Google Pixel phones gain LHDCv5 support in Android 17 for improved wireless audio

At a glance:

• Android 17 adds LHDCv5 codec support to Google Pixel devices for higher-quality wireless audio
• Users can verify codec usage via developer options in Bluetooth settings
• Compatible earbuds include OnePlus Buds Pro 3, though Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Nothing Ear (3) lack support

What's new in Android 17

Google's latest Android update introduces LHDCv5 support to Pixel smartphones, marking a significant upgrade for wireless audio quality. This change addresses the growing prevalence of Bluetooth audio devices, which have outpaced wired solutions in recent years. The LHDCv5 codec, announced in 2022, delivers audio fidelity previously limited to wired connections, offering a more immersive experience for users with compatible hardware.

The addition aligns with broader industry trends, as several Android manufacturers have already integrated LHDC into their devices. However, this marks the first time Google has included the codec natively in its Pixel lineup, reflecting the company's focus on enhancing multimedia capabilities. The update is part of Android 17's stable release and applies to all Tensor-powered Pixel models, ensuring widespread availability across modern Google hardware.

How to check your codec

To confirm whether your Pixel device is utilizing LHDCv5, users must navigate through developer settings. After enabling developer options by tapping the build number in Settings > About phone, the Bluetooth Audio Codec menu under Settings > System > Developer options becomes accessible. This menu only appears when a compatible Bluetooth audio device is actively connected, displaying available codecs including LHDCv5 if supported by the paired hardware.

Testing confirms that OnePlus Buds Pro 3 automatically default to LHDCv5 when connected to updated Pixel devices. In contrast, Pixel Buds Pro 2 continue using AAC due to hardware limitations, while Nothing Ear (3) rely on LDAC, which remains unsupported on Pixel phones. These distinctions highlight the importance of both software and hardware compatibility for achieving optimal audio performance.

Compatible devices and limitations

While Android 17 enables LHDCv5 support system-wide, actual benefits depend on the connected audio device's capabilities. High-end wireless earbuds from brands like OnePlus and select others already support LHDCv5, making them ideal partners for updated Pixel phones. However, older or budget-friendly Bluetooth accessories may not support the codec, defaulting to standard options like SBC or AAC.

The rollout coincides with ongoing promotions, such as OnePlus Buds Pro 3 being priced under $100 during Prime Day sales. This timing may encourage users to upgrade their audio hardware alongside their Pixel devices. Despite these improvements, some users have reported unrelated issues following the Android 17 update, including touch input problems and widget deletion bugs, which Google is actively addressing.

Industry implications and future outlook

LHDCv5 adoption in Android 17 signals Google's commitment to closing the gap between wired and wireless audio quality. By integrating the codec at the system level, the company ensures broader compatibility across Android devices, not just Pixel models. This move could pressure other manufacturers to prioritize high-fidelity wireless audio, especially as consumer demand for premium Bluetooth accessories continues to grow.

Looking ahead, users can expect further refinements in Android's audio handling, particularly as Google explores features like ambient conversation tracking through its upcoming Pixel Audio Memory technology. However, hardware constraints mean that not all Bluetooth devices will benefit equally, emphasizing the need for manufacturers to align their products with evolving software standards.

What to watch next

Google's focus on audio quality improvements reflects broader efforts to enhance user experience across its hardware ecosystem. With Android 17 now rolling out, attention will shift to how other manufacturers adopt LHDCv5 and whether it becomes a new baseline for wireless audio performance. Meanwhile, ongoing bug fixes and feature updates will determine how smoothly users transition to the latest OS version.

For audiophiles and casual listeners alike, the combination of Android 17 and LHDCv5-compatible earbuds represents a tangible step forward in wireless audio technology. As more devices support the codec, the distinction between wired and wireless audio quality may become increasingly negligible, reshaping expectations for mobile audio experiences.