Google’s Android 17 has been out for almost a week now, and while many of us already know about all the headlining features, there are smaller ones that have gone unnoticed.
One of those unnoticed features just improved your Pixel’s audio quality.
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With the update, Pixel devices now natively support the LHDCv5 codec. This is essentially a higher bitrate codec, especially when compared to the standard SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs Pixel phones default to.
For the average music listener, this might not be a big deal. However, for audiophiles, the codec matters immensely.
Up until now, Pixel devices have been able to push audio to earbuds and headphones with the high bitrate LDAC codec, but that created a hardware bottleneck. If your earbuds/headphones did not support LDAC, then you’d be downgraded to standard AAC or SBC.
With support for LHDCv5, Google is widening the playing field, giving more users the option to enjoy higher-friendly audio.
It’s worth noting that the codec isn’t selected by default, and Google hasn’t really done a great job of highlighting support for it.
As highlighted by user QuantumCatalyzt in a Reddit post, the codec is hidden behind Android’s Develop Options (via Android Headlines).
Here’s how you can enable the codec:
If you’ve previously enabled Developer Options, then ignore the next step. If you haven’t, then head to ‘About Phone‘ in your phone’s Settings and tap the ‘Build Number‘ seven times. Then,
- Open your device’s Settings.
- Scroll down and tap on System.
- Navigate to Developer Options.
- Tap on Bluetooth Audio Codec.
- Select LHDCv5.
It’s worth noting that the option to select LHDCv5 will only appear if you have compatible earbuds/headphones paired and connected to your device.
That’s a little bit of menu digging, but that’s fine when the end result unlocks much higher fidelity wireless sound.
