Set up & use your Pixel USB-C earbuds

You can listen to media, like music, videos, audiobooks, and podcasts, using your Pixel USB-C digital earbuds. If you’re using a phone or other device, you can also press a button to get help from your Google Assistant.

Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 9.0 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

Before you use your earbuds

Your Pixel USB-C earbuds work with many devices, including phones. If you’re using the earbuds with another device:

Make sure the device has a USB-C port.
Make sure the device uses USB-C digital audio. To find out, check the device’s tech specs or contact the manufacturer.
Check the device’s sound settings. On some devices, you’ll need to turn on audio through your USB-C port. Some devices also won’t let you take calls using your earbuds.
If you’re using a phone, make sure it’s using the latest version of Android. Learn how to update your Android version.

Adjust the fit

You can change the shape of your earbuds to fit your ear better. To adjust, gently pull the cord directly above or below each earbud.

See how to fit your earbuds to your ear

Adjust the fit of your Pixel USB-C earbuds

Change volume or play media

Your earbuds have a control bar on the cord. When you’re wearing your earbuds and listening to something, use these controls to:

Turn volume up: Press top part of control bar.
Turn volume down: Press bottom part of control bar.
Play or pause: Press the center button.
Skip to next song or fast forward: Press the center button twice.
Restart song or go back: Press the center button three times.

Get help from your Google Assistant

Important: You can make these requests on phones using Android version 9.0 and up. Learn how to check and update your Android version.

Set up your Google Assistant

Plug your Pixel USB-C earbuds into your phone.
Start setup:
- If you see a notification that says "Pixel USB-C earbuds connected," tap Finish setup.
- If you don’t see a notification, press and hold Home . Then tap Finish headphones setup.
Follow the steps on the screen.

Ask your Google Assistant for help or info

Press and hold the center button on the control bar.
Ask a question or make a request. For example, say "What’s the weather?" or "Tell me a joke."
Lift your finger.
You’ll hear a chime, then the answer to your question. You won’t see any new info on your device’s screen.

Tip: You can ask Google Assistant to read your notifications, translate what you say, and more. Learn what you can ask the Assistant.

Hear notifications & translate what you speak

Hear the time & your recent notifications

To hear the time and your recent notifications read aloud, press and hold the top part of the control bar for a few seconds.

If you don’t hear your notifications when you press and hold:

On your Pixel phone, open the Settings app .
Tap Devices Pixel USB-C earbuds.
Optional: To hear info even when your screen is locked, turn on Allow responses while phone is locked.
Tap Turn on Notification access Google.
Turn on Allow notification access.
- Optional: Select other apps you’d like to hear notifications from.

Translate a bilingual conversation

Important: Before you plug in your headphones, make sure your phone’s volume is turned up.

Step 1: Open Google Translate

If you haven’t yet, download and open the Google Translate app. Follow any setup steps that show.
Say "Ok Google," or touch and hold Home .
Ask your Google Assistant to translate what you say into another language. For example, say "Help me speak Spanish." The Google Translate app will open.

Step 2: Speak to someone in a different language

Press and hold the center button on your earbuds’ control bar.
Speak in the language listed above the Headphones icon .
When you’re done speaking, let go of the center button.
You’ll hear the translation play aloud from your phone’s speakers so the other person can hear it.

Step 3: Hear their response

Touch and hold Speak .
When you hear a chime, have the other person speak in the language listed above the Microphone .
When they’re done speaking, lift your finger.
You’ll hear the translation in your earbuds.

Tip: If you don’t hear the translation, turn up the volume. You might need to unplug your earbuds, then turn up the volume.

Stop hearing your Google Assistant in your earbuds

On your Pixel phone, open the Settings app .
Tap Devices Pixel USB-C earbuds.
Turn off Get help from Google.