Listen to music, calls & more on Pixel

You can listen to music, calls, videos, and other sounds on your phone. You can use your phone's built-in speakers or audio accessories like headphones, earbuds, and speakers.

On Pixel 4a (5G) and later, to improve sound quality from your phone’s speaker, you can turn on Adaptive Sound.

Quickly control your audio & video

To find what’s playing on your phone, swipe down from the top of your screen.
To open the app where the media is playing, tap the panel.
If you use more than one media app, swipe right or left to find them.
To change where the sound plays, at the top right of the panel, tap the name of your audio accessory. For example, "Speakers" or "Pixel buds."

Turn on Adaptive Sound (Pixel 4a (5G) & later, including Fold)

Important: To use Adaptive Sound, check that you have the latest Android software. Learn how to check your Android version. Then, from the Play Store, check that you have the most recent version of the Device Personalization Services app.

Adaptive Sound only works on your Pixel phone. It doesn’t work with sound played through external speakers or headphones. Adaptive Sound is on by default in Pixel 7 phones.

Open your phone's Settings app.
Tap Sound & vibration Adaptive Sound.
Turn Adaptive Sound on or off.

Use Conversation mode

On Pixel 3 and later, including Fold, Conversation mode tunes in to your conversation partner and tunes out other noises.

Open your device's Settings app .
Tap Accessibility Sound Amplifier.
Tap Open Sound Amplifier Phone mic Conversation mode.
Point your phone’s camera at your conversation partner.
Tap Adjust sounds.
- To change how much noise you block, turn on Noise Reduction and use the slider.
- To boost quiet sounds, turn on Boost and use the "Boost Quiet Sounds" slider.
- To change frequency, turn on Boost and use the “Boost High and Low Frequency” sliders.

Learn more about Sound Amplifier.

Tips:

Use noise-canceling wired headphones.
For clearer speech, move the “Noise reduction” slider to above 90%.
Tap Flip camera and have your conversation partner hold the phone.
To pause amplification, swipe the notification shade and tap Pause .

Learn more about how to get the best experience with Conversation mode.

Troubleshoot sound problems

Check your volume. Learn how to change your volume.
If you're using a Bluetooth accessory, check the pairing. Learn how to fix Bluetooth problems.
If you're using USB-C accessories, including adapters, check that they work with digital audio.

For more troubleshooting, learn how to fix sound problems. Or you can join the conversation on the Pixel User Community.

Choose how to listen

You can listen to your phone through its built-in speakers or other audio accessories.

Option 1: Listen through your phone's speakers

By default, your phone plays sound through its built-in speakers. Find where your phone's speakers are.

Option 2: Pair Bluetooth headphones or speakers

If you pair Bluetooth headphones or speakers with your phone, sound plays through the accessory. Learn how to pair Bluetooth accessories.

Option 3: Plug in headphones or speakers

If you plug headphones or speakers into your phone, sound plays through the accessory.

All Pixel phones work with audio accessories that have USB-C connections or Bluetooth. Pixel 3a, 4a, and 4a (5G) also have a 3.5mm headphone jack. With an adapter, other Pixel phones also work with audio accessories that have 3.5mm connections. Learn what comes in the box with your phone.

Use recommended accessories

If headphones say "Made by Google" or "Made for Google," we certified that they work with Pixel phones. Other digital audio accessories can also work with Pixel phones. Find accessories on the Google Store.

If you have a Pixel 3 or Pixel 2, the headphone adapter works with 3.5mm accessories. If your headphones don't work with your adapter, contact the manufacturer and ask if your headphones meet the requirements.