Android 17 has been rolling out to Pixel phones since June 16, and users are already discovering some of the coolest new features. Besides a bigger push for Google’s artificial intelligence agent, Gemini, the update also includes redesigned emojis, new on-device editing features for Instagram, and new security fixes. There’s quite a bit to the operating system, but one user has found new support for an audio codec that will definitely have Hi-Fi enthusiasts looking for an update.
If your Pixel device is running Android 16 or earlier, you likely have access to the Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) and Subband Codec (SBC) audio codecs. However, a Reddit user noticed that the new Android 17 update adds support for the Low Latency High Definition Audio Codec (LHDC) for Pixel owners (according to Android Authority). For users with headphones that support this codec, this will definitely be a welcome feature.
The company behind the codec, Savitech, mentioned in March that the feature would be available to users. The time has finally come. As useful as the new feature is, some may need to enable the codec, and we can show you how. We can also show you which Google Pixel phones are getting the update in case you haven’t made the jump yet. Remember, you can always check for updates by going to Settings, tapping System, and selecting Software Updates.
Better Bluetooth audio comes to Pixel owners with Android 17
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With the arrival of the LHDC v5 codec, Pixel owners can now enjoy 24-bit high-resolution audio via Bluetooth on compatible headphones. This codec offers a maximum bit rate of up to 1 Mbps at high resolution, which is comparable to around 256 kbps with AAC and 328 kbps for SBC – neither of which supports high definition. Although the codec supports many Pixel devices, users may want to check their headphones to ensure compatibility.
While the codec works with Pixel 6 and newer devices, it’s worth noting that the Pixel Buds don’t support LHDC v5, although they do support Sony’s AAC and LDAC. However, OnePlus’s OnePlus Buds 4 (among other OnePlus options) and the latest Nothing Ear headphones support the codec, as examples. Users may also need to enable this feature on their Pixel devices by following these steps:
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Head to Settings.
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Select System.
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Choose Developer Options.
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Select Bluetooth audio codec.
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Tap LHDCv5.
Be sure to check the manual or any apps associated with your headphones to see if you need to enable Hi-Res Audio for them as well. Additionally, this option will be grayed out in Android 17 if you don’t have compatible headphones or earphones connected to your smartphone. If you have headphones that support this feature, you’ll be good to go from there. If you use streaming services, make sure they support 24-bit audio, like Spotify or Apple Music. You might also want to check out this helpful Pixel feature that Google has buried under AI marketing.
