How to manually update Pixel Buds A-Series

Now that the Pixel Buds (Gen 2) have been discontinued, the only current headphones available directly from Google are the Pixel Buds A-Series. These earbuds are more budget-friendly, coming in at around $99, but can regularly be found at a discount. Google even went so far as to include them as a pre-order bonus for those who managed to pre-order the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro.

Every month, Google releases the Android Security Bulletin for Pixel phones but also releases a few Feature Drops throughout the year. In some cases, the Pixel Buds A-Series also receive updates at the same time, as evidenced by the most recent Feature Drop.

But unlike the older Pixel Buds, you don’t have to worry about hoping for your headphones to magically receive the update when you aren’t paying attention. Instead, Google has made it possible for you to manually update Pixel Buds A-Series. The update process works just like it does with your Pixel or other Android smartphones. Here’s how you can manually update the Pixel Buds A-Series:

1. Put your earbuds into the case.
2. Leave the lid of the case open.
3. From your Pixel device, open the Settings app and select Connected devices.
4. Tap the Gear icon next to the Pixel Bud’s settings.
5. Scroll down and tap More settings.
6. Tap Firmware update.
7. Tap Update available.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions. 

If you’re using Google’s earbuds with a non-Pixel device, then the steps are just a little bit different. For one, you still need to put the Buds in the case with the lid open. But instead of jumping into the Settings menu, you’ll instead want to open the Pixel Buds app. Then, proceed down to step 5 above in order to finish updating your headphones. The process for updating will take around 15 minutes, but then you’ll have access to all of Google’s latest features for the Pixel Buds A-Series.