Your Old Google Phone May Be Getting the Pixel 9 Livestreaming Feature

Google introduced the Connected Cameras feature with its Pixel 9 series, promising creators a flexible way to enhance livestreaming by connecting multiple cameras. Officially, this feature is limited to the Pixel 9 lineup, but recent reports suggest that it may quietly be making its way to older Pixel models, including the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 Pro.

This article explains what Connected Cameras is, how it works, which devices are officially supported, and what users are reporting in the real world.

What Is Connected Cameras?

Connected Cameras is a livestream-focused feature that allows one Pixel device (the host) to connect with another Pixel or a GoPro (the remote camera). During a livestream, the host device can switch between its own camera and the connected remote camera in real time.

This enables creators to run livestreams with multiple camera angles without needing external hardware. Supported apps include YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.

Once enabled, a Camera Picker option appears inside livestream apps, letting users toggle between the available cameras seamlessly.

Summary Table

How Connected Cameras Works

According to Google’s support page, the setup process is straightforward:

1. Enable Connected Cameras: Go to Settings – Connected Devices – Connection Preferences – Connected Cameras.

2. Select a Remote Camera: Choose another Pixel (Pixel 6 or newer) or a GoPro Hero 10 or newer, updated to the latest firmware.

3. Start Livestreaming: Open a supported app such as YouTube or TikTok. The Camera Picker appears, allowing real-time switching between the host’s camera and the remote camera.

This integration is designed specifically for livestreaming and does not extend to regular video recording or photography.

Officially Supported Devices

Host Devices (as per Google’s support page)

• Pixel 9

• Pixel 9 Pro

• Pixel 9 Pro XL

• Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Remote Cameras

• Pixel 6 and later

• GoPro Hero 10 and later

Supported Apps

• Facebook

• YouTube

• Instagram

• Snapchat

• TikTok

Community Reports of Wider Availability

While Google has not updated its support page, real-world reports suggest Connected Cameras may already be appearing on older models:

• A Pixel 8 Pro owner on Reddit confirmed the appearance of the Connected Cameras toggle in their settings.

• Multiple users in Telegram groups claim to see the toggle on Pixel 6a and Pixel 7 devices running beta builds of Android.

This strongly suggests that Google could be preparing a gradual rollout or conducting limited testing before officially expanding support.

Limitations and Restrictions

Even where available, Connected Cameras has some limitations:

• Only one remote camera can be connected at a time.

• The feature works only during livestreams, not for offline recording.

• Availability on older models is not officially recognized by Google, meaning performance and stability could vary.

• Regional or beta-specific availability cannot be ruled out.

Why This Matters for Pixel Users

If Connected Cameras officially expands beyond the Pixel 9 series, it would be a major advantage for creators using older Pixel models. Many YouTubers, TikTokers, and streamers already own multiple devices. Instead of buying new equipment, they could use their existing Pixels to create multi-angle livestreams.

This could also make the Pixel lineup more appealing to casual creators who want to experiment with professional-style streaming setups.

FAQs

Q: Can I use Connected Cameras on a Pixel 7 or Pixel 6a?

A: Officially, no. Google currently lists only the Pixel 9 series as host devices. However, some users have reported seeing the feature on Pixel 7 and Pixel 6a beta builds.

Q: Which devices can act as remote cameras?

A: Pixel 6 and newer devices, plus GoPro Hero 10 or newer.

Q: Does Connected Cameras work with recorded video?

A: No. The feature is designed exclusively for livestreams.

Q: How many remote cameras can I connect at once?

A: Only one additional camera can be connected at a time.

Q: Which apps currently support Connected Cameras?

A: Supported apps include YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat.

Q: Will Google expand official support to older Pixels?

A: Google has not confirmed this. Current sightings on older devices are likely part of testing or early rollouts.

Final Thoughts

Google’s Connected Cameras is an exciting addition for livestreamers, enabling multi-camera angles with minimal setup. While officially exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, user reports suggest the feature may already be trickling down to older models like the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 Pro.

Until Google updates its documentation, the safest assumption is that the Pixel 9 series remains the only officially supported host, while sightings on earlier models should be treated as unconfirmed but promising developments.

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