model settings comparison for what your earbuds support.
#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]
Touch controls and gestures
Make sure touch controls are enabled and, if you customized gestures, confirm that they still perform the actions you expect. Available gestures vary by model. For example, volume swipes are not available on Pixel Buds A-Series or Pixel Buds 2a, according to Google’s settings guide.
In-ear detection
If your earbuds should pause when removed and resume when put back in, verify that in-ear detection is enabled. Google says the feature is automatically enabled when Pixel Buds are paired with an Android 6.0-or-later device with Fast Pair enabled; it can also be turned off in the app or settings. With detection off, Google documents triple-tapping the right earbud to put the buds to sleep or wake them. See Manage in-ear detection.
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
Audio switch and Multipoint
These are separate connection features, so check the one that matches your needs:
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- Multipoint keeps the earbuds connected to two devices at once. It is off by default and is available on Pixel Buds 2a and Pro models, including Pixel Buds Pro 2 in Google’s comparison. Google says enabling Premium Audio disables Multipoint.
See Google’s settings comparison and Audio switch and Multipoint instructions for supported models and controls.
Rank #3
- 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]
Other sound and fit options
If you rely on spatial audio or head tracking, Conversation Detection, equalizer and balance, Hearing Wellness, or Eartip Seal Check, confirm that the control appears for your particular model. Google’s model comparison shows that these options vary across Pixel Buds Pro, Pro 2, 2a, and A-Series; a missing control may reflect model support rather than an update problem.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If a setting or audio behavior seems wrong
Start with basic checks before resetting the earbuds. Google’s audio troubleshooting guide recommends checking charge and firmware, carefully cleaning the mesh, and checking eartip size and seal if bass sounds weak. For audio skips, it suggests putting the buds in the case for a minute, updating, and considering a reset if the problem continues.
Rank #4
- 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]
A reset is a later troubleshooting step, not a routine post-update check. Google’s pairing troubleshooting instructions say resetting clears settings, device name, and feature preferences. On Pixel Buds Pro 2 and 2a, it also resets Find Hub locating ability.
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