How to Fix Pixel Buds That Don't Connect

When Pixel Buds won’t connect, you may be unable to complete the initial setup process, or they may fail to connect later on. Initial connection problems are usually related to the battery, while other connection issues are usually related to Bluetooth.

What Causes Pixel Buds to Not Connect?

Pixel Buds connect via Bluetooth, so anything that causes Bluetooth connection problems can also prevent Pixel Buds from connecting. Pixel Buds also won’t connect if they aren’t charged or the batteries are dead. In some cases, firmware issues can also prevent Pixel Buds from connecting, in which case a reset usually fixes the problem. 

How Do I Fix Google Pixel Buds That Don’t Connect?

Follow these fixes in order until your Pixel Buds connect with your device.

1. Remove the charging contact protectors, if applicable. Some Pixel Buds come with a plastic piece over the charging contacts on each earbud. Make sure those pieces are removed, as the Pixel Buds can't charge with the protector strips in place.
   

   These protector strips are only found on some Pixel Buds models, so your buds may come already charged.

2. Make sure the Pixel Buds actually charge. Check the LED on the charging case while the Pixel Buds are placed inside. If you open the case and the light is orange, the Pixel Buds are charging. If it’s solid white, they’re fully charged.
   

3. Check your Bluetooth settings. Your Pixel Buds won’t connect if your device has Bluetooth disabled. Bluetooth needs to be on when you first set up the Pixel Buds, and it also has to be on whenever you use the Pixel Buds, or they won’t connect.
   

4. Place the Pixel Buds in close proximity to your device. If there’s a lot of Bluetooth interference, your Pixel Buds may fail to connect. Placing the Pixel Buds close to your device will give them the best chance of connecting.
   

5. Remove sources of Bluetooth interference. If there are a lot of sources of radio frequency interference in your area, that can cause problems with your Pixel Buds. Shut down any wireless devices you aren’t currently using, and any devices or equipment that generate interference.
   

6. Turn on Location Services. Your Pixel Buds may fail to pair if Location Services isn’t turned on. Try turning this on, and see if the Pixel Buds connect.
   

7. Reconnect your Pixel Buds. If you've used your Pixel Buds with your phone in the past, but they won't connect now, remove your buds from your phone's list of Bluetooth devices. You may have to select forget, remove, or delete in your phone's Bluetooth settings. Once the Pixel Buds are no longer in your phone's list of Bluetooth devices, attempt the connection process again.
   

8. Reset your Pixel Buds. If your Pixel Buds still won’t connect, try a factory reset. After performing the reset, you will have to set up your Pixel Buds again.
   

How Do I Manually Connect Pixel Buds?

If you’re using your Pixel Buds with a non-Android device or an older Android device, then they won’t connect automatically. In that case, or if you’re just having problems with the automatic connection, you can manually connect your Pixel Buds by putting the case into pairing mode and then pairing manually.

Here’s how to manually connect Pixel Buds:

1. Place the Pixel Buds in the charging case, and make sure the batteries aren't dead.
   

2. Close the lid of the case.
   

3. Push and hold the button on the case.
   

4. When the LED on the case pulses white, release the button.
   

5. On your device, make sure Bluetooth is enabled, and select your Pixel Buds from the Bluetooth pairing menu.
   

6. Your Pixel Buds should connect.