Update your Pixel Buds firmware

Update Google Pixel Buds automatically when you pair your Google Pixel Buds with a Pixel phone using Android 10+, or an Android 6.0+ device with the Pixel Bud app installed. You can also change your Pixel Buds settings through the web companion app.

How it works

Updates will be downloaded to your earbuds the next time you use them with your Pixel or Android 6.0+ devices. This takes about 10 minutes, and during this time you can continue using your Pixel Buds.

If your earbuds and charging case have sufficient charge, the update will begin installing the next time you place your earbuds to the charging case. This also takes about 10 minutes.

It may take multiple attempts for the update to complete. For example, taking your earbuds out of the charging case while it's being installed may pause the update. However, if any part of the process is interrupted, it will resume at the next opportunity.

To check whether an update was successfully installed, go to Settings More settings Firmware update. If there's no mention of an available update, it means you have the latest firmware.

Grant app permissions

To use the Pixel Buds app, you must grant the "Nearby devices" permission. To accept this permission, open the Pixel Buds app and follow the prompts.

If you don't get the prompts or if you have dismissed them, you can also grant permission in the system settings:

1. Go to the permissions screen:
   • On a Pixel phone: Select Settings Apps See all apps Pixel Buds Permissions.
   • On a non-Pixel phone: Long press the app icon tap the info icon Permissions Allow Nearby devices.
2. Select Allow when asked "Allow Pixel Buds to find, connect to, and determine the relative position of nearby devices?"

Disabling or enabling automatic updates

Important: The Pixel Buds web companion app for Pixel Buds Pro and Pro 2 doesn't have automatic updates.

When automatic updates are turned off, a notification will appear on your device when an update is available, but it won't be downloaded or installed on your Pixel Buds.

To disable or enable automatic updates:

1. On a Pixel phone with Android 10+: Go to Settings System Software updates App updates tap Settings by your paired Pixel Buds name.
   On other Android devices: Open the Google Pixel Buds app .
2. Scroll down and select More settings Firmware update.
3. Tap Automatic updates to turn it on or off.

Manual updates

You can trigger an update without waiting for it to be done automatically.

1. Place your earbuds securely into their charging case.
2. On a Pixel phone with Android 10+: Go to Settings System Software updates App updates tap Settings by your paired Pixel Buds name.
   On other Android devices: Open the Google Pixel Buds app .
3. Scroll down and select More settings Firmware update.
4. Tap Manual update available.
5. Follow the on screen instructions. This will take about 15 minutes.