There has been an increase in the number of reports about the Google Pixel Bluetooth connectivity issue. The Bluetooth audio player in cars is causing issues for Google Pixel users as it is unable to display major information, and track controls.
Bluetooth is a good option for users who are annoyed with rumpled wires and cords. Hence, it becomes important to resolve the issues which involve Bluetooth connectivity.
Reports about Google Pixel car Bluetooth issue
I have a 2015 VW Golf, and although music plays I cannot skip tracks and my display isn’t working (in the car, showing the track that is playing etc). How do I change the Bluetooth version? Isn’t this something that will be resolved by the software developers in terms of the apps with issues? E.g. Spotify is the problematic app for me. – Pixel Phone Help
I’m having the same issue too, car display worked fine on my Pixel 3, but now with my Pixel 5 it doesn’t display what song etc is playing. How do I change the developer settings for Bluetooth on the pixel 5? – Pixel Phone Help
Since the update to the 5th December Security update on my 3A my in car skip track controlls appear to have stopped and I have reduced functionality with A2DP – i.e. Audio track presenting on in car display (regardless of app, i.e YT Music, Spotify etc). – Pixel Phone Help
Even if the missing audio controls appear, they are not likely to be functional both from the display and the steering wheel control. Furthermore, the above reports indicate that the issue is consistent across all apps and services, such as YouTube Music, Spotify, etc.
It is also worth noting that most of the complaints are coming from Google Pixel users who have Android 11 update on their devices. This suggests that the Google Pixel car Bluetooth issue might be related to the latest software update of Android.
Solution for missing car Bluetooth audio player controls
“I have seen a couple of similar posts since the December update like yours, and I wonder if they added a new Bluetooth AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) to the older phones. You can try setting yours to 1.3 or 1.4 in developer options and see if that helps. Don’t forget to reboot the phone after settings change before attempting to pair the phone again.
To enable developer options pull down notification shade and click on the gear to get to settings.
Scroll down and choose About phone. Scroll down to the bottom and click on Build number 7 or 8 times quickly until you see a message that says you are now a developer.
To change AVRCP settings go back to settings and choose System. Scroll down to the bottom and choose Advanced then Developer Options. Scroll about 1/2 way down in developer options and find Bluetooth AVRCP Version and change it to 1.3 of 1.4 then exit settings and reboot phone.” – Pixel Phone Help
You have to go to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer options > Bluetooth AVRCP Version. Then, select an older version like 1.4 or 1.3.
These easy-to-follow instructions have worked well for many Google Pixel users and their issue got resolved soon after.
