How do I turn on Bluetooth dual audio?

What is Bluetooth dual audio?

Bluetooth dual audio allows two Bluetooth audio devices to connect to one source simultaneously. For example, you can pair two Bluetooth headphones to a smartphone or Bluetooth speaker at the same time (Source: https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/tv-audio-video/how-to-pair-two-bluetooth-headphones-to-a-samsung-smart-tv/).

With dual audio, audio streams to both connected devices so two people can listen at the same time. The source device transmits audio signals to each paired headset or speaker separately. Dual audio allows you to share the listening experience and does not degrade audio quality (Source: https://www.whathifi.com/advice/bluetooth-5-everything-you-need-to-know).

The key benefits of Bluetooth dual audio include:

Allows two people to listen to the same audio source individually
Enables private listening without disturbing others
Provides personal control over volume on each paired device

Lets different people connect own headsets or speakers

Check if your devices support Bluetooth dual audio

Before using Bluetooth dual audio, you’ll need to make sure both devices support this feature. Here’s how to check compatibility:

Phone compatibility

Most modern Samsung Galaxy phones support Bluetooth dual audio, starting with the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ in 2017. Generally, Samsung phones need to have Bluetooth 5.0 or later to work with dual audio [1]. Some notable Samsung phones compatible with dual audio include:

Galaxy S8/S8+ and later
Galaxy Note 8 and later
Galaxy Fold

Galaxy Z Flip/Z Fold2/Z Fold3

You can check your Samsung phone’s Bluetooth version in Settings > About phone > Software information. If it’s 5.0 or above, you’re good to go.

Headset/speaker compatibility

The second device also needs to support Bluetooth 5.0 or later. Most modern Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, speakers, soundbars, and other audio devices meet this requirement. However, you may want to check the specifications to confirm Bluetooth version before purchasing a device to use with dual audio.

Both devices do not need to be Samsung – you can pair a Samsung phone with any Bluetooth headphones, for example. The key is just having Bluetooth 5.0 or above.

Enable Bluetooth on both devices

To use Bluetooth dual audio, you first need to make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both the audio source device and the listening device. Here are instructions for enabling Bluetooth on phones and headsets:

To enable Bluetooth on your phone:

On an iPhone, open Settings and tap Bluetooth. Switch on Bluetooth.
On an Android phone, open Settings and tap Connected devices or Connections. Tap Bluetooth and switch on Bluetooth.

To enable Bluetooth on a wireless headset or speaker:

Refer to the device instructions to access Bluetooth settings. There is usually a Bluetooth button on the device itself to enable pairing mode.
If using a Bluetooth speaker, press and hold the Power button until the Bluetooth light starts flashing. This puts the speaker in pairing mode.
For wireless headsets, there is often a dedicated Bluetooth button to enable pairing. Press and hold it until the headset enters pairing mode.

Once Bluetooth is enabled on both devices, you can move on to pairing them.

Pair the Devices

To connect two devices via Bluetooth, you first need to pair them. The pairing process allows the two devices to find and connect to each other.

To start pairing, put both devices into pairing or discoverable mode. On Android, go to Settings -> Connected Devices -> Connection Preferences -> Bluetooth and ensure Bluetooth is turned on. Tap the name of your device to make it discoverable ¹. On iPhone, go to Settings -> Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth. Your device will automatically become discoverable.

With both devices in pairing mode, they can now find each other. On one device, select the other device from the list of available Bluetooth devices. Confirm pairing on both devices by verifying codes or pressing pairing buttons. Some devices may automatically pair once selected.

Once paired, the devices will stay paired unless you explicitly unpair them. They will automatically connect when in range without needing to re-pair each time.

Connect the devices

Once your devices are paired, connecting them is simple. On your phone or tablet, go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Your paired devices should show up in the list. Tap on the device you want to connect to.

If you are having trouble connecting to a paired device, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both devices. Toggle Bluetooth off and on again if needed.
Ensure the devices are within close range, usually within 30 feet. Move the devices closer together.

On your phone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the info icon next to the device. Select “Forget” to unpair the devices, then go through the pairing process again.
Check for software and firmware updates for both devices. Install any available updates.
As a last resort, reset network settings on your phone. This will erase all Bluetooth pairings so you’ll need to pair devices again.

If you still can’t connect after trying the tips above, refer to your device manuals or contact customer support for further help.

Turn on dual audio

To enable dual audio connection on your Samsung device, first find the dual audio setting. Go to Settings and tap on Connections > Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Then tap on Advanced for more Bluetooth options. Here you should see the option for Dual audio. Turn on the toggle to enable it.

According to Samsung’s support article, “Setting up Dual Audio on my Samsung Device,” dual audio allows you to “listen to audio from two connected Bluetooth devices simultaneously.” Once dual audio is enabled in your Bluetooth settings, you can connect two paired Bluetooth headphones or speakers at the same time. Both devices will play the audio from your phone.

To connect both devices, first enter pairing mode on your second Bluetooth headset or speaker. Then on your phone, tap Media output in the Quick Panel and select your second device. You should now hear audio in both connected Bluetooth devices. Refer to the device manuals for specific pairing instructions.

You can adjust the audio balance between devices in the Media output menu. And to switch which device plays audio, simply select it again in Media output. With dual audio enabled, you have the flexibility to share audio from your Samsung device to two Bluetooth headphones or speakers at once.

Adjusting dual audio balance

When using Bluetooth dual audio to connect two devices, such as a pair of wireless headphones and a Bluetooth speaker, you may want to adjust the balance between the two devices. This allows you to control the relative volume of audio that is sent to each device.

On Android devices, you can adjust the balance in the Bluetooth settings. Go to Settings > Connected devices > Bluetooth. Next to each paired device will be a settings icon that allows you to adjust volume levels individually. Drag the sliders to achieve the desired balance between devices.¹

On iPhones and some other devices, adjusting balance between dual audio devices is trickier. The standard audio balance controls only adjust between left and right channels, not between different connected devices. However, some Bluetooth speakers and headphones have their own balance controls in their companion apps. Check each device’s app for individual left/right balance controls that can help offset the fixed balance from your phone.

Another consideration is stereo versus mono audio. Stereo audio preserves separate channels for left and right audio. Mono combines both channels into a single track. When using Bluetooth dual audio, mono playback will send the same combined audio track to both connected devices. Stereo allows sending distinct left and right channels to each device separately. Check your device and app settings to choose mono vs stereo audio options.

Switching connected devices

If you have multiple Bluetooth audio devices paired with your Nintendo Switch, you can easily switch between them as needed. To disconnect your currently connected Bluetooth audio device:

Go to System Settings > Bluetooth Audio and select the device you want to disconnect. Choose “Disconnect” to stop using that device for audio.

To connect another paired Bluetooth audio device:

Go back to the Bluetooth Audio settings page and select the device you want to now use. Choose “Connect” to make that device the active one for audio.

The Nintendo Switch will automatically route audio through the newly connected device. You don’t need to manually disconnect one device before connecting another – the Switch will handle switching between them.

Some Bluetooth headsets have their own disconnection function or power button you can use as well. Refer to the instructions for your specific audio device on how to manually disconnect when needed.

With the Bluetooth Audio settings on Switch, managing connections between multiple paired devices is straightforward. Simply use the Connect and Disconnect options as needed to switch your audio source.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are having issues getting dual audio to work properly, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Make sure both devices support Bluetooth dual audio – Check the specs for each device. For Samsung phones, look for Dual Audio in the Bluetooth settings. iPhones require iOS 13 or later.

Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices – Go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth on Samsung devices or Settings > Bluetooth on iPhones.

Re-pair the devices – Sometimes resetting the connection helps. Go to Bluetooth settings and “Forget” or “Unpair” for each device, then pair them again.

Check audio balance settings – Once connected, go into dual audio settings and make sure the balance slider is centered for both devices. Adjust as needed.

Toggle dual audio on/off – Turn off dual audio, reconnect the devices, then re-enable dual audio. This may reset the connection.

Restart your phone – As a last resort, power your phone off completely and turn it back on. Then re-pair your Bluetooth devices.

If issues persist, check for updates on both devices or contact the manufacturer for further support.

Summary

Enabling Bluetooth dual audio allows you to play audio from your smartphone or tablet to two connected Bluetooth devices simultaneously. This allows you to share your music, videos, games, and calls with another person wirelessly.

The main steps to enable dual audio are:

Enable Bluetooth on both your smartphone and your Bluetooth devices (headphones/speakers/etc.)

Pair both devices to your phone
In your Bluetooth settings, choose “connect to both audio devices”
Adjust the audio balance if needed

The key benefits of using Bluetooth dual audio include:

Wirelessly share audio with another person
Listen together privately without disturbing others

Customize your audio experience by using two different devices
Extend your listening range by connecting two Bluetooth devices

With just a few quick settings adjustments, you can enjoy your audio on two sets of wireless headphones or speakers simultaneously.