Google’s Pixel Buds were originally launched in 2017 to compete with the AirPods and Galaxy Buds. What separated the wireless earbuds from the rest of the pack was built-in Google Assistant and support for Google Translate.
While Pixel Buds receive generally positive reviews, there may come a time when you find your Pixel Buds not charging. If this is the case, don’t throw away your wireless earphones just yet, as there are ways that you can fix it.
Pixel Buds not charging can mean several things, including dirty contact points, a charging case that doesn’t have any battery left, or the need to do a soft reset.
Here’s a complete guide on how to fix Pixel Buds that won’t charge.
TL;DR: Fixing Pixel Buds That Won’t Charge
If your Google Pixel Buds won’t charge, first try to clean the contact points on both the earbuds and the charging case with a lint-free cloth. If that doesn’t work, plug the case into a wall outlet or power bank, and if all else fails, perform a reset of the Pixel Buds. Give it time to recharge before trying to use them again.
Why Won’t My Pixel Buds Charge?
Modern wireless earphones, such as the Google Pixel Buds, mostly get their charge from a charging case. Typically, the charging case is included when you buy the earbuds.
The instructions are fairly simple – when you see that your Pixel Buds are low on juice, just put them in the Pixel Buds charging case, wait for 30 minutes to an hour, then bring your earbuds out and use them again.
If your Pixel Buds won’t charge, then it’s highly likely that you’ll need to take a closer look at your charging case. Before that, you will need to gather the following items to be able to troubleshoot properly:
- Your Pixel Buds
- The Pixel Buds charging case
- The included USB-C cable
Charge Your Pixel Buds in the Charging Case
Step 1. Make Sure Your Charging Case has Power
Find a wall outlet and plug in the USB-C cable that came with your Google Pixel Buds. Then, attach the USB-C port to the charging case.
The LED indicator at the front of the case should light up and indicate that it’s charging. If not, try to unplug and re-plug the cable or replace it with a new one.
Step 2. Insert Your Pixel Buds into the Charging Case
Each earbud will have its designated spot in the charging case.
You’ll know when they’re in the right place if the pieces fit properly, and you’re able to close the lid. Plus, there should be a gentle magnetic snap and the earbuds should respond by having their status light blink.
The charging case’s LED should turn orange to indicate that it’s charging your Pixel Buds. A solid orange light on the case indicates that the Pixel Buds are charging properly, while a solid white light indicates that the Pixel Buds are fully charged.
Step 3. Re-seat, Adjust or Open and Close the Lid
You can try to adjust each earbud or the one that’s not carrying a charge gently while it’s inside the charging case. A quick on-and-off change in the status light means that it’s not properly positioned, or the ear tips aren’t securely fastened to the earbud.
As a side note, you can try closing the lid to see if the earbuds are in the right alignment. If you can’t close it properly then it might mean that the left earbud is in the right earbud spot or vice versa.
Step 4. Wait 30 Minutes Before Using Your Pixel Buds Again
There’s a good chance that your Pixel Buds are completely drained, which means that you won’t be able to use them for more than 20 minutes or so. Let your earbuds rest in the charging case for half an hour to give them juice. You can also plug in your USB-C cable so the charging case gets a boost as well.
Clean Your Pixel Buds
Step 1. Clean the EarBuds
It’s important that you use a cleaning cloth that won’t damage your Pixel Buds. It’s recommended that you use a lint-free cloth that’s slightly damp, or a cotton swab to remove dust, dirt, and other built-up material. Pay special attention to the openings as well as the charging contacts, which are the metal points or circles in the earbuds’ body.
Be careful not to put too much moisture in the cleaning cloth, or pour water over your earbuds as this can make them irreparable. Wipe the charging contact and outer body dry before you attempt to put them back into the charging case.
The A-Series Buds should only be cleaned using a lint-free cloth, while the Pro requires the same and an adhesive putty, but only if there’s some minute debris you can’t remove.
Step 2. Clean the Charging Case
Open the lid of your Pixel Bud charging case and wipe the insides using a lint-free cloth. A cotton swab can work as well. You can wipe the exterior with a damp cloth, but make sure that you don’t get the USB-C port wet.
Pay special attention to the magnetized pods and the charging contacts when cleaning your charging case. Do not use liquid or water on the inside. Also, allow the case to dry properly before you attempt to charge your Pixel Buds or plug in the USB-C cable.
Important- you won’t need to employ chemical cleaning agents, such as soap, alcohol, or detergent while cleaning your Google Pixel Buds and its charging case. A clean and soft lint-free cloth and a bit of water to dampen it should suffice.
Reset Your Pixel Buds and Charging Case
Step 1. Plug Your Charging Case
First, you’ll want to make sure that the charging case is plugged into a wall outlet and the included USB-C cable.
Step 2. Insert the Pixel Buds and Leave the Lid Open
Put the Pixel Buds in the right slot. They may or may not blink, but the LED status of the charging case should blink or indicate that it’s charging the earbuds.
Step 3. Reset the Charging Case
Locate the pairing button of your Pixel Buds charging case – it’s located at the back of the case, near the bottom, and has an oval shape. Without closing the lid, hold the case and long-press the pairing button for 45 seconds, or until the status light of the earbuds starts blinking white and orange. Keep on pressing the button until it goes back to pulsing white.
Afterward, the Pixel Buds should show a charging status while inside the case. Pair it with your device and resume normal use.
How Can You Tell If Pixel Buds are Charging?
Check Your Device. Place your Pixel Buds in the charging case, then swipe down or up from your phone’s home screen and you’ll see the status of your connected Pixel Buds. It should say ‘charging’ or something similar, or have a lightning bolt icon to indicate that it’s carrying juice from the case.
Check the Charging Case. Plug in the USB-C cable to the charging case – the front LED light should come up in a second or two. Then, place your earbuds in the case and look at the case’s status light – it should turn orange as a result.
Pixel Buds Not Charging on a Pixel Stand?
The Pixel Stand is a wireless charger accessory that can deliver up to 23W of power to compatible Pixel products, including the Pixel Buds. Keep in mind that although the maximum power is 23W, it won’t charge compatible Pixel Buds at that rate.
If you’re wondering, ‘why won’t my pixel buds wireless charge?’ the problem could lie in your Pixel Buds’ compatibility and if the device is supported by the Pixel Stand. Also, keep in mind that there are several versions of the Pixel Buds and the Pixel Stand.
Currently, there are four Pixel Buds models – the original Pixel Buds, which came out in 2017, the Pixel Buds A-Series and Pixel Buds 2, both released in 2020, and finally, the Pixel Buds Pro, which debuted just this year. As for the Pixel Stand, there’s the first-generation and the second-general Pixel Stand.
The 2017 model does not have wireless charging capability, but the second-generation Pixel Buds, which launched in 2020, do. You’ll be able to charge the case on both the Pixel Stand 1 and Pixel Stand 2, albeit with a few tweaks. Since the Pixel Stand is primarily made to charge Pixel phones, its magnetic charging point stands a bit higher and at the center.
That said, you might find that the smaller charging case won’t quite reach up to the magnetic charging point without a bit of help. Some owners say they were able to get the original Pixel Stand to charge their Pixel Buds by putting the case upside down, but the results may vary from one person to another.
The Pixel Buds 2, or the Google Pixel Buds that came out in 2020 should be able to take a charge from both Pixel Stand models. The Pixel Buds Pro is also compatible with first and second-generation Stands. The Pixel Buds Series A-Series, however, does not support wireless charging and thus won’t be able to accept a charge from either.
How to Charge Your Pixel Buds Wirelessly Through Your Pixel Phone
Newer Google Pixel phones, including the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, and the Pixel 5 have what’s called ‘Battery Share’, which is a feature that allows the device to charge a Qi-certified accessory.
Turn on Battery Share by going to your phone’s Settings, then locate Battery and Battery Share. Then, place your Pixel Buds’ charging case at the back of the phone and follow the instructions on the screen. You’ll know it’s successful when the LED status light of the charging case comes on.
Essential Troubleshooting Tips for Your Pixel Buds
While the above steps provide a detailed guide on how to fix charging issues with your Pixel Buds, it’s important to keep some general troubleshooting tips in mind. The first tip, which might sound too simple to be true, is to ensure your Pixel Buds are sitting properly in the charging case. Misalignment can prevent the buds from charging.
Secondly, try to test your charging case with another USB-C cable and power source, if possible. This can help you identify if the problem lies with the case or the power source.
Thirdly, always remember to keep your Pixel Buds and the charging case clean. Any debris or dust on the charging contacts can interfere with the charging process.
Lastly, if you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and your Pixel Buds still won’t charge, it might be time to reach out to Google’s customer service for further help. It’s possible that your earbuds or charging case may have a manufacturing defect or other issue that needs professional attention.
Optimizing Pixel Buds Battery Life
Your Pixel Buds are designed to deliver extended playtime on a single charge, but there are ways you can optimize the battery life to ensure you’re not caught without music at a critical moment.
For instance, when you’re not using your buds, always ensure they’re in the charging case. This not only keeps them safe but also ensures they’re always at full charge when you need them. Additionally, lowering the volume can dramatically improve battery life, as can turning off features like in-ear detection when they’re not needed.
Final Thoughts
Wireless earbuds, the Pixel Buds included, will usually have charging problems if the charging case doesn’t have enough power or if the pieces are not properly inserted.
Generally, charging issues can be solved by either:
- A reset of the Pixel Buds, or
- Cleaning the Pixel Buds and charging case thoroughly
You can try to clean the contact points first with a clean cloth or plug the case into a wall outlet or power bank to resolve the issue. Once the problem is fixed you can go back to listening to your favorite music with your Pixel Buds.
FAQs
Why does the LED on my Pixel Buds case not light up?
The LED on the Pixel Buds case should light up when the case is charging. If it doesn’t, this could be a sign of a faulty case or USB-C cable. Try using a different cable and power source, and if the LED still doesn’t light up, consider reaching out to Google’s customer support or replacing your charging case.
Can I use a Pixel Stand to charge my Pixel Buds?
Yes, you can, but this is only applicable to certain models of the Pixel Buds. The 2020 and Pro versions of Pixel Buds can be charged wirelessly using the Pixel Stand. However, the original 2017 model and the A-Series do not support wireless charging.
What does it mean when the Pixel Buds LED flashes white and orange?
The flashing white and orange lights on your Pixel Buds indicate that the buds are being reset. You will see this when you hold down the pairing button on your charging case for about 45 seconds.
Can I charge my Pixel Buds with my Pixel Phone?
Yes, certain newer models of Pixel phones such as the Pixel 5, 6, 6 Pro, 7, and 7 Pro have a Battery Share feature that allows the phone to wirelessly charge your Pixel Buds.
Can I clean my Pixel Buds with alcohol or detergent?
No, it’s recommended to only clean your Pixel Buds and charging case with a lint-free cloth and a very small amount of water. Using alcohol, detergent, or other cleaning agents could damage your buds or case.
