Introduction

If your Google Pixel headphones sound too quiet, you’re not alone. Many Pixel users experience low audio output, especially when using wired or Bluetooth headsets. Fortunately, there are several built-in settings and sound enhancements in Android 13 and Android 14 that can dramatically improve headphone volume and clarity.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the steps to boost headphone sound on your Google Pixel — from tweaking system settings to enabling hidden audio features.

1. Check the Basics First

Before diving into advanced settings, make sure you’ve covered the essentials:

  • Clean the headphone jack or USB-C port: Dust or lint can block sound output.

  • Check the headphones on another device: If the issue persists, the problem might be with the headphones themselves.

  • Restart your phone: Temporary sound bugs often clear up after a reboot.

2. Increase Media Volume in Settings

Sometimes the simplest fix works best. Make sure your Pixel’s media volume is at its maximum:

  1. Go to Settings → Sound & vibration → Volume.

  2. Adjust the Media volume slider to maximum.

  3. While playing music, also use the physical volume buttons on your phone to ensure the sound is turned up.

3. Disable Absolute Volume (for Bluetooth Headphones)

If you’re using Bluetooth earbuds or headphones, Android’s Absolute Volume feature might be limiting your max sound level.
You can disable it using Developer Options:

  1. Open Settings → About phone → Build number.

  2. Tap Build number 7 times to unlock Developer options.

  3. Go back to Settings → System → Developer options.

  4. Scroll down and toggle ON “Disable absolute volume”.

  5. Reconnect your Bluetooth headphones and test again.

👉 Why this helps: When Absolute Volume is enabled, your phone and headphones share one volume control, which can cap the output. Disabling it lets each device use its own maximum volume independently.

4. Use the Pixel’s Built-In Sound Amplifier

Google includes a powerful accessibility tool called Sound Amplifier, which enhances quiet sounds and reduces background noise.

To enable Sound Amplifier:

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Sound Amplifier.

  2. Tap Open Sound Amplifier.

  3. Plug in your headphones.

  4. Adjust the Sound boost and Noise reduction sliders.

  5. Optionally, toggle Reduce unwanted noise to filter background sounds.

You can also download the Sound Amplifier app directly from the Google Play Store, which offers a more detailed interface.

5. Adjust Audio Balance

Sometimes the perceived “low sound” is actually due to unbalanced left/right channels.

To fix this:

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Hearing devices → Audio balance.

  2. Move the slider to the center position (equal for left and right ear).

This ensures both earbuds output sound evenly and at full volume.

6. Turn Off Adaptive Sound (If It Reduces Volume)

Pixel phones have a feature called Adaptive Sound, which automatically adjusts sound based on your surroundings. While it’s meant to improve clarity, in quiet environments it can actually lower your maximum volume.

To turn it off:

  1. Go to Settings → Sound & vibration → Adaptive Sound.

  2. Toggle Off the switch.

Now test your headphones again — you’ll likely notice louder, more consistent sound.

7. Use the “Equalizer” in Supported Apps

Many music and streaming apps (like Spotify, YouTube Music, and VLC) have their own built-in equalizers that can enhance bass, treble, and loudness.

Example for Spotify:

  1. Open Spotify → Settings (gear icon).

  2. Tap Playback → Equalizer.

  3. Turn the Equalizer ON.

  4. Choose the “Loudness” or “Bass Boost” preset, or manually raise all sliders slightly.

Example for YouTube Music:

  1. Open YouTube Music → Settings → Playback → Equalizer.

  2. Adjust the frequency sliders to amplify sound according to your preference.

8. Enable Dolby Atmos or Spatial Audio (If Available)

Newer Pixel models (Pixel 6, 7, 8) running Android 13 or 14 support Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos-like effects.

To enable:

  1. Go to Settings → Sound & vibration → Spatial audio.

  2. Toggle On “Spatial audio” and “Head tracking” (if supported).

This won’t necessarily increase loudness, but it will make the sound feel fuller and more immersive.

9. Try a Third-Party Volume Booster App (Optional)

If you’ve tried everything and still want more volume, you can use safe third-party apps from Google Play, such as:

  • Volume Booster GOODEV

  • Extra Volume Booster

⚠️ Caution: Don’t push the volume too high, as excessive boosting can damage your headphones or ears. Always increase gradually.

10. Update Your Phone Software

Finally, ensure your Pixel is running the latest Android version, as Google often includes audio improvements in system updates:

  1. Go to Settings → System → System update.

  2. Tap Check for update.

  3. Install any available updates and restart your phone.

Conclusion

Boosting headphone sound on a Google Pixel is all about understanding the built-in audio controls and knowing which features help — and which ones limit — your output.
By following these steps, from disabling Absolute Volume to adjusting Equalizer settings, you can get louder, clearer, and more immersive sound from your Pixel headphones — no root or risky mods required.

If this guide helped you, check out more Pixel tutorials on BranQis.com, where we cover step-by-step fixes for every Android issue.

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