How do I increase audio output on Android?
Audio output refers to the volume and quality of sound that comes out of your Android device’s speakers or headphones. There are many situations where you may want to increase the audio output, such as when listening to music, watching videos, playing games, or taking phone calls. Turning up the volume allows you to better hear media and conversations, especially in noisy environments.
However, it’s important to be mindful of potential hearing damage from excessive volume levels. The World Health Organization warns that sounds over 85 dB can cause hearing loss over time. Some methods of boosting volume, like using third-party apps, can push audio levels into the unsafe range. We’ll cover safe ways to moderately increase volume for a better listening experience.
Check Volume Settings
The easiest way to increase overall audio output on your Android device is to ensure the volume is turned up to the maximum level allowed. There are a few different volume controls you can adjust:
First, open quick settings by swiping down from the top of your screen. Here you’ll find sliders to control the media volume and ringtone/notifications volume separately. Drag the sliders all the way to the right to maximize volume levels for each 1.
You can also go into Settings > Sound to access more advanced audio controls. Under Media volume, turn the volume all the way up. Similarly, under Ring volume, move the slider all the way to the right. There are also options here to control notification volumes 2.
Turning up all volume sliders to maximum will help increase overall audio output from your Android device speakers or headphones.
Use Volume Booster Apps
There are several volume booster apps available on the Google Play Store that can help amplify audio beyond your Android device’s default limits. Some top options include Volume Booster GOODEV, Volume Booster, and Volume Booster Pro.
These volume booster apps work by using software to override the default volume limits set by your device manufacturer. They act as an extra layer between the audio signal and your speakers or headphones, amplifying the gain beyond 100%. This allows you to turn up the volume higher than your phone’s built-in settings typically allow.
The main pros of using a volume booster app are that they offer an easy way to get louder audio, often for free, without needing to modify your Android device’s software. They provide more granular control over volume levels. The main downsides are that they can introduce audio distortion at high volumes, bypass safety limits, and negatively impact battery life. It’s best to use the apps judiciously and avoid excessive amplification.
Enable Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that provides a more immersive audio experience on mobile devices. It creates a sense of 3D spatial sound by allowing audio signals to be positioned and moved around you. Many newer Android devices from Samsung, LG, Xiaomi and others support Dolby Atmos.
To enable Dolby Atmos on supported Android phones:
- Go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Advanced sound settings.
- Turn on Dolby Atmos.
- You may need to choose between Dolby Atmos for gaming, music, movies etc. Select the desired option.
Dolby Atmos can provide louder, clearer and more dynamic sound through your phone’s speakers or when using wired headphones. The surround sound effects are particularly noticeable when watching movies or videos with Dolby Atmos audio tracks.
According to Samsung (source), Dolby Atmos is available on many of their flagship Galaxy smartphones like the S20 series and newer models.
Use Wired Headphones
Wired headphones often provide louder output than Bluetooth headphones due to limitations in wireless transmission standards. Bluetooth audio is compressed to accommodate bandwidth restrictions, which can result in lower maximum volumes [1].
Additionally, wired headphones have the full power output of the phone’s amplifier driving them directly. Impedance and sensitivity specifications determine how much volume a pair of headphones can reach from a given amplifier power. High impedance, low sensitivity headphones may not reach sufficient volume levels from a phone headphone jack [2].
For difficult-to-drive headphones, trying an auxiliary amplifier dongle can provide the extra power needed for higher volumes. Make sure to check the headphone and amplifier specs when troubleshooting volume issues over the wired connection.
Disable Absolute Volume
Android’s absolute volume setting controls the maximum volume level that Bluetooth devices can reach. When enabled, absolute volume prevents the volume from exceeding the headset or speaker’s capabilities (1). This prevents distortion at max volumes but can limit the max volume on some devices.
To disable absolute volume, go to Settings > System > Developer options. Scroll down and toggle off “Disable absolute volume” (2). Disabling this will remove the volume limit on Bluetooth devices, allowing you to possibly increase the max volume. However, playing at very high volumes, especially for extended periods, can potentially damage headphones or speakers. It’s best to keep volume at moderate levels for hearing health.
While disabling absolute volume may boost volume in some cases, it comes with risks of distortion or equipment damage. Use with caution and keep volume as low as possible for your needs.
Sources:
(1) https://source.android.com/docs/core/connect/bluetooth/services
(2) https://screenrant.com/android-absolute-bluetooth-volume-explained-disable/
Adjust Individual App Volumes
The easiest way to adjust the volume of individual apps on Android is to use the in-app volume controls if available. Many apps like Spotify, YouTube, and Podcast apps have their own volume sliders within the app that you can adjust. This allows you to directly control the volume of that particular app.
If the app itself doesn’t have a volume control, you can adjust the volume for individual apps in your phone’s Settings. On Samsung Galaxy phones, go to Settings > Sound and vibration > Volume and tap the 3 dots menu icon. Select “Media volume limiter” and then choose “App volume control.” Here you can select individual apps and adjust their volume sliders independently from your main system volume. There are also third party apps like Individual Volume Control that provide more granular per app volume adjustment.
Update Phone Software
Bugs and issues in the Android operating system software can sometimes affect your device’s audio output and maximum volume levels. Installing the latest OS updates can fix these software bugs and restore full volume capabilities.
Go to Settings > System > System updates on your Android device to check for any available OS updates. Make sure your device is running the newest version of Android by downloading and installing the latest system updates, which often include bug fixes for audio issues. Keeping your device’s software completely up-to-date will ensure you have all of the latest optimizations and improvements for maximum audio volume.
According to Google’s Android Help guide, updating to the newest version of Android can resolve bugs causing low maximum volume. Regularly checking for system updates and installing them as soon as they become available can prevent and fix audio issues over time.
Use a Bluetooth Speaker
A great way to get louder, higher quality audio output from your Android device is to pair it with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Bluetooth speakers are designed for louder, room-filling sound and most will play significantly louder than your phone’s built-in speakers.
Here are some top Bluetooth speaker recommendations for Android devices:
Our top overall portable Bluetooth speaker is the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3. It delivers big 360-degree sound and up to 14 hours of battery life in a compact, waterproof design. It’s available under $100.
For louder 360-degree sound, the Soundcore Motion 300 pumps out rich bass and costs around $130. It has 30 hours of battery life.
If you want huge, room-filling sound, check out the Anker Soundcore Boost. This Bluetooth boombox delivers powerful audio and bass with 30W drivers. Battery life is up to 15 hours.
In short, pairing a quality Bluetooth speaker with your Android device is a great way to massively boost your audio volume and quality compared to the built-in phone speakers.
Conclusion
Increasing audio output on Android devices can be accomplished through several methods, such as adjusting the system volume, using volume booster apps, enabling Dolby Atmos, using wired headphones, and updating your phone’s software. However, it is important to practice caution when increasing volume to avoid potential hearing damage from loud sounds.
Prolonged exposure to noises above 85-90 decibels can cause gradual hearing loss over time. Extremely loud noises above 120 decibels can instantly damage hearing. To prevent injury, keep volume at moderate levels and avoid extended listening periods. Take breaks and give your ears time to rest.
If you need further help adjusting audio settings or are concerned about hearing loss, consult an audiologist or your device manufacturer. Many Android resources exist to assist with optimizing sound quality while protecting hearing health.
