Android Auto team looking into audio issue after December Pixel update

Google Pixel users are sounding off about a frustrating new hitch in their daily drives. Following the December 2024 Feature Drop for Pixel devices, some Android Auto users have discovered their music, podcasts, and favorite tunes are hitting a hard stop — or rather, a silent one.

The December update, which brought the QPR1 Android 15 maintenance release on December 5, delivered a mix of new features and bug fixes. But for some Pixel 9, 8, and even 6 users, it also introduced an unwelcome guest: the sound of silence when connected to their car’s Android Auto via USB. Spotify, Pocket Casts, Tune In — it doesn’t matter. These apps aren’t playing ball, or music for that matter.

Reports first cropped up on 9to5Google, with users sharing tales of their cars’ speakers refusing to cooperate. At first, some thought it was the cable, but later found that Android Auto just decided to mute itself. The glitch seems relatively rare, and intermittent too. Some affected users have noted that their audio magically came back to life a day later.

Thankfully, the Android Auto team isn’t leaving these drivers hanging. In a recent update to a forum post, a community specialist assured users:

Thanks for reporting this issue. We’ve forwarded your issue to the rest of the team. We’ll reach out to you if we need more information.

It’s not the first time Android Auto has hit a rough patch. Earlier this month, users were still grumbling about a stuttering audio glitch. While Google issued a fix for that one, these recurring bugs are starting to hit a sour note for loyal Pixel fans. Combine that with the latest news that Android Auto now addresses 5GHz Wi-Fi notifications, and it’s clear the platform is juggling multiple balls — some more gracefully than others.

So what’s a frustrated driver to do? For now, patience is the name of the game. The Android Auto team has the issue on their radar, and a bug fix update will likely smooth things out. Until then, maybe it’s time to brush up on those karaoke skills or rediscover the joy of driving in companionable silence.