Get notified by Google Pixel Buds

Use Google Pixel Buds to receive and respond to incoming messages, emails, and important calendar events on the go. To hear Spoken notifications read aloud to you on Google Pixel Buds Pro, at least one of your worn earbuds' touch and hold gesture must be configured to Assistant.

Important: Google Assistant on Pixel Buds requires an Assistant-enabled Android 6.0+ device, Google Account, and an internet connection. Data rates may apply. See minimum requirements.

Before you start 

You'll need to enable access to your notifications. To enable notifications: 

1. Open your Pixel's Android settings.
2. Tap Notifications App Settings.
3. Turn on notifications for Google.

Note: Accessing the settings may vary on other Android devices and versions.

You also need to turn on your Spoken notifications from the Pixel Buds settings menu: 

1. On a Pixel phone with Android 10+: Go to Settings  System Software updates App updates tap Settings  by your paired Pixel Buds name.
   On other Android devices: Open the Google Pixel Buds app .
2. Select Google Assistant.
3. Tap Spoken notifications.
4. Turn on Spoken notifications .
5. In the apps list, turn on notifications for the apps you want to hear notifications from.

Hear your notifications

When you wear Pixel Buds, Assistant can automatically alert you of notifications as soon as your phone receives them. For important notifications, a chime will play and a summary of the notification will be read.

To hear the full message, touch and hold your earbud until you hear a chime, then let go.

If you don't take action on a notification, Assistant will play a chime for subsequent messages from the same sender, but it won't read the summaries.

You can choose to stop Assistant at any time by double-tapping either earbud.

Reply to your notifications 

To reply to a text notification, wait for Assistant to finish reading you the message, then touch and hold either earbud when prompted and begin speaking.

Types of notifications

Messages

Assistant will read your latest messages back to you and prompt you to respond if you'd like.

Emails

If you're too busy to go through your recent emails, Assistant will read their subject line to you while you're on the go.

Calendar Events

If a meeting or an event on your calendar gets rescheduled, Assistant will update you of the new notifications of changes.

Traffic Updates

Assistant will alert you to any notifications of accidents or detours that may extend your usual commute so you can plan accordingly.

Flight Changes

If you're in a hurry to make your flight, Assistant will inform you of any changes made to your departure time.

Hearing Wellness (Pixel Buds Pro only)

Alerts you with context about how often you are exposed to high volume levels. Learn more about how to Use Hearing Wellness.

Pixel Buds (2017)

With the Google Pixel Buds, Assistant can give you updates on your daily itinerary, recent messages, emails, or calendar events without you having to look at your phone.

The Google Assistant on Google Pixel Buds is only available on Android and requires an Assistant-enabled Android device and data connection. Data rates may apply. A Google account is required for full access to features. For more information, go to Google Pixel Buds Requirements & Specifications.

Note: Notifications must be enabled in the Assistant settings menu in order for this feature to work. You will also need to grant the Google app access to your notifications. Notifications may not work with all apps.

Before you start 

You'll need to enable access to your notifications. To enable notifications: 

1. Open your Pixel's Android settings.
2. Tap Notifications App Settings.
3. Turn on notifications for Google.

Note: Accessing the settings may vary on other Android devices and versions.

You also need to turn on your Spoken notifications from the Pixel Buds settings menu: 

1. On a Pixel phone with Android 10+: Go to Settings  System Software updates App updates tap Settings  by your paired Pixel Buds name.
   On other Android devices: Open the Google Pixel Buds app .
2. Select Google Assistant.
3. Tap Spoken notifications.
4. Turn on Spoken notifications .
5. In the apps list, turn on notifications for the apps you want to hear notifications from.

Spoken Notifications

When you are wearing your Pixel Buds, the Google Assistant will tell you when you have a notification as the phone receives them. For important notifications, a chime will play and a summary of the notification will be read.

You can choose to hear the full message by double tapping the right earbud. If you don't take action on a notification, Assistant will temporarily play a chime for subsequent messages from the same sender and not read the summaries.

Getting Notifications

To hear notifications, simply double tap the right earbud. Assistant will then read the notifications you may have missed within the last hour. You can choose to stop Assistant at any time by double tapping the right earbud.

Replying to Notifications

To reply to a text notification, wait for Assistant to finish reading you the message, then touch and hold the right earbud when prompted and begin speaking.

Note: Google Pixel Buds do not currently support replying to SMS text messages.

Examples of important notifications

Messages

You Assistant will read your latest messages back to you and prompt you to respond if you'd like.

Emails

If you're too busy to sit and sift through your recent emails, Assistant will read them to you while you're on the go.

Calendar Events

If a meeting or an event on your calendar gets rescheduled, Assistant will let you know so you can arrive right on time.

Traffic Updates

Assistant will notify you of any accidents or detours that may extend your usual commute so you can plan accordingly.

Flight Changes

If you're in a hurry to make your flight, Assistant will inform you of any changes made to your departure time.

Internet connection required. Fees may apply.