You open the Google Pixel Buds 2a case for the first time, expecting a magical, seamless future-is-here moment where your phone instantly recognizes them. But then, your phone either pops up with a friendly greeting or stays silent, leaving you staring at a black screen.
That’s a small hurdle, but it’s the difference between jumping straight into your favorite playlist or spending your afternoon troubleshooting.
I’ve spent the last few weeks using the Pixel Buds 2a on both Android and iPhone. While the Pixel Buds 2a setup is mostly a breeze, there are a few specific steps and hidden settings that genuinely change how these buds feel in your daily life.
Tips: Before You Start
Before we even touch the Bluetooth settings, there are some tips that I have learned. Once, I tried to pair a brand-new pair of buds while rushing out the door, only to realise the case was 0%.
- I always plug the case and buds in for at least 10-15 minutes before the first setup. Even if they come with some charge, a fresh top-off prevents the firmware from crashing if it decides to update immediately.
- During the initial pairing, keep the buds inside the case but leave the lid wide open.
- On Android, make sure both Bluetooth and location are turned on before you open that lid.
I actually skipped the location permission once because I’m concerned about my privacy and guess what? Fast pair wouldn’t trigger. Google uses location specially BLE scanning, to see nearby devices. Trust me, just enable it for the setup.
The Android Experience: Fast Pair
If you are using an Android phone, then the Pixel Buds 2a setup is designed to be almost too easy. It is one of those rare tech moments that actually feels like the future.
If you are using a Pixel phone, then when you open the case next to your phone, a massive 3D pop-up appears at the bottom of your screen. You just need to tap Connect and it gets connected to your phone.
Buds get automatically linked to your Google Account, which is great because if you switch to a Pixel tablet or another Pixel phone later on, the device is already paired.
If you are using non-pixel phones like Samsung, Xiaomi or One Plus, the good news is that Fast Pair works on almost all Android phones. When I tested this with the Samsung Galaxy, the pop-up appeared in about 2 seconds after opening the lid of the Pixel Buds 2a. However, sometimes you might need to unlock your phone first to see the notification.
On Pixel phones, the settings are located within the Bluetooth menu. On non-Pixel phones, you need to download the Pixel Buds app from the Play Store.
I recommend doing this if you are a non-Pixel phone user, otherwise you’ll be stuck with the default sound.
Manual Bluetooth Pairing (iPhone, PC, MAC)
I’ve used the Pixel Buds 2a on my iPhone and my Macbook and while you don’t get the fancy one-tap pop-up, the connection is rock solid once it gets connected.
To get into pairing mode, look for the small button on the back of the charging case. With the lid open and buds inside, press and hold that button for about three seconds. The white light on the front will start blinking.
On iPhone
- Go to Settings
- Then open Bluetooth
- Look for Pixel Buds 2a at the bottom
- Tap it and you’re in
On PC/Mac:
- Go to Settings
- Open your Bluetooth settings
- Pair them like any other headphones
If you are an iPhone user, do not think that it will not get connected to your device, just as it gets connected to an Android phone. While you won’t get Google Assistant on an iPhone, both Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode still work and can be controlled directly through the earbuds.
Inside the App: The 3 Settings You Must Change
Once you’re finished with the Pixel Buds 2a setup, do not just start Spotify and walk away. There are three settings I change every single time I reset these buds.
- The EQ
The balanced profile is fine, but according to my tests, it lacks a bit of energy. I always go into the sound settings in the app and toggle on Bass Boost. It makes the 12mm drivers feel much more premium, especially for podcasts or listening to hip-hop music.
- Touch Control Customisation
By default, a long press toggles between ANC and Transparency modes. I usually keep one earbud set to this, but sometimes I change the other earbud’s function to trigger the assistant (on Android). You can also adjust the gesture sensitivity here if the music accidentally pauses while you’re adjusting the earbuds.
- Firmware Updates
If the app notifies you that an update is available, install it. Google frequently improves connection stability. When I first got these earbuds, there was a slight hissing sound in the left earbud. After a firmware update, that sound disappeared.
ANC, Transparency Controls and Gestures
This is where the Pixel Buds 2a really shine for their price. The gestures are capacitive, so you don’t have to click them and push them further into your ear.
- ANC (Active Noise Cancellation): I mostly use it while travelling on a train or at the office, which is powered by the Tensor A1 chip and features Silent Seal 1.5. It’s great at blocking out the low hum of air conditioners and engines.
- Transparency Mode: This is my favourite mode for walking with my dog. It lets in the sounds of my surroundings. It sounds very natural, not robotic like some other cheap earbuds.
You need to keep in mind that if you just tap it, you’ll accidentally pause your music. After a day or two, it becomes muscle memory.
Multipoint and Audio Switching Setup
If you’re like me, who constantly jumps between a laptop for Zoom calls and a phone for Instagram reels, the Pixel Buds 2a support Multipoint, but you usually have to enable it in the app settings first.
Once it is enabled, you can pair it to two devices at once. If I’m listening to music on my MacBook and my phone rings, the buds will automatically switch to the phone when I answer.
Find My Device Setup
I am a person who always forgets my buds, but during the Pixel Buds 2a setup, it asks you to enable Find My Device.
It is important because if you lose them, you can ping them. If they are nearby and out of the case, they will chirp loudly. You can also see the last seen where they were last connected.
This thing gives me peace of mind, especially when travelling.
You need to keep in mind that the beep sound will only work if the buds are out of the case. If the case is closed, you’re stuck with its last-known location.
Common Pixel Buds 2a Setup Issues and Fixes
Tech isn’t perfect. If you’re staring at your phone and nothing is happening, don’t worry, I’ll share my troubleshooting guide list:
- If Fast Pair isn’t showing up: close the lid, wait for 5 seconds and open it again. Ensure your phone screen is unlocked.
- If one earbud is silent: this usually happens if one bud didn’t sit correctly in the case. Wipe the little gold metal contacts with a dry cloth and put them back in.
- If the app isn’t detecting your buds: you need to unpair the buds in your Bluetooth settings, then restart your phone and start the Pixel Buds 2a setup from scratch. It works 90% of the time.
- If all these fail: keep the buds in the open case and hold the back button for 30 seconds until the light flashes yellow and white. This is a factory reset that usually resolves all the issues.
Wrap Up
I really like the Pixel Buds 2a because once the initial setup is complete, they just get out of your way. I choose them as my daily drivers because I don’t like any hassle during a working day. The Pixel Buds 2a setup is easy. I just want to open the case, hear a quick ping that indicates connection and get on with my day.
If you’re an Android user, the Pixel Buds 2a are best for you since their integration is excellent. If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll get some of the most comfortable earbuds on the market with great ANC, even if you don’t get the Google Assistant features.
