Get firmware updates - Google Pixel Buds Help [gg-googlepixelbuds-en]

Get firmware updates

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, automatic updates are enabled by default.

Here's how it works:

• When an update is available, it will be transferred to your earbuds the next time you use them with your Pixel or Android 6.0+ device. This takes about 10 minutes, and during this time you can continue using your Pixel Buds.
• The update is then installed the next time you return your earbuds to the charging case. This also takes about 10 minutes.
• Updates will only be installed if your earbuds and charging case have sufficient charge. If they're running low on power, plug them in.
• 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, don't worry—it will resume at the next opportunity.

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

Grant app permissions 

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

If you do not see 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

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 Connected devices  Pixel Bud's settings  .
   On other Android devices: Open the Google Pixel Buds app .
2. Scroll down and select More settings Firmware update.
3. Tap the toggle to turn automatic updates off.

Manual updates (Pixel Buds A-Series only)

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

1. Place your earbuds securely into their open case.
2. On a Pixel phone with Android 10+: Go to Settings Connected  devices  Pixel Bud's settings  .
   On other Android devices: Open the Google Pixel Buds app .
3. Scroll down and select More settings Firmware update.
4. Tap Update available.
5. Follow the on screen instructions. This will take about 15 minutes.