Google Pixel Buds May Soon Let You Mute Calls With a Tap
An APK teardown of the Google Pixel Buds companion app (version
1.0.981607934) reveals that Google is working on adding a long-requested feature: the ability to mute and unmute phone calls directly from your Pixel Buds.Currently, while single and double taps allow users to answer or end calls, there is no physical earbud gesture to toggle the microphone during active calls.
Here is a breakdown of how the upcoming gesture will work and its expected limitations.
1. How the Mute Control Works
Code strings and instructional animations found in the app update outline a simple gesture for managing active audio during calls:
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Single-Tap Mute/Unmute: During an active call, a single tap on either earbud will mute or unmute your microphone.
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Dedicated Status Animation: The companion app features a tutorial asset titled “Mute control,” demonstrating the single-tap motion.
2. App Compatibility & System Requirements
According to the app analysis, the in-call mute gesture will operate under specific software constraints at launch:
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App Integration: Supported natively within the Google Phone app and Google Meet.
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Device Restriction: The gesture control will initially be exclusive to Google Pixel smartphones connected to Pixel Buds. Non-Pixel Android devices will not support the tap-to-mute capability at release.
Key Takeaways
While a dedicated microphone mute gesture has been standard on competing wireless earbuds for years, Pixel Buds users have previously been forced to unlock their phones or use screen controls to mute calls.
The feature is expected to roll out officially in an upcoming Pixel Feature Drop update for current Pixel Buds models.