Experience spatial audio on your device's speakers to get an immersive audio effect when you watch supported films or TV shows with your Pixel device. For a setup similar to surround sound, use accessories like wireless and wired headphones or earbuds.
How to use spatial audio on Pixel devices
Spatial audio is available on Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.
You can use spatial audio on your Pixel device with films and TV shows from supported streaming platforms that have 5.1 or higher audio tracks, including YouTube, Max, Netflix and Disney Plus. Netflix only allows on-device spatial audio when connected with Pixel Buds Pro and with head tracking on.
Tip: To use spatial audio, check that you have the latest Android software. Learn how to check your Android version.
Turn on spatial audio for your headphones
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Sound and vibration
Spatial audio.
- Set up the kind of headphones that you want to use with spatial audio:
- To use wired headphones, turn on Wired headphones.
- To use wireless headphones, tap Connected devices settings
Spatial audio.Turn on spatial audio with a volume button
Important: To use spatial audio on your Pixel Tablet, you need to remove it from the Charging Speaker Dock.
- Press a volume button.
- The sidebar volume menu displays. On the right, tap Menu
.
- Check your connected device and media options.
- Turn on spatial audio.
- Tap Done.
.Learn how to pair and connect to wireless headphones or earbuds.
Turn on head-tracked spatial audio (Pixel Buds Pro earbuds)
Important: Your Pixel Buds Pro must have the latest firmware version installed if you use them with Spatial Audio on Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Fold or Pixel Tablet. Learn how to check your Pixel Buds Pro firmware version.
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Connected devices
- Turn on Head tracking.
Tips:
- Use content marked as Dolby Audio or 5.1.
- Keep your device steady or place it on a stable surface or stand.
Turn on spatial audio for your device's built-in speakers (Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet only)
Important: Available for Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet only.
Enable spatial audio for your device's built-in speakers. This feature makes your listening experience closer to the immersive engagement that you get with headphones or earbuds.
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Sound and vibration
- Turn on Phone or Tablet speakers.
Turn on spatial audio with a volume button
Important: To use spatial audio on your Pixel Tablet, you need to remove it from the Charging Speaker Dock.
- Press a volume button.
- The sidebar volume menu displays. On the right, tap Menu
- Check your connected device and media options.
- Turn on spatial audio.
- Tap Done.
Troubleshoot sound problems
- Check your device's volume
- If you use a Bluetooth accessory, check the pairing. Learn how to fix Bluetooth problems.
- If you use USB-C accessories, including adaptors, check that they work with digital audio.
For more troubleshooting, learn how to fix sound problems or join the conversation on the Google Pixel Help Community or the Pixel Tablet Help Community.
Use recommended accessories
If your headphones say 'Made by Google' or 'Made for Google', they're certified to work with Pixel devices. Other digital audio accessories can also work with Pixel devices. Find accessories on the Google Store.
Tip: If you have a Pixel 3 or Pixel 2, the headphone adaptor that came in your phone's box works with 3.5 mm accessories that meet the Android headset requirements. If your headphones don't work with your adaptor, contact the manufacturer and ask if your headphones meet the requirements.
Related articles
Netflix is a registered trademark of Netflix, Inc.
Disney Plus and Disney+ are registered trademarks of Disney Enterprises, Inc.