Google addresses Pixel’s ‘Now Playing’ issue and announces upcoming update.

Many Pixel phone users have faced issues with the “Now Playing” feature since November 2024. This feature is meant to automatically recognize songs that are playing nearby and display their names on the lock screen of the phone. Users can also check a list of all the songs they’ve heard throughout the day. However, since the Android 15 QPR2 update, many have reported that the feature is not working properly.

The good news is that Google has acknowledged this problem and is planning to fix it in a future update. A recent thread on the Google Issue Tracker confirmed that the bug has been identified and that a solution is on the way. A Google representative thanked users for reporting the issue and assured them that a fix would be included in an upcoming software update.

The problem with the Now Playing feature is quite frustrating for many Pixel owners. It was designed to work seamlessly in the background, as opposed to apps like Shazam that require user interaction to identify songs. Because of this characteristic, it’s harder to notice when Now Playing is malfunctioning unless users specifically check to see if it’s capturing music correctly. Many people have expressed their disappointment as they find this feature to be a fun and convenient element of their device.

In the Issue Tracker thread, Google confirmed the existence of the bug affecting Now Playing and mentioned that a patch would be coming soon. While the exact details of the problem and when the update will be released haven’t been provided yet, industry observers speculate that it may coincide with the March Feature Drop for Pixel phones. This update is also expected to address other issues, including problems with the phone’s back gesture not functioning correctly.

The update will bring relief to Pixel users who have been experiencing problems with the Now Playing feature for several months, as reports of this issue date back to at least November 2024. Google made attempts to address the bug in the third beta of Android 15 QPR2 but was only partially successful. Users continued to face issues during the stable Android 15 rollout and even in the Android 16 Beta 1 version.

For now, Pixel users just need to be a bit more patient as Google works on resolving the Now Playing issue. Users can look forward to having the feature back in full working order soon, which will allow them to enjoy identifying songs effortlessly once again. It’s clear that a lot of users rely on this fun feature, and the upcoming fixes should help restore the functionality they love. Overall, while the setback has been disappointing for many, the promise of a resolution is a hopeful sign for those who appreciate this aspect of their Pixel devices.