With just a few simple gestures, Google Pixel Buds allow you to control your media, manage your calls, or activate Gemini. All gestures can be performed with either earbud. You can also disable touch controls entirely .
How To Use Touch Controls Google Pixel Buds Pro | Google Pixel Buds Pro
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Nod up and down
Tip: If you turn on Spoken notifications, you can also respond to a text message with a nod. Text replies are only available in English. |
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Head shake from left to right
Tip: If you turn on Spoken notifications, you can also dismiss replying to a text message with a head shake. |
Tap
- Play / Pause media
- Answer call
- Pixel Buds Pro only: Leave Conversation Detection mode
Double Tap
- Next track
- End / Reject call
- Stops Gemini
Triple Tap
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Previous track
Swipe Forward
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Raise volume (not available on Pixel Buds A-Series also referred as Pixel Buds A)
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You can also control the volume by saying, "Hey Google, turn up the volume."
Swipe Backward
- Lower volume (not available on Pixel Buds A)
- You can also control the volume by saying, "Hey Google, turn down the volume."
Press & Hold (requires Android 6.0+)
Turn off or on Active Noise Cancellation
- Switch between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode. This gesture is configured to switch between noise control modes by default, but you can customize it in the Pixel Buds app to activate Gemini instead.
Tip: You can also switch to Adaptive audio for Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Use Gemini
- For Google Pixel Buds Pro (that are configured to digital assistant), Google Pixel Buds, and Pixel Buds A:
- Listen to notifications (release after chime)
- Activate Gemini (speak while holding)
Activate Gemini
How you activate Gemini depends on how you've configured the left and right buds of your Pixel Buds Pro.
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If your LEFT bud is configured for: |
And your RIGHT bud is configured for: |
Then to activate Gemini: |
|---|---|---|
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Noise control |
Noise control |
Use hotword ("Hey Google") |
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Noise control |
Gemini |
Use hotword ("Hey Google") or touch and hold RIGHT bud |
| Gemini |
Noise control |
Use hotword ("Hey Google") or touch and hold LEFT bud |
| Gemini | Gemini |
Use hotword ("Hey Google") or touch and hold LEFT or RIGHT bud |
Tip:
- At least one of your worn earbuds must be configured for digital assistant if you want spoken digital assistant notifications. An example of a spoken notification is, "You have a message from [contact name]."
- When you touch and hold either Google Pixel Bud, wait for a chime and then speak to the Gemini. You can also say "Hey Google" or "OK Google" to talk to the Gemini without touching your earbuds.
- The Gemini on Google Pixel Buds is only available on Android and requires a digital assistant-enabled Android 6.0+ device, Google Account, and an internet connection. Data rates may apply. Refer to minimum requirements.
Turn off touch controls
If you'd rather not use touch controls for your earbuds, you can turn them off.
When you turn off touch controls, your Pixel Buds won't respond to any touches or taps. However, you can still get hands-free help from your Gemini by saying "Hey Google". You can turn off touch controls from your phone or by asking your Gemini.
From your phone:
- On a Pixel phone with Android 10+: Go to Settings
Connected devices
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On other Android devices: Open the Google Pixel Buds app.
- Tap Touch controls.
- Turn off touch controls.
Important:
- The Gemini on Google Pixel Buds is only available on Android and requires an assistant-enabled Android device and data connection. Data rates may apply.
- For minimum requirements, go to Google Pixel Buds Requirements. A Google account is required for full access to features.
- Google Translate on Google Pixel Buds is only available on Pixel phones. Internet connection required. Fees may apply.
With just a few simple gestures, your Google Pixel Buds allow you to control your media, manage your calls, use your digital assistant, or translate spoken languages. The available gestures performed with the right earbud are:
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Touch & Hold |
Tip: You don't have to wait for a tone. As soon as you press and hold your right Google Pixel Bud, you can speak to your Gemini.
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Tap |
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Double TapTo customize Double Tap:
Tip: If you tap Next track, it will disable the spoken notifications function. |
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Swipe Backward |
Gesture with a finger to perform commands
| To do this... | Perform this gesture |
|---|---|
| Answer call | Tap the right earbud |
| End call | Touch and hold the right earbud |
| Ignore call | Touch and hold the right earbud |
| Play or pause media | Tap the right earbud |
| Increase volume | Swipe forward on the right earbud |
| Decrease volume | Swipe backward on the right earbud |
| Invoke your Gemini | Touch and hold the right earbud |
| Confirm your choice with Gemini | Tap the right earbud |
| Stop your Gemini | Double tap the right earbud |
| Listen to notifications with Gemini | Double tap the right earbud |
| Wake or sleep your Pixel Buds | Triple tap the right earbud |
Google Assistant requires an Assistant-enabled Android 6.0+ device, Google Account, and an internet connection. Data rates may apply. For available languages and minimum requirements go to g.co/pixelbuds/help