Google Rolls Out Sleep Detection and New Controls for Pixel Buds 2A and Pro 2
A Pixel Watch can now trigger sleep detection on Pixel Buds 2A and Pro 2, pausing audio, silencing notifications, and disabling touch controls. The update adds tap-to-mute and Gemini controls, while Dynamic ANC is exclusive to Pro 2.
Google is rolling out a software update in 2026 that adds several new features to its Pixel Buds 2A and Pixel Buds Pro 2, including sleep detection, tap-to-mute calling controls, and expanded Gemini voice commands. The company detailed the update in a Pixel Buds community forum post, noting the features were first teased in August.
The most significant addition is sleep detection, which works in tandem with a Pixel Watch. When the watch detects that the wearer has fallen asleep, the earbuds will automatically pause music, silence notifications, and disable touch controls.
Both the Buds 2A and Pro 2 also gain tap-to-mute, which lets users mute or unmute their microphone during calls with a single tap — though this feature requires a Pixel phone to function. Live translation can now also be activated with a single tap, and new Gemini voice commands enable control over active noise cancellation (ANC), EQ settings, and touch controls.
One feature is exclusive to the Pixel Buds Pro 2: Dynamic ANC, which automatically adjusts audio and noise cancellation levels based on how well the earbuds are sealed in the user’s ears.
The update rollout also carries a notable footnote. The original forum post stated that all features except Dynamic ANC would extend to the original Pixel Buds Pro, but references to that model were subsequently removed from the post. The Verge reports it has reached out to Google for comment on the change, and no explanation has been provided.