The Google Pixel Buds allow you to control your media, manage your calls or activate Google Assistant while on the go with just a few simple gestures. All gestures can be performed with either earbud. You can also disable touch controls entirely.
How To Use Touch Controls Google Pixel Buds Pro | Google Pixel Buds Pro
Touch controls
Tap
- Play/pause media
- Answer call
- Pixel Buds Pro only: Leave Conversation Detection mode
Double-tap
- Next track
- End/Reject call
- Stops Google Assistant
Triple tap
-
Previous track
Swipe forward
-
Raise volume (not available on Pixel Buds A-Series)
You can also control the volume by saying 'Hey Google, turn up the volume'.
Swipe backwards
-
Lower volume (not available on Pixel Buds A-Series)
You can also control the volume by saying 'Hey Google, turn down the volume'.
Touch and hold (requires Android 6.0+)
Turn off or on Active Noise Cancellation (Google Pixel Buds Pro only)
- Switch between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode. This gesture is configured to switch between ANC modes by default, but you can customise this gesture in the Pixel Buds app to activate Google Assistant instead.
Use Google Assistant
- For Google Pixel Buds Pro (that are configured to Assistant), Google Pixel Buds and Pixel Buds A-Series:
- Listen to notifications (release after chime)
- Activate Google Assistant (speak while holding)
Activate Google Assistant on Pixel Buds Pro
How you activate Google Assistant will depend on how you've configured the left and right buds of your Pixel Buds Pro.
|
If your LEFT bud is configured for: |
And your RIGHT bud is configured for: |
Then to activate Google Assistant: |
|---|---|---|
|
Noise control |
Noise control |
Use hotword ('Hey Google') |
|
Noise control |
Assistant |
Use hotword ('Hey Google') or touch and hold the RIGHT bud |
|
Assistant |
Noise control |
Use hotword ('Hey Google') or touch and hold the LEFT bud |
|
Assistant |
Assistant |
Use hotword ('Hey Google') or touch and hold the LEFT or RIGHT bud |
Good to know:
- At least one of your worn earbuds must be configured for Assistant if you want spoken Assistant notifications. An example of a spoken notification is 'You have a message from [contact name]'.
- When you touch and hold either Google Pixel Bud, wait for a chime and then speak to the Google Assistant. You can also say 'Hey Google' to talk to the Google Assistant without touching your earbuds.
- The Google Assistant on Google Pixel Buds is only available on Android and requires an Assistant-enabled Android 6.0+ device, Google Account and an Internet connection. Data rates may apply. See minimum requirements.
Turn off touch controls
If you'd rather not use touch controls for your earbuds, you can turn them off. When you turn off touch controls, your Pixel Buds won't respond to any touches or taps, but you can still get hands-free help from your Google Assistant by saying 'Hey Google'. You can turn off touch controls from your phone or by asking your Assistant.
From your phone:
- On a Pixel phone with Android 10+: Go to your phone's settings
Connected devices
.
On other Android devices: Open the Google Pixel Buds app.
- Tap Touch controls.
- Turn off touch controls.
Connected devices 
.
.Using Assistant:
- Say "Hey Google, turn off touch controls".
Google Assistant requires an Assistant-enabled Android 6.0+ device, a Google Account and an Internet connection. Data rates may apply. For available languages and minimum requirements, go to g.co/pixelbuds/help
Pixel Buds (1st gen)
The Google Pixel Buds allow you to control your media, manage your calls, use your Assistant or translate spoken languages while on the go with just a few simple gestures. The available gestures are:
Google Translate on Google Pixel Buds is only available on Pixel phones.
Internet connection required. Fees may apply.
 |
Touch and hold |
Note: You don't have to wait for a tone. As soon as you touch and hold your right Google Pixel Bud, you can speak to your Google Assistant.
 |
Tap |
 |
Double-tapTo customise double-tap:
|
 |
|
 |
Swipe backwards |
Note: All gestures are performed with the right earbud.
Gesture with a finger to perform commands
| To do this… | Perform this gesture |
|---|---|
| Answer call | Tap the right earbud |
| End call | Touch and hold the right earbud |
| Ignore call | Touch and hold the right earbud |
| Play or pause media | Tap the right earbud |
| Increase volume | Swipe forward on the right earbud |
| Decrease volume | Swipe backward on the right earbud |
| Invoke your Google Assistant | Touch and hold the right earbud |
| Confirm your choice with Google Assistant | Tap the right earbud |
| Stop your Google Assistant | Double-tap the right earbud |
| Listen to notifications with Google Assistant | Double-tap the right earbud |
| Wake/Sleep your Pixel Buds | Triple-tap the right earbud |