14 DAY TRIAL // A few days ago, several Pixel users started complaining about audio problems when playing video at high volumes. Specifically, the audio output would be distorted when the volume is set at one of the three highest levels.
The issue caused Redditor “Badmark” to get four replacements for his Pixel XL phone, and he claims that the audio problem is also found on Google’s Pixel model. A video posted on YouTube details the issue and shows that the problem isn’t found on other Google phones, like the Nexus 6P.
Others have also reported the same issues on both Pixel models and it seems that a bug was submitted to Google’s Pixel User Community on October 24. Google reps acknowledged the issue and said that an investigation was started. However, a fix hasn’t been found yet and it’ll most likely come in the form of a software update.
The fix involves flashing a custom ROM on Pixel phones
Mark Buckman, the user who exchanged four Pixel models because of the audio issue, seems to have found a workaround that completely fixes the audio problem. However, the method is a bit complicated and requires skills for flashing custom ROMs on rooted Android devices.
All you need to do is unlock the bootloader on the Pixel or Pixel XL, install the TWRP recovery image and flash the WETA audio ROM to solve the issue. He also posted a video of the workaround method with some instructions for fixing the issue.
It’s worth mentioning that the method is quite complex and rooting your smartphone could result in loss of warranty. Those who don’t have experience with flashing custom ROMs on Android phones, or just don’t want to take the risk, can wait for Google to issue a fix, which shouldn’t take long, since the company has already acknowledged the problem.
