Google Pixel Buds A-Series Get New Firmware Update

Google announced a new firmware update for the original Pixel Buds A-Series on April 3, 2026. The update, identified as firmware version 3.581.0, is rolling out to the 2021 model of the earbuds.

According to reporting from 9to5Google, the update is intended to provide bug fixes and performance and security improvements for the hardware. No further specific technical details regarding the changes were provided at the time of the announcement.

Update Deployment and Installation

The firmware can be delivered to devices automatically if the Pixel Buds A-Series are connected to a Pixel phone running Android 10 or higher, or any device running Android 6.0 or higher with the Pixel Buds app installed.

Automatic downloads take approximately 10 minutes and occur while the earbuds are in use. The actual installation process begins once the earbuds are placed into the charging case, provided that both the earbuds and the case have sufficient battery charge.

For users who have disabled automatic updates, a notification will appear on the connected device when version 3.581.0 becomes available. Manual downloads take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Manual Update Instructions

Users can manually initiate the update process through two primary methods:

• On Android devices: Open the Pixel Buds companion app, navigate to More settings and select Firmware update.
• On desktop browsers: Visit mypixelbuds.google.com to manage the update.

Google Help documentation specifies that users must grant the Nearby devices permission to the Pixel Buds app to facilitate the update. This permission can be managed through the system settings menu by selecting Apps, then Pixel Buds, and then Permissions.

If the firmware update menu does not mention an available update, the device is already running the current version.

This maintenance release for the A-Series follows a similar firmware update that was released for the 2022 Pixel Buds Pro in December.