You Can Now Adjust Your Google Pixel Buds Headphones with Your Voice: ANC and EQ Control with Gemini

You may no longer need to pick up your phone to change the headset's settings

You are on a crowded bus. You want to turn on noise cancellation because outside sounds are getting louder. Or you want to increase the bass a little while listening to music, and then switch to hearing outside sounds because you will be talking to someone.

Normally you may need to take out your phone, open the headset app and change the relevant setting. The Gemini connection that Google added to the Pixel Buds application aims to change supported settings with voice commands.

According to Android Authority's news dated September 2026, the new version of the application can change the equalizer, active noise canceling mode and touch controls of the headphones via Gemini. Android Authority

In the additional update in October, Google announced new features for Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a. While dynamic active noise cancellation is only offered to the Pro 2 model, some other innovations are supported in both models. Google later clarified that the original Pixel Buds Pro were not included in this new feature pack. 9to5Google

What do ANC and EQ mean?

ANC, active noise cancellation, is a system that tries to reduce some outside sounds with the help of microphones and electronic signal processing.

EQ, that is, the equalizer, changes the relative levels of the bass, mid and treble frequencies of the sound. For example, you can change the sound profile to increase the bass slightly or make speech more distinct.

The practical side of the Gemini connection is that it allows you to request these settings in natural language rather than having to search for them from within the application each time.

How can you use it?

1. Determine the model of your headset.
Check if you are using Pixel Buds Pro 2, Pixel Buds 2a or an older model. Don't confuse the basic Gemini call with the ability to change new settings by voice.

2. Update the Pixel Buds app.
Open Google Play Store, find Google Pixel Buds app and check the update option. Since the application's interface may change over time, rely on the help information of the current version.

3. Update Gemini app.
To use Gemini over headsets, Google's current Gemini application is required. Google's official Pixel Buds help documentation also lists the current Google app and Pixel Buds app as requirements. Google Support

4. Check the default digital assistant on your phone.
You may need to use Gemini as the default assistant. Check the default digital assistant section in the phone's settings.

5. Connect the headphones to the phone.
Verify that the connection is enabled in Bluetooth settings. Make sure the headset appears in the app.

6. Activate Gemini.
On supported headsets, you can use the set touch gesture or activation methods such as “Ok Google.” Note that movements may vary depending on model and personal settings.

7. Start with a simple command.
For example, you can say, “Turn on noise canceling” or “Boost bass.” If you receive a response stating that the command is not supported, change the relevant setting from within the application.

8. Verify the result in the application.
Check that the noise canceling mode has changed or the equalizer profile has been updated. Just because the voice assistant responds does not necessarily mean that the setting has been applied.

Why is dynamic noise canceling different?

The Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation feature announced for Pixel Buds Pro 2 aims to automatically adjust the sound and noise canceling behavior by taking into account small changes in the fit of the headset to the ear. This can reduce the need for the user to manually switch modes with each change. However, you should not expect this feature in all Pixel Buds models. 9to5Google

Limits and privacy

Voice commands are especially useful while walking or when your phone is in your bag. However, supported commands depend on the headset model, software version, and Gemini availability.

Additionally, calling Gemini may require an internet connection and voice commands may be associated with your personal data. Avoid saying sensitive information out loud.

Quick conclusion: If you have a compatible Pixel Buds model, update the apps, connect Gemini, and try changing the noise canceling or equalizer setting to audio first.