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 May 29, 2023) follows:

Google Pixel smartphones have earned a reputation for their sleek design, powerful performance, and seamless integration with Google’s services.

This series has consistently offered a user-friendly interface and unique features that set it apart from other Android devices.

Google Pixel ‘Hold your earbud’

However, even the most well-designed devices can have features that users find frustrating.

One such annoyance that some Google Pixel users have been experiencing is a Google Assistant ‘Hold your earbud’ notification (1,2,3).

Google Pixel Hold your earbud
Source

The issue arises when users have their earbuds connected to their Pixel device and receive a message or a new notification.

At that moment, a prompt appears on their screen that reads, ‘Hold your earbud to have me read your notification out loud’.

While Google’s intention behind this feature was to enhance the seamless connection of Bluetooth earbuds or headphones, several users find it more annoying than helpful.

I have a pixel 7 pro and starting today all of a sudden, every time I get a notification my phone speaks out loud saying something to the effect of “if you hear the notification, try and press and hold your earbud”.
Source

Good to know I’m not the only one this drives crazy… I don’t mind the messages being read but the stupid reminder thing drives me bonkers… As soon as someone figures out how to shut it off pleeeeease let us know.
Source

The primary complaint from users is that the notification interrupts their current activities on the device, causing a distraction.

Whether they are in the middle of reading an important document, playing a game, or watching a video, the sudden appearance of the prompt can disrupt their workflow and immersion.

To make matters worse, some users have attempted to resolve the issue by following the troubleshooting methods provided on Google’s official website but nothing works.

Potential workarounds

Fortunately, there are a few potential workarounds that users have discovered. One option is to turn all Google notifications off:

1. Google Discover Page
2. Profile Picture > Settings > Google Assistant
3. Notifications > View All Notification Types > Tips & Tricks
4. Turn everything off.
Source

Another potential solution is to turn off ‘Spoken notifications’ after connecting your earbuds:

Go to your phone’s Settings > Connected devices > earbuds’s or headphone’s settings
Select Google Assistant.
Tap Spoken notifications.
Turn on/off Spoken notifications
Source

Lastly, forget the device and then factory reset the buds. Once you set them back up, the issue will be fixed.

It is crucial for Google to address this ‘Hold your earbud’ issue, ensuring that users can enjoy a truly seamless and uninterrupted experience with their Pixel devices.

Update 1 (May 31, 2023)

05:41 pm (IST): The support team is now recommending those affected to disable Google app notifications to resolve the issue.

Note: There are more such stories in our dedicated Google section. So make sure that you follow them as well.

PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.

Karanjot Sidhu
972 Posts

A computer science engineer who loves tech and won't stop talking about it. Here at Piunikaweb, I mostly cover Google Pixel deals and how-tos, though you may find me covering Pixel news as well sometimes. Apart from being a nerd, i love gaming and watching movies in my free time.

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