How do I stream audio from one Android to another?
Android devices offer easy ways to stream audio between devices using Bluetooth, DLNA, or Chromecast. Streaming audio allows you to send music or podcasts wirelessly from one device to another, such as from your phone to a speaker. This enables you to play the audio on different devices and in different locations instead of being limited to just the phone that contains the audio files. This guide discusses several methods for streaming audio between Android devices along with their requirements, how to troubleshoot issues, and alternative options.
Why Stream Audio Between Androids?
Streaming audio between Android devices allows you to play the same music across multiple devices for a multi-room listening experience (https://www.vplayed.com/blog/what-is-audio-streaming/). This is useful if you want to listen to music in different rooms of your home without having to buy separate audio systems for each room. For example, you could stream music from your phone to a tablet in the kitchen and to a smart display in the living room, all in sync.
Multi-room audio streaming lets you control the audio playback entirely from your phone or tablet to seamlessly fill your home with music. It also allows anyone on the network to queue up songs to the playlist or take turns acting as the DJ. With synchronized playback across devices, you can enjoy immersive surround sound or party mode audio. This delivers a better listening experience than using Bluetooth speakers in each room independently.
Overall, streaming audio between Androids is a convenient way to access your music library from anywhere without interruptions. It transforms multiple devices into a whole-home audio system for a more unified, social listening experience.
Requirements
To stream audio between two Android devices, there are a few key requirements:
First, both devices need to be running Android 4.1 or higher. Audio streaming functionality was introduced in Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), so both devices need to be on this version or newer [1]. Older versions of Android do not have native support for streaming audio between devices.
Second, both devices need to be connected to the same local WiFi network. Audio is streamed directly between the two devices over WiFi, so they need to be on the same network to discover and connect to each other. Being on different networks or using mobile data will not work.
As long as both devices meet these version and network requirements, the actual audio streaming process is handled automatically through native Android APIs. There is no need to download additional software or drivers.
Using Bluetooth
One of the easiest ways to stream audio between Android devices is by using Bluetooth. Here are the steps to enable Bluetooth streaming between your devices:
1. Enable Bluetooth on both devices. Go into Settings > Bluetooth and toggle Bluetooth on. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both the device you want to stream audio from and the device you want to stream to.
2. Pair the devices. On the device you want to stream from, tap the name of the receiving device to pair them. Confirm pairing on the receiving device if prompted. The devices will now be paired for wireless connection.
3. Start streaming audio. On the source device, begin playing audio in a media app like Spotify or a music player. The audio should now stream directly to the paired receiving device. Adjust volume as needed on each device.
Bluetooth provides a quick way to wirelessly stream audio between two nearby Android devices. As long as your devices are paired and in range, you can easily listen to audio from one device on another. Just be aware of potential latency or quality issues due to Bluetooth compression.
With a Music App
Using an app specifically designed for streaming music is one of the easiest ways to stream audio between Android devices. Popular music apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, and others allow you to stream music from their libraries directly to your Android. Most also give you access to upload your own music library for streaming.
To stream between Androids with a music app, both devices will need to be logged into the same account. Open the app on one device and start playing music. On the receiving device, open the app and select the playing device from the list of available devices. The music from the first device will now stream to the second one over WiFi.
Features like collaborative playlists and stations make sharing and streaming music between friends easy as well. Music apps provide a seamless way to access tons of music and stream it anywhere, perfect for creating your own personal soundtrack wherever you go.
Using DLNA
One way to stream audio between Android devices is by using DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance). DLNA allows devices on a local network to share media with each other. To stream audio with DLNA, you’ll need to:
Install a DLNA app on both devices: On both the sending and receiving Android devices, install a DLNA app like BubbleUPnP. This will enable the devices to discover and connect to each other.
Connect both devices to the same WiFi network: Make sure both Androids are on the same local WiFi network so they can see each other.
Set one device as the media server: On the Android that has the audio files you want to stream, open the DLNA app settings and enable media server mode. This will allow the other device to access its files.
Select audio on the second device: On the receiving Android, open the DLNA app and select the media server device. You can then browse and play audio files stored on that device.
With DLNA, you can stream audio files between Androids on the same network. Just install a DLNA app on both devices and set up one as the media server to share its audio with the other Android.
Using Chromecast
One of the easiest ways to stream audio between Android devices is by using Chromecast. Chromecast allows you to cast or mirror content from your Android device to a TV or speaker that is connected to a Chromecast device. To stream audio from one Android device to another using Chromecast, follow these steps:
On the Android device that you want to cast the audio from, open a music app or audio file that you want to play. Popular apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, and Google Play Music work well for casting audio. Make sure the app you are using supports Chromecast.
Tap the Cast button, which is usually located in the app near the playback controls. This will bring up a list of available Chromecast devices on your network.
Select the Chromecast device that you want to stream the audio to. The Chromecast will begin playing the audio and you will see the Cast icon on your Android device to indicate you are casting.
You can now control playback from the Android device, including pausing, skipping tracks, adjusting volume and more. The audio will stream from your Android device to the Chromecast over Wi-Fi.
To stop casting, simply tap the Cast button again and select the option to disconnect.
Chromecast provides an easy wireless way to stream audio from music apps on your Android device to speakers or a TV. As long as your devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, you can easily cast audio content back and forth.
Learn more about how to use Chromecast to stream music at How to stream music through Chromecast (SoundGuys).
Troubleshooting
If you run into issues streaming audio between Android devices, there are some steps you can try to resolve them. Some common problems include audio cutting out, stuttering, or not playing when the screen is off.
First, check your Bluetooth settings and make sure the connection is solid between the two devices. Bluetooth can sometimes be finicky, so toggling Bluetooth off and back on again may help. You can also try removing the paired device and repairing it [1].
Another factor could be your Android’s battery optimization settings. Go to Settings > Apps and make sure any audio apps are not set to optimize battery usage or be put to sleep. Allowing them to run in the background prevents audio from being interrupted [2].
Finally, check for any software updates for your devices or the streaming apps themselves. Keeping the operating system and apps fully updated often resolves bugs that can interfere with streaming.
With some troubleshooting and tweaks to your settings, you should be able to get smooth, uninterrupted audio streaming between your Android devices.
Alternative Options
If streaming between Android devices directly doesn’t work for your needs, there are some alternative options for wirelessly streaming audio between devices. Here are a few popular alternatives:
AirPlay
AirPlay allows you to stream audio from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to other Apple devices like HomePod speakers or Apple TV. To use AirPlay between an iPhone and an Android device, you’ll need to install a third party AirPlay app on your Android. Some popular options include AirPlay Receiver, Web Video Cast, and AirReceiver.
UPnP
UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) allows devices on a local network to discover and connect to each other directly. Many audio apps and music services support UPnP for streaming, like Plex, Spotify, Tidal, and Foobar2000. To use UPnP between Android devices, enable media sharing in Settings on both devices. Then use a UPnP compatible app to select the device to stream to.
Google Cast/Chromecast
Chromecast allows you to “cast” or stream audio and video from phone apps to devices like smart TVs. To use Chromecast between Androids, install the Google Home app on both devices to connect them to the same WiFi network. Then use Chromecast compatible apps like YouTube Music, Spotify, or Pocket Casts to select the device to cast to.
Conclusion
Streaming audio between Android devices can be an easy way to listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks and more on any of your devices. The options covered in this article – Bluetooth, music apps, DLNA and Chromecast – allow you to stream audio wirelessly without the need for cables.
To recap, Bluetooth offers a direct device-to-device connection for audio streaming, though quality may suffer at longer ranges. Music apps like Spotify allow streaming if both devices are connected to the internet. DLNA uses your home WiFi network to stream between supported devices. And Chromecast can cast audio from one Android to another Chromecast-enabled device.
Some final tips: make sure devices are in close proximity for better connectivity, update to the latest OS versions for compatibility, and check your WiFi settings if you have trouble streaming over DLNA or Chromecast. With multiple options available, streaming audio between your Androids is easy and convenient.
