Pixel Buds 2 Audio Cutout Issues: Fixes That Work
Yes, Pixel Buds 2 (the 2020 model) have a well-documented audio cutout problem, where sound stutters or drops for a second or two, especially when your phone is in a pocket or you’re outdoors. Most cutouts can be fixed with a firmware update, a Bluetooth settings reset, or by adjusting how you wear the buds, and this article walks you through every reliable fix and explains why the issue happens.
Why the Pixel Buds 2 Have Audio Cutout Problems
The Pixel Buds 2 use Bluetooth 5.0 with a feature called “dual connection,� where each earbud connects to your phone independently. This should improve stability, but early units suffered from a known hardware/software interaction: the left bud often acts as the “primary� for the microphone, and when it loses a clean signal, both buds can stutter. Google acknowledged the issue in 2020 and pushed firmware updates (such as version 553) that dramatically reduced cutouts, but some users still experience drops in specific situations.
Common triggers include:
- Physical obstruction: keeping your phone in a back pocket or a bag on the opposite side of your body.
- Interference: walking through areas with many Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, or near microwave ovens.
- Firmware bugs: older firmware versions (before 553) had known stuttering bugs.
- Battery or connection glitches: low battery on one bud or a corrupted Bluetooth pairing.
How to Update Firmware on Pixel Buds 2
Before trying anything else, make sure your buds are running the latest firmware. Google pushed several updates specifically to fix cutouts, so an outdated version is the most common cause.
- Keep your Pixel Buds 2 in their case and ensure the case has battery (charge it if needed).
- Place the case near your phone (within a few feet) and keep the lid open.
- On your phone, go to Settings > Connected devices > Pixel Buds (or open the Pixel Buds app).
- Tap the gear icon, then look for “Firmware update.� If an update is available, it will download and install automatically. Keep the case open and close to the phone until it finishes.
If you don’t see a firmware option, your buds may already be up to date. You can also check the current firmware version in the same settings screen.
Reset Bluetooth and Re-Pair the Buds
A fresh pairing often clears out corrupted connection data that causes random cutouts. Here’s how to do a full reset:
- Put both earbuds in the charging case and close the lid. Wait 10 seconds.
- Open the lid, then on your phone go to Settings > Connected devices and find your Pixel Buds. Tap “Forget� or “Unpair.�
- With the lid still open, press and hold the pairing button on the back of the case for about 30 seconds. The LED will flash white, then start blinking – this means the buds are in pairing mode.
- On your phone, re-pair the buds as if they were new. After pairing, test audio for a few minutes.
This reset also clears any custom settings (like in-ear detection), so you’ll need to re-enable those after.
Adjust How You Wear the Buds and Your Phone
Many cutouts are simply due to Bluetooth signal blockage. The Pixel Buds 2’s antenna is located in the outer part of the earbud, and your head can block it if the phone is on the opposite side.
- Keep your phone in a front pocket or on the same side as the earbud that’s stuttering.
- If you’re using a laptop or tablet, place it on a desk rather than in your lap.
- Try swapping the left and right buds – if the cutout follows the bud, it’s a hardware issue; if it stays on the same side, it’s a signal issue.
- Make sure the earbuds are seated correctly in your ear. A loose fit can cause the in-ear detection to think you removed them, which pauses audio briefly.
Check for Interference and Other Bluetooth Devices
Bluetooth operates on the 2.4 GHz band, which is crowded. If you’re in an area with many Wi-Fi networks, other Bluetooth speakers, or even USB 3.0 devices, your Pixel Buds can suffer from interference.
Try these steps:
- Move away from routers, microwaves, and other electronics.
- Turn off Bluetooth on devices you’re not using (like a smartwatch or laptop).
- If you’re near a Wi-Fi router, switch your phone to 5 GHz Wi-Fi if possible – this frees up the 2.4 GHz band for Bluetooth.
When It’s a Hardware Problem: Warranty and Replacement
If you’ve updated firmware, reset, and changed your usage habits but still get cutouts, the buds may have a hardware defect. Google’s official support page acknowledges that some units had issues and offers replacements for buds under warranty. If your buds are still within the one-year warranty, contact Google Support and describe the cutout issue – they may send a replacement left bud, right bud, or case. Note that the cutout issue is not caused by water damage or physical abuse, so don’t be afraid to claim warranty if you haven’t dropped them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Pixel Buds 2 cut out only when my phone is in my pocket?
Your body blocks the Bluetooth signal. The Pixel Buds 2’s antenna is small, and when your phone is in a pocket on the opposite side of your body, the signal has to travel through your torso, which weakens it. Keep your phone on the same side as the earbud that’s stuttering, or use a front pocket.
Does the firmware update actually fix the cutout issue?
Yes, for many users. Google’s firmware update 553 (released in 2020) specifically addressed stuttering and cutouts. If you’re still on an older version, updating should significantly improve stability. However, it doesn’t fix all cases – some users still experience occasional drops in high-interference areas.
Can I use only one earbud to avoid cutouts?
Yes, using a single earbud can reduce cutouts because the phone only needs to maintain one Bluetooth connection. This is a workaround, not a fix, but it works in a pinch. Just note that you’ll lose stereo audio and may need to re-pair the other bud when you want to use it again.
Will a factory reset delete my equalizer settings?
Yes, a full reset (holding the pairing button for 30 seconds) clears all settings, including the EQ, in-ear detection, and any custom button assignments. You’ll need to set them up again after re-pairing.
Are the Pixel Buds 2 more prone to cutouts than other earbuds?
Early units had a higher-than-average rate of cutout complaints, but after firmware updates, the issue is comparable to other Bluetooth earbuds. However, the Pixel Buds 2 are still sensitive to signal blockage and interference compared to newer models with Bluetooth 5.2 or better antennas.
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