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USB Headset: Accessory Specification

In this document

This documentation specifies USB headset buttons behavior to function uniformly across the Android ecosystem. Device manufacturers should also consult the USB Digital Audio page for more information about USB implementation on Android and the Android Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) for requirements related to Android devices.

There are also specifications for 3.5 mm headsets for accessory manufacturers and 3.5 mm jacks for device manufacturers.

This documentation specifies the minimum requirements: accessory manufacturers are encouraged to add features while keeping these requirements in mind.

Control-function mapping

Control Function Accessory Support Description
Function A Required Play/pause (short press), launch voice assistance (long press), next (double press)
Function B Optional Vol+
Function C Optional Vol-
Function D Optional Launch voice assistance

Assign functions to buttons as follows:

  • All one-button headsets must implement Function A.
  • Headsets with multiple buttons must implement functions according to the following pattern:
    • 2 functions: A and D
    • 3 functions: A, B, C
    • 4 functions: A, B, C, D

Note: No key latching allowed. Each key press by the end user must generate the corresponding "down" and "up" key event, matching the end user action. In other words, the keys for functions A through D are never "latched" or implemented to be used as a toggle (where the "up" event only follows "down" on a second key press).

Software mapping

Compatible USB headsets are required to support the following software mappings for the headset buttons. Device support is required for the following software mappings.

Function Mappings Context Behavior
Function A HID usage page: 0x0C
HID usage: 0x0CD
Kernel key: KEY_PLAYPAUSE
Android key: KEYCODE_MEDIA_PLAY_PAUSE		 Media playback Input: Short press
Output: Play or pause
Input: Long press
Output: Launch voice assistance
Sends: android.intent.action.VOICE_SEARCH_HANDS_FREE
Incoming call Input: Short press
Output: Accept call
Input: Long press
Output: Reject call
Ongoing call Input: Short press
Output: End call
Input: Long press
Output: Mute or unmute microphone
Function B HID usage page: 0x0C
HID usage: 0x0E9
Kernel key: KEY_VOLUMEUP
Android key: VOLUME_UP		 Media playback, Ongoing call Input: Short or long press
Output: Increases the system or headset volume
Function C HID usage page: 0x0C
HID usage: 0x0EA
Kernel key: KEY_VOLUMEDOWN
Android key: VOLUME_DOWN		 Media playback, Ongoing call Input: Short or long press
Output: Decreases the system or headset volume
Function D HID usage page: 0x0C
HID usage: 0x0CF
Kernel key: KEY_VOICECOMMAND
Android key: KEYCODE_VOICE_ASSIST		 All. Can be triggered in any instance. Input: Short or long press
Output: Launch voice assistance

Mechanical

Accessory manufacturers must follow the requirements for USB connectors as specified by USB.org.

Device manufacturers must follow the requirements in the USB section of the Android CDD.