Android 17 now natively supports the LHDC v5 Bluetooth codec on compatible Pixel smartphones, enabling higher-fidelity wireless audio streaming. This system-level integration allows devices to stream at up to 24-bit/96 kHz, bridging the performance gap between wireless earbuds and traditional wired audio setups, according to technical documentation from the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
How to enable LHDC v5 on your Pixel
Google does not enable LHDC v5 by default, requiring users to manually configure the setting through the Android developer menu. To activate it, navigate to Settings, select About phone, and tap the Build number seven times to unlock Developer Options. Once enabled, go to System, open Developer options, and locate the Bluetooth section. You must have a compatible headset connected to select “LHDC v5” under the codec settings, as the option remains greyed out otherwise, according to testing by Frandroid.
Why native AOSP support matters for wireless audio
Before Android 17, Google relied on individual manufacturers to implement their own LHDC drivers, which often led to inconsistent performance or stability issues. By moving LHDC v5 directly into the Android system core, Google ensures that any smartphone running Android 17—including devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo—can support the codec without custom software patches. This shift mirrors the evolution of the LDAC codec, which was once proprietary to Sony before being integrated into the AOSP framework to standardize high-resolution wireless audio across the ecosystem.
Comparing high-resolution Bluetooth codecs
Wireless audio quality is limited by the bandwidth and compression efficiency of the codec used. While standard SBC and AAC codecs remain the industry baseline for compatibility, they often compress audio files significantly, resulting in a loss of detail. LHDC v5 and LDAC provide higher bitrates, allowing for a more faithful reproduction of Hi-Res Lossless files from services like Apple Music.
| Codec | Max Bitrate | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| SBC | ~328 kbps | Standard |
| LHDC v5 | Up to 1000 kbps | 24-bit/96 kHz |
Which devices support LHDC v5?
A wide range of current-generation wireless earbuds already feature LHDC v5 compatibility. Notable hardware includes the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, Nothing Ear, and various models from the realme Buds Air series, such as the Air 8 and Air 7 Pro. Because these devices adhere to the LHDC standard, they will now benefit from the improved system-level stability provided by the Android 17 update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LHDC v5 work on all Android phones?
LHDC v5 support is native to Android 17. Older versions of Android may support it only if the manufacturer included specific firmware, but Android 17 standardizes this across the platform.
Do I need special headphones for better sound?
Yes. Both your smartphone and your wireless headphones or earbuds must support the LHDC v5 codec to transmit high-resolution audio.
Will I notice a difference with Spotify?
Spotify currently streams at a maximum of 320 kbps. High-resolution codecs like LHDC v5 provide the most benefit when listening to “Lossless” or “Hi-Res” files from services like Apple Music or Tidal.
Have you tried enabling high-resolution audio on your Pixel? Let us know which earbuds you are using in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into mobile hardware updates.
