How to Update Pixel Buds

To ensure that Pixel buds keep performing efficiently and as per the expected standards, Google frequently releases firmware updates. While these updates are released for good reasons most of which entail enhancing the efficiency of the buds, sometimes, if the updates aren’t installed on your buds timeously, they may cause some issues as the dated firmware on your buds won’t be compatible with the devices you attempt to connect them to. As such, to prevent such issues, it’s recommended that you quickly install the firmware updates as soon as they are released. 

Luckily, the latest buds come with a mechanism which enable them to automatically install all new firmware updates. This, therefore, eliminates much work on the part of the user (though the user still needs to do a little bit of work). While this is the case, some don’t like it when updates are automatically installed on their buds hence, they disable automatic updates. If you took this route, then it means you should manually install the updates as and when they are released. Below, we are going to expose the user’s role in installing new firmware updates both for devices with auto-updates turned on as well as those with auto-updates turned off. 

Installing New Firmware Updates on Buds with Auto-Updates Turned On 

1. When automatic updates are turned on, your Pixel buds will receive the new updates as soon as they are released. The updates are transferred to your earbuds even when you are using them 
2. To install the updates, you will however need to pause using your buds for a few minutes. Place the buds in the charging case properly and wait for 10 minutes or so. Note that quickly taking out your buds may pause the installation process as some updates may require a longer time. If this happens, you will therefore need several attempts to complete the installation process 
3. While your buds are resting in their case, the new updates will be installed in the background. 

*Note that the installation process can complete if the charging case has sufficient charge. If you suspect that it may not have a sufficient charge, then you can do the installation process while plugging it into a power source. In case you want to see if the update was successfully installed, just go to your buds settings and check if there is any new firmware update. If there is no firmware update, then it means the installation process was successful. 

Installing New Firmware Updates on Buds with Auto-Updates Turned Off 

If you love to install updates manually after checking out the type of firmware just released, you can turn off automatic updates. To do this, just go to your device’s settings and select the ‘Connected Devices’ option. Check for the ‘More Settings’ option and then click the firmware update button. Proceed to tap the toggle to turn off automatic updates. 

After you turn off automatic updates, each time a new firmware update is released, you will receive a notification on your device as soon as it is released. This, therefore, allows you to check the update and see exactly the type of update released. Once you familiarise yourself with the update, you can proceed to manually perform the installation process. To do this, just follow the steps outlined below. (Ensure you Pixel Buds are paired)

1. Place your Pixel buds properly in the charging case 
2. On your mobile device (which should be a Pixel Phone with at least Android 10), go to the device settings and choose the Connected Devices option. Note that if you are using any other Android device, you should open the Google Pixel Buds app 
3. Choose the Pixel Buds settings option 
4. Tap the More Settings button and choose the Firmware Update option 
5. Click the ‘Update Available’ button 
6. Follow the prompts which are provided on the screen to complete the installation process. 

*Note that the manual installation process may take at least 15 minutes.