# Google Set to Resolve Malfunctioning “Now Playing” Feature on Pixel Devices
## A Prolonged Problem Receives Attention
Google’s **”Now Playing”** functionality, a favorite among Pixel enthusiasts that automatically detects songs playing nearby, has been malfunctioning for numerous users since **November 2024**. This issue, which has continued through several Android upgrades, has left Pixel users exasperated as their phones could no longer identify songs that were easily recognized before.
Thankfully, Google has now recognized the concern and has confirmed that a **solution is forthcoming** in an upcoming Android update.
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## What Does “Now Playing” Do?
“Now Playing” is a unique feature available on Google Pixel devices that enables users to identify songs in their surroundings **without an internet connection**. It operates by utilizing an internal library of tracks, showcasing the song title and artist on the **lock screen** when music is detected.
Moreover, users can view a **history of recognized songs**, making it a handy tool for discovering and recalling music they listen to throughout the day.
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## The Issue That Disrupted “Now Playing”
Reports from Pixel users and conversations on Google’s **Issue Tracker** indicate that the “Now Playing” feature ceased functioning after the **Android 15 QPR2 update**. This glitch left Pixel devices **unable to recognize songs that they had previously identified**, leading many to think the feature was entirely inoperative.
In contrast to manual song-identification applications like **Shazam**, “Now Playing” functions in the background, making it challenging for users to notice immediately when it malfunctions. However, as more users became aware of the problem, complaints began emerging online.
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## Google’s Acknowledgment and the Anticipated Solution
A Google representative recently confirmed on the **Issue Tracker thread** that the company has pinpointed the problem and is currently working on a resolution.
*”Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. We have a fix in the works for an upcoming release,”* the Google spokesperson said.
While a specific release date has not been announced, it is anticipated that the fix will be part of the **March Feature Drop** for Pixel devices. This update is also intended to resolve other known issues with Pixel, such as the malfunctioning **back gesture**.
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## Previous Efforts to Remedy the Problem
Google had previously sought to address the issue in **Android 15 QPR2 Beta 3**, but the resolution was only **partially effective**. Users noted that “Now Playing” remained non-functional in the **January 2025 Android 15 stable update** or the **Android 16 Beta 1 version**.
With the forthcoming update, Pixel users remain optimistic that full functionality of the feature will eventually be restored.
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## When Can Users Expect the Fix?
While Google has not provided a definitive timeline, the **March Feature Drop** appears to be the most probable timeframe for the fix. Pixel users should stay vigilant for future software updates and ensure their devices are operating on the latest version of Android once the patch is officially released.
In the meantime, Pixel owners will need to wait a bit longer for “Now Playing” to be operational again.
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### Stay Informed
For additional information on Google’s software updates and Pixel features, keep an eye on **Android Central** and other technology news outlets. If you’re facing issues with “Now Playing,” remember to check for system updates frequently and report any ongoing issues to Google’s **Issue Tracker**.
