Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.
Some Google Pixel 2 XL users reporting buzzing sounds coming from front-facing speakers
- Some Google Pixel 2 XL users are reporting buzzing/rattling sounds coming from the front-facing speakers
- The issue seems to affect one (or both) of the speakers at low and high volumes
- Users are reporting that Google is accepting RMA requests in some cases
Google just can’t seem to catch a break with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, can it? The search giant’s two flagships have seemingly been plagued by software and hardware problems since day one, and today we’re hearing that the larger phone, the Pixel 2 XL, is suffering from another bothersome issue.
A growing number of users on Reddit and Google’s own forums are reporting a problem with one – or in a handful of cases both – of the Pixel 2 XL’s front-facing speakers. The issue centers around an irritating buzzing/rattling sound, as well as minor micro-vibrations that impacts call quality.
Some users report that the problem only arises when the volume is cranked up to the max, while others are noticing the unwanted noises at lower volumes when using the regular speaker during a phone call, or playing media content like YouTube videos via the stereo loudspeakers.
Judging by a Google Product Forum thread from November, the issue dates back to just after the Pixel 2 XL’s launch. The post, which has now garnered over one hundred replies, features a comment from a Community Specialist which advises affected users to boot their devices into safe mode, uninstall third-party apps, and, as a last resort, perform a full factory reset. Unfortunately, this doesn’t appear to have solved the users’ woes, with most resorting to an RMA.
The buzzing issue drew renewed attention today after Android Police discovered that one of its writers has been dealing with the same problem on their own Pixel 2 XL. The author even posted a video (below) where you can hear the minor vibrations and buzzing noises coming from a faulty top speaker.
The only solution at the moment appears to be a full replacement, so if you are encountering any sound quality issues, be sure to go through the correct Google Support channels.
This is far from the first time Google’s second-generation flagships have hit the headlines over software bugs and hardware issues. In fact, this is actually the third audio-related problem that has emerged since the two phones launched, as we’ve previously reported on issues surrounding speaker volume and non-working headphone jack adapters.
Is your Pixel 2 XL suffering from buzzing audio? Let us know in the comments.