Pixel 2 Headphone Jack: Did Google Remove It?

Yes, the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL do not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. Google removed the analog audio port starting with these 2017 flagship phones, requiring users to rely on the USB-C port for wired audio or use Bluetooth headphones. This decision was part of a broader industry trend, but it remains a defining and often debated feature of the Pixel 2 series.

Why Google Removed the Jack

Google’s official reasoning for dropping the headphone jack on the Pixel 2 was to save internal space and make room for other components. The company claimed that removing the jack allowed for a larger battery and better active edge squeezable sides, which housed the new Google Assistant shortcut. However, many industry observers noted that the move also aligned with Google’s push toward wireless audio and its own Pixel Buds, which were announced alongside the phone. The decision was controversial because Apple had already removed the jack from the iPhone 7 the previous year, and Google’s move was seen as following that trend rather than leading it.

How to Listen to Wired Audio on a Pixel 2

If you want to use wired headphones with a Pixel 2, you have a few options:

• USB-C headphones: The Pixel 2 works with any USB-C headphones that support digital audio output. Google did not include a dongle in the box, so you’ll need to buy one separately if you don’t already have USB-C headphones.
• USB-C to 3.5mm adapter: You can plug a standard pair of wired headphones into the USB-C port using a small adapter. Google sold its own adapter, but third-party options also work as long as they support the required audio standard.
• Bluetooth headphones: The Pixel 2 supports Bluetooth 5.0 (on the XL model) and common codecs like AAC and aptX, so most wireless headphones work fine. However, there is no support for aptX HD or LDAC out of the box.

One important caveat: the Pixel 2’s USB-C port is not just for audio. It also handles charging and data transfer. If you’re using a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, you cannot charge the phone at the same time unless you use a splitter or a charging adapter with a pass-through port.

Common Problems and Workarounds

Many Pixel 2 users have reported issues with the USB-C audio adapter. Some adapters simply don’t work because they lack the necessary DAC (digital-to-analog converter) chip. Google’s own adapter includes a DAC, but some third-party cables are “passive� and only work with phones that have a built-in DAC—which the Pixel 2 does not. If you plug in an adapter and hear no sound, that’s the likely cause.

Another common problem is that the USB-C port can become loose or dirty, causing intermittent audio dropouts. Cleaning the port gently with a dry toothpick or compressed air can help. If the port is damaged, you may need to get it repaired.

For Bluetooth audio, some users experience latency or connection drops, especially with older headphones. Updating the phone’s software and resetting Bluetooth settings often resolves these issues.

Comparison to Other Phones of Its Era

In 2017, the Pixel 2 was one of several flagship phones to ditch the headphone jack. Apple had already done it with the iPhone 7 in 2016. Samsung, however, kept the jack on the Galaxy S8 and Note 8, and LG kept it on the V30. Motorola also retained it on the Moto Z2 Force. So while the Pixel 2 was not alone in removing the jack, it was in the minority among Android flagships at the time. The decision was particularly criticized because Google marketed the Pixel as a “phone by Google,� and many users expected a more user-friendly approach.

What About the Pixel 3 and Later?

The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, released in 2018, also lacked a headphone jack. Google continued this trend with all subsequent Pixel models, including the Pixel 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 series. As of 2024, no Pixel phone has brought back the 3.5mm jack. In fact, Google’s own Pixel Buds are wireless, and the company has clearly committed to a wireless audio future. If you’re considering a Pixel phone and need a headphone jack, you’ll have to look at older models like the Pixel 1 or choose a different brand.

Is There Any Way to Get a Headphone Jack on a Pixel 2?

There is no official way to add a headphone jack to a Pixel 2. The phone’s hardware simply does not include the necessary analog audio circuitry. Some third-party accessories claim to add a headphone jack via the USB-C port, but they are essentially just adapters with a built-in DAC. They work for audio output, but they do not add a physical port to the phone’s body. If you absolutely must have a headphone jack, you would need to use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter or switch to a different phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Pixel 2 come with a headphone jack adapter?

No, Google did not include a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter in the box with the Pixel 2. You have to buy one separately. This was a point of criticism at launch, as Apple at least included a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter with the iPhone 7.

Can I charge and listen to music at the same time on a Pixel 2?

Yes, but you need a special adapter that has both a USB-C charging port and a 3.5mm audio jack. These are available from third-party manufacturers, but they are not always reliable. Some users have reported that the charging speed is reduced when using such adapters.

Do all USB-C headphones work with the Pixel 2?

No, only USB-C headphones that have a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter) will work. The Pixel 2 does not have a DAC inside the phone for audio output, so passive USB-C headphones that rely on the phone’s DAC will not produce sound. Look for headphones that explicitly state they support “USB-C digital audio� or have their own DAC.

Is the sound quality better with USB-C audio than with a headphone jack?

It can be, depending on the DAC in the adapter or headphones. A good external DAC can provide cleaner amplification and better sound than the built-in DAC of a typical phone. However, the difference is often subtle for most users, and it largely depends on the quality of your headphones and the audio files you’re listening to.

Can I use a regular pair of wired headphones with a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter on a Pixel 2?

Yes, as long as the adapter has a built-in DAC. The Pixel 2 does not have a DAC for the USB-C port, so a passive adapter won’t work. Google’s official adapter includes a DAC, and many third-party ones do too. Check the product description before buying.

Does the Pixel 2 support Bluetooth audio codecs like aptX?

Yes, the Pixel 2 supports aptX and AAC, but not aptX HD or LDAC. This means you can get good quality wireless audio, but not the highest-resolution streaming that some other phones support.

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