[Updated] Google Pixel March update broke support for 3.5mm to USB-C adapter (USB audio not working), but there's a workaround

Here’s the crux of the article in video form:

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on March 24, 2023) follows:

With the release of the second generation of Pixel mobiles, Google removed support for the 3.5mm audio jack. Those who love using wired headphones make use of external adapters to connect them with their phones.

However, after the recent March update, some are experiencing difficulties when using wired headphones with their smartphones through the 3.5mm to USB-C headphone adapter.

According to reports (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10), some users are facing issues while listening to music with their headphones plugged in 3.5mm to USB-C headphone adapters.

It is alleged that the audio playback stops as soon as the screen is turned off. Also, some are completely unable to make use of these adapters after the March 2023 update for the Pixel smartphones.

One of those affected says that after installing the recent update, their headphones don’t work with the adapter. Also, their phone reboots randomly when the adapter is plugged in.

Another user mentions that they are no longer able to hear any audio output from their wired headphones after installing the patch.

Does anyone have the same bug on his Pixel 7 that calls are dropped /phone freezes for a few seconds/audio microphone issues when using a 3.5 mm Aux USB C adapter with wired headphones?
Source

Usb audio still not working when after latest update. Anyone help?
Source

Users even claim to be facing difficulties in unlocking their phone using the fingerprint sensor or face unlock feature when the adapter is being used.

And as a result, they have to disconnect the dongle to be able to unlock and use their mobile device.

Fortunately, we did come across a potential workaround that may help solve your problem. You can try changing the ‘Default USB configuration’ option to ‘No data transfer’ from the developer settings of your phone.

We do hope that Google will resolve this issue soon so that users can be able to use the 3.5mm to USB-C headphone adapter without any problems.

Until then, we’ll keep tabs on the issue where the Google Pixel March update broke support for 3.5mm to USB-C headphone adapter and update this article as and when something noteworthy comes up.

11:49 am (IST): A product expert has confirmed that Google is working to fix this issue and also provided a temporary workaround until it gets fixed. You can check it out below.

01:15 pm (IST): Some users also noted that connecting an audio adapter also causes random app crashes or phone reboots when they are listening to music.

04:55 pm (IST): The workaround suggested in the story has helped several users. However, there are some unfortunate people for whom the method has not worked (1, 2).

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Google section so be sure to follow them as well.

06:35 pm (IST): Here’s another workaround that involves opening the YouTube app before connecting your smartphone to USB-C adapter:

If i open YouTube before connect the USB c google buds works perfectly fine for me on my 6a
Source

02:23 pm (IST): Google has released April 2023 update for Pixel devices and it brings a fix for the issue where it causes occasional instability when using certain USB devices.

Featured image source: Google Pixel 7 Pro.

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