With the evolution of smartphone technology, sharing experiences with friends has become more immersive and interactive. Google Pixel phones, known for their cutting-edge features, have introduced new ways to enjoy music together with friends, regardless of the distance. If you have a Pixel phone and you’re looking to stream music with a friend, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process using the latest features available in 2025.
Before diving into the steps, ensure that both you and your friend have a compatible Pixel phone and an active internet connection. Additionally, you will need to have a music streaming app that supports shared listening sessions installed on both devices.
- Prepare Your Devices
- Choose a Streaming Service
- Start a Shared Listening Session
- Join the Session
- Streaming Tips and Tricks
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
Prepare Your Devices
Before you start streaming music with your friend, make sure both Pixel phones are ready for the task.
Check Software Updates
Ensure that both phones are running the latest version of Android. To check for updates:
- Open the ‘Settings’ app on your Pixel phone.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘System’.
- Tap on ‘System Update’ to see if any updates are available.
- If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
Update Music Streaming App
Update the music streaming app to the latest version to ensure compatibility and access to the latest features.
- Open the ‘Google Play Store’ app.
- Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Tap ‘Manage apps & device’.
- Under ‘Updates available’, find your music streaming app and tap ‘Update’ if available.
Connect to a Stable Internet Connection
Streaming music requires a stable internet connection. Connect both Pixel phones to Wi-Fi or ensure you have a strong mobile data connection.
Choose a Streaming Service
Select a music streaming service that supports shared listening sessions. Popular services like Spotify or YouTube Music often offer this feature.
Install the App
If you haven’t already, download and install the music streaming app from the Google Play Store on both phones.
Create an Account or Log In
Both you and your friend need to have an account with the chosen streaming service. Sign up or log in to your accounts.
Start a Shared Listening Session
Once your devices and streaming service are ready, you can begin setting up a shared listening session.
Create a Playlist
For a smoother streaming experience, create a playlist that you and your friend would like to listen to together.
- Open the music streaming app.
- Navigate to the ‘Library’ or ‘Your Music’ section.
- Select ‘Create Playlist’ and add the songs you want.
- Save the playlist with a recognizable name.
Start Streaming Session
Use the app’s feature to start a new shared listening session.
- Go to the playlist you’ve created.
- Look for the ‘Share’ or ‘Group Session’ button (the exact term may vary depending on the app).
- Follow the prompts to start a session. You might need to grant permissions or confirm your subscription level if required.
Join the Session
With the session started, your friend can now join and enjoy the music with you.
Send an Invite
Send an invite to your friend to join the shared session.
- Once the session is active, look for an option to ‘Invite Friends’ or ‘Add People’.
- Choose to send the invite via a link through messaging apps, email, or social media.
- Send the invite to your friend.
Friend Joins the Session
Your friend should now join the session using the invite link.
- Your friend opens the invite link on their Pixel phone.
- The link should automatically open the music streaming app and prompt to join the session. If not, they may need to manually open the app.
- Once in the app, they should see an option to ‘Join Session’ or similar. They tap on it to join.
Streaming Tips and Tricks
To enhance your shared listening experience, consider the following tips:
- Curate the Playlist: Select songs that cater to both of your tastes or plan a theme for the session.
- Use High-Quality Streaming: Adjust the app’s settings to stream music in the highest quality available.
- Charge Your Devices: Ensure both Pixel phones are sufficiently charged or plugged in during the session to avoid interruptions.
- Connect to External Speakers: For better sound quality, connect your phones to external speakers or use Bluetooth headphones.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues while trying to stream music with your friend, here are some common troubleshooting steps:
Connection Problems
If you or your friend has trouble connecting to the session:
- Check that both Pixel phones are connected to the internet.
- Restart the music streaming app on both devices.
- Try sending a new invite link if the previous one fails to work.
Playback Issues
In case of playback interruptions or quality issues:
- Make sure both devices have the music streaming quality set to the same level.
- Pause the music and wait a few seconds before resuming playback.
- Check if there’s an ongoing app or system update that might be affecting performance.
App Crashes or Freezes
If the music streaming app crashes or freezes:
- Force close the app and reopen it.
- Clear the app’s cache from the ‘Settings’ > ‘Apps & notifications’ > ‘See all apps’ > [App name] > ‘Storage & cache’ > ‘Clear Cache’.
- If problems persist, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
Streaming music with a friend on Pixel phones can be a delightful way to share your favorite tunes and create memories, no matter the distance. By following these step-by-step instructions and tips, you’re set for a seamless shared listening experience. Enjoy your music sessions!
Explore our Hardware Hub for guides, tips, and insights.