Google Pixel Buds Pro spatial audio with head tracking not working? Here's likely why & how to fix it

Google’s Pixel Buds Pro are true wireless earbuds that come packed with impressive features such as active noise cancellation, touch controls, and an IPX4 water-resistant rating.

Furthermore, Google also announced the Spatial Audio feature with head tracking technology back in January, saying that the feature would be available to users in the upcoming weeks. But it wasn’t made available instantly.

And now, Google has made another announcement confirming that the head tracking feature is beginning to roll out and will be available over the coming week. However, there’s a catch.

This feature won’t be available for every owner of Pixel Buds Pro as there are certain conditions you have to fulfill to make it work. As a result, some users are saying the spatial audio with head tracking is not working for them.

Just saw googlepixel’s story on Instagram and there they show the head tracking, but so far no update on my buds, might it come with the feature drop in the next hours/days or something? (Source)

It’s k-pop idol’s video which is recorded with surround 360° audio system. Head tracking is working with airpods pro 2, but I can’t feel any differences with pixel buds pro. Can you test it if you have some time? (Source)

But it turns out that there are some conditions or factors required for this functionality to work and you can check them below.

1. Make sure you have installed the latest firmware for your Pixel Buds Pro.
2. Head tracking must be enabled through your phone’s settings. Navigate to Settings > Connected devices > Pixel Buds Pro > Settings > Head tracking, then turn it on.
3. Ensure the content you are listening to is marked as Dolby Audio or 5.1 to experience the full effect of spatial audio.
4. To ensure accurate tracking, keep your phone steady or place it on a stable surface or stand.
5. Finally, keep in mind that the feature may not be available to all users immediately, as it is still being rolled out over the next week, as confirmed in the official announcement.

Rest assured, we will update this story as and when anything noteworthy comes to our notice.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Google section, so be sure to check them out as well.

PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.