How to change the audio output on an Android without disconnecting your headphones or speakers

Dave Johnson
Updated ·2 min read
airpods earbuds with phone at home listening to music
You can change the audio output on Android 11 in a few simple steps for easier listening across devices. damircudic/Getty Images

If your phone is running Android 11 or later and your audio app supports it, you can now easily change your audio output destination with just a tap or two without the need to disconnect and reconnect playback devices. This lets you easily switch between Bluetooth earbuds and Bluetooth speaker, for example, in the middle of playing music on Spotify.

How to change the audio output on Android 11

Before you can use the feature, you probably need to enable it, which you can find in Android's Developer Options. Our instructions are in the section below.

  1. Start playing some music using a Bluetooth device.

  2. Swipe down from the top of the screen to see notifications. Swipe down a second time.

  3. Tap the small button at the top right of the player notification tile.

    How to change audio output on Android 11 2
    Tap the button at the top right of the media player notification banner. Dave Johnson/Insider

  4. In the media player pop-up, you'll see a list of connected audio devices. Tap the one you want to switch to.

How to enable audio switching on Android 11

  1. Start the Settings app and tap "About Phone."

  2. Find the entry for "Build number" and tap it seven times. After three taps you should see a pop-up that tells you you're four taps away from being a developer.

  3. Keep tapping until your phone asks you to enter your PIN. Enter it, and Developer Mode is now enabled.

    How to change audio output on Android 11 1
    Tap your build number seven times to enable Developer Mode. Dave Johnson/Insider

  4. Tap the back arrow to go to the main page in Settings.

  5. Tap "System" and then tap "Advanced."

  6. Scroll down to the Media section, then turn on "Media resumption" by swiping the button to the right.

    How to change audio output on Android 11 3
    You can now switch among various connected devices. Dave Johnson/Insider

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