How to Enable and Use Auracast Audio Sharing on Android to Broadcast to Multiple Bluetooth Devices

Traditional Bluetooth audio connections rely on point-to-point wireless pairings, restricting an Android smartphone to streaming media to a single set of headphones or a single speaker at any given moment. With the introduction of Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast broadcast technology, Android devices can now function as miniature radio transmitters, broadcasting synchronised audio to an unlimited number of nearby compatible Bluetooth earbuds and hearing aids.

What Is Auracast and Bluetooth LE Audio?

Auracast operates on the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio standard using the LC3 codec. Unlike legacy Bluetooth Classic connections that demand bidirectional handshake pairing for every connected peripheral, Auracast broadcasts unidirectional audio packets into the surrounding area.

Any person wearing Auracast-compatible receivers—such as Galaxy Buds, Pixel Buds, or modern LE Audio wireless headphones—can tune into your broadcast stream using a simple QR code or Bluetooth assistant, completely synchronised with zero audio lag.

Hardware and Software Requirements

Before initiating an Auracast broadcast, verify your hardware compatibility:

• Operating System: Android 14 or Android 15 with Bluetooth LE Audio support.
• Processor: Handset equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 or newer, including Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound or Google Tensor G3/G4 chips.
• Receivers: Earbuds or speakers explicitly certified for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast reception.

Starting an Audio Sharing Broadcast on Android

Follow these steps to transform your phone into a multi-listener broadcast hub:

1. Open Settings on your Android phone.
2. Navigate to Connected devices > Connection preferences.
3. Tap Bluetooth or select Audio Sharing (on Samsung Galaxy devices, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth > More Options > Broadcast sound using Auracast).
4. Tap Start broadcast or Share audio.
5. Assign a recognisable name to your broadcast stream (e.g., “Alex’s Travel Stream”).
6. Optionally enter a 4-digit password if you wish to restrict the broadcast to trusted companions.
7. Tap Start. An Auracast status icon and QR code will display on your screen.

Connecting Receivers to Your Active Auracast Stream

Friends and family can connect their compatible earbuds to your broadcast effortlessly:

1. On the listening device, open Settings > Connected devices > Bluetooth.
2. Tap Find broadcast or Scan for Auracast.
3. Select your broadcast name from the list of available local audio streams, or use their camera to scan the QR code displayed on your broadcasting handset.
4. Enter the password if prompted. Audio will immediately begin streaming into their headphones in perfect synchronisation with your own playback.

Managing Broadcast Playback and Stopping Streams

While broadcasting, media playback controls remain available in your quick settings notification shade:

• Adjusting media volume on your phone adjusts your personal listening level without altering the volume level of connected listeners.
• To terminate the broadcast, swipe down the Quick Settings panel, tap the Audio Sharing notification, and tap Stop broadcast.