When you watch movies or TV shows that support Spatial Audio on your Pixel device, you can use accessories like wireless and wired headphones or earbuds to get an immersive audio effect, similar to a surround sound setup. If you have a Pixel Fold or Pixel Tablet, you can also experience Spatial Audio on your device's speakers.
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 Fold, and Pixel Tablet.
You can use Spatial Audio on your Pixel device with movies 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 turned 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
Important: This feature is available on Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet.
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Sound & vibration
Spatial audio.
- Set up the kind of headphones 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 with 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 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 & Pixel Tablet only)
On Pixel Fold or Pixel Tablet, you can enable spatial audio for your device's built-in speakers. This feature makes your listening experience closer to the immersive engagement you get with headphones or earbuds.
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Sound & 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 adapters, 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 adapter that came in your phone's box works with 3.5mm accessories that meet the Android headset requirements. If your headphones don't work with your adapter, contact the manufacturer and ask if your headphones meet the requirements.
Related resources
Netflix is a registered trademark of Netflix, Inc.
Disney Plus and Disney+ are registered trademarks of Disney Enterprises, Inc.