Technology Stream What You Hear (SWYH) allows you to broadcast sound from your Androiddevice to other gadgets in real time - be it a computer, a wireless speaker, headphones or even another smartphone. This solution is ideal for streamers, gamers, teachers, or simply anyone who wants to share an audio stream without loss of quality. However, standard Android tools do not always support this function directly, so special applications and settings are required.

In this article we will look at how to configure Stream What You Hear on Android devices from different manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.), what apps are suitable for this, and how to avoid typical problems - from sound delays to connection dropouts. We will pay special attention to wireless protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct), wired solutions (USB-C, 3.5 mm jack) and cloud services.

If you have previously encountered the limitations of standard Bluetoothaudio (for example, inability to broadcast system sounds) or want to organize low-latency audio transmission for streams, this guide will help you choose the optimal solution for your tasks.

What is Stream What You Hear and why do you need it

Stream What You Hear (SWYH) is a technology for transmitting an audio stream from a source device (smartphone, tablet) to a receiver device (PC, speaker, headphones) in real time. Unlike a standard Bluetoothconnection, where only sounds from media players are transmitted, SWYH captures the entire audio output of the systemincluding:

  • 🎵 Sounds from games and applications
  • 🎤 Voice from the microphone (when setting up the mixer)
  • 🔔 System notifications and signals
  • 📞 Sound of calls and video conferences

Main usage scenarios:

  • 🎮 Game streaming from mobile to Twitch or YouTube (for example, through OBS Studio).
  • 🎤 Podcasts and webinarswhere you need to broadcast sound from a smartphone to a mixer.
  • 🔊 Listening to music on powerful acoustics, when built-in Bluetooth does not support high quality.
  • 📱 Sound duplication on several devices simultaneously (for example, for synchronous viewing of a movie).

It is important to understand that SWYH is not a separate protocol, but a combination software and hardware solutions. It is more difficult to implement on Android than on Windows (which has a built-in function Stereo mixer), but we will look at possible methods below.

📊 What do you want to use Stream What You Hear for?
Streaming games
Broadcasting music to a speaker
Recording podcasts
Duplicating sound to multiple devices
Other

Methods of transmitting sound from Android: comparison of methods

There are several ways to organize Stream What You Hear on Android. Each of them has its pros and cons depending on the tasks, equipment and sound quality requirements. Below is a comparative table of the main methods:

Method Latency Sound quality Setting complexity Required equipment
Bluetooth (A2DP) 100–300 ms Average (SBC, AAC) Low Any smartphone + speaker/headphones
Applications with audio capture (for example, SoundWire) 50–150 ms High (up to 48 kHz) Medium Wi-Fi or USB cable
Wi-Fi Direct / Miracast 30–100 ms High (depending on the codec) High Support Wi-Fi Direct on both devices
Wired connection (USB-C → 3.5 mm) 0–10 ms Maximum (no compression) Low Adapter or cable
Cloud services (for example, Discord) 200–500 ms Low (depending on the Internet) Low Stable Internet

For most users, specialized applications will be the optimal solution (for example, SoundWire or AudioRelay, which work on Wi-Fi and provide acceptable latency. If minimum latency is critical (for example, for musical instruments), it is better to use a wired connection.

💡

For streaming games or recording podcasts, choose methods with a latency of less than 100 ms. (Wi-Fi Direct or wired connection).

Top 5 applications for Stream What You Hear on Android

Standard Android tools do not allow you to broadcast system sound to other devices, so third-party applications will be required. We have selected 5 of the most reliable solutions with different capabilities:

  1. SoundWire (🌟 Best choice for PC)

    The application captures the audio stream from Android and transmits it to the computer via Wi-Fi or USB. Supports low latency (from 50 ms), audio compression to save traffic and work in the background. On a PC, installation of the server part is required.

    • ✅ Support 48 kHz i 16 bit
    • ✅ Works without root
    • ❌ Paid version to unlock all functions
  • AudioRelay (🎧 For headphones and speakers)

    Allows you to broadcast sound from Android to another device (including iPhone or Mac) via Wi-Fi. There is a "microphone + speaker" mode for two-way communication. The free version is limited in session time.

  • Wo Mic (🎤 For microphone and system sound)

    Initially intended for using a smartphone as a microphone for a PC, but also supports broadcasting system sound. Works on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB. Requires driver installation on the computer.

  • ApowerMirror (🖥️ For screen duplication + sound)

    In addition to broadcasting the screen, it also transmits sound to the PC. Suitable for streamers, but has a noticeable delay (up to 200 ms). The free version adds a watermark.

  • LocalCast (📺 For Smart TV)

    Broadcasts audio and video to Chromecast, Roku or Smart TV with support DLNA. Simple interface, but limited compatibility with audio devices.

    • For most tasks, SoundWire or AudioRelay. If you need minimal latency (for example, for musical instruments), consider wired solutions or Wo Mic.

    💡

    Check whether your device supports system audio capture before using apps. On some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi s MIUI), you may need to enable the "USB Debugging" option in the developer settings.

    Step-by-step setup of Stream What You Hear via SoundWire

    Consider the detailed instructions for setup SoundWire —one of the most universal solutions for broadcasting audio from Android to PC. The process takes no more than 5 minutes.

    Download the SoundWire app on Android|Install the server part on your PC (Windows/macOS/Linux)|Connect your phone and computer to the same Wi-Fi network|Enable USB debugging (if you are using a wired connection)-->

    Step 1. Installing server software on your PC

    Download and install SoundWire Server s official website. After installation, run the app - it will automatically detect the local IP address of the computer.

    Step 2. Connecting an Android device

    Open the application SoundWire on your smartphone and enter the IP address that is displayed in the server app on the PC. Click Connect. If the devices are on the same network, the connection will be established automatically.

    Step 3. Setting the sound quality

    In the application settings (Menu → Audio Settings) select:

    • 🔊 Bitrate: 192 kbps (optimal for music) or 320 kbps (for professional use).
    • 🎛️ Buffer Size: Small (for minimal delay) or Large (for stability).
    • 🔌 Audio Source: Media + Mic (if you need to broadcast and a microphone).

    Step 4. Start broadcast

    Click Start in the application. The sound from Android will begin to be transmitted to the PC. In the server app, you can adjust the volume, turn on recording, or broadcast the sound further (for example, in OBS Studio for a stream).

    How to reduce latency in SoundWire?

    1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB instead of Wi-Fi.

    2. In the settings, select Buffer Size = Small.

    3. Close background applications that consume the Internet (for example, downloads).

    4. Use a router that supports 5 GHz (less interference).

    If the sound is interrupted or distorted, try reducing the bitrate or reconnecting. On some devices (Samsung Galaxy s One UIs), you may need to disable battery optimization for the application. SoundWire.

    ⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with Android 12+ system audio capture may be blocked by security policies. In this case, use a wired connection or applications with root access (for example, Audio Relay Pro).

    Solving problems: no sound, delays, connection breaks

    When setting up Stream What You Hear users often encounter typical problems: no sound, high latency or broadcast interruptions. Let's look at the reasons and ways to eliminate them.

    1. No sound when connecting

    If the sound is not transmitted, check:

    • 🔇 Volume on PC: The sound may be disabled in the server software (for example, SoundWiredata-i="187">Volume on PC
    • 📵 Application permissions: On Android 10+ you need to provide access to the microphone and storage.
    • 🔌 Sound source: In the application settings, select Media Audio (not only microphone).
    • 🛠️ Drivers on PC: For Wo Mic or VB-Cable requires installation of virtual audio drivers.

    2. Large audio delay (lag)

    A delay of more than 200 ms makes the broadcast unsuitable for games or music. To reduce lag:

    • 📶 Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi instead of 2.4 GHz (less interference).
    • 🔌 Switch to a wired connection (USB-C → PC).
    • ⚙️ Reduce the buffer in the settings applications (for example Buffer Size = Small in SoundWire).
    • 🚫 Close background applicationsthat consume the Internet (Torrent, cloud synchronization).

    3. Lost connections or distortions sound

    If the sound is interrupted or "breaks":

    • 📡 Check the stability of Wi-Fi: Reconnect to the network or restart the router.
    • 🔋 Disable power saving for the broadcast application (in the Android battery settings).
    • 🔄 Change codec: In some applications (for example, AudioRelayyou can select Opus instead of AAC for better stability.
    • 📱 Reboot the devices: Sometimes a simple reboot of the smartphone and PC helps.

    If the problem persists, try another application (for example, instead of SoundWire use AudioRelay) or connection method (from Wi-Fi on USB).

    ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Huawei, Xiaomi) applications for SWYH may be blocked by the system as "consuming battery in the background". Add them to exceptions in the settings Battery → Optimization.

    Stream What You Hear without root: possible limitations

    Most applications for Stream What You Hear work without rights root, but with some limitations:

    • 🔕 Capture system sounds: On Android 10+, apps without root cannot capture notification or call sounds (media only).
    • 🎤 Microphone + speaker: Simultaneously broadcasting microphone and system audio often requires root or special drivers (for example, VB-Cable on a PC).
    • 🔊 Sound quality: Without root, the maximum quality is limited 16 bit / 48 kHz (for 24 bit need root).
    • 📱 Compatibility: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo) audio capture is blocked even for media.

    If you need advanced capabilities (for example, broadcasting all system sounds or working with 24-bit audio), consider getting root access or using alternative solutions:

    • 🖥️ Wired connection via USB-C → 3.5 mm (without quality loss).
    • 🌐 Cloud services (for example, Discord in the "Streaming" mode screen transfer").
    • 🔧 Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where restrictions on audio capture are relaxed.

    For most users, restrictions without root are enough, but if you are engaged professional audio recording or streaming, it may be worth considering root or hardware solutions (for example, external sound cards).

    Alternative methods: without applications and root

    If you do not want to install additional apps or get root, there are several alternative ways to stream audio from Android:

    1. Wired connection via USB-C

    The most reliable method with zero latency:

    • 🔌 Connect your smartphone to the PC via USB-C (or Micro-USB + adapter).
    • 🖥️ On PC in Sound devices select your smartphone as a playback device.
    • 🎵 Turn on audio playback on Android - it will be transferred to the PC.

    Minus: a physical connection is required, but there are no delays or losses quality.

    2. Bluetooth with LDAC or aptX support

    If your headphones or speaker support advanced codecs (LDAC, aptX, aptX LL), you can achieve acceptable quality and latency:

    • 🔗 Connect the device via Bluetooth.
    • ⚙️ In the Bluetooth settings on Android select LDAC (on Sony) or aptX (on Qualcomm Snapdragon).
    • 🎧 Start playback - the sound will be transmitted with minimal loss.

    Limitation: system sounds (notifications, calls) are not are broadcast.

    3. Chromecast or Smart TV

    If you have Google Chromecast or Smart TV with support Google Cast:

    • 📺 Connect Chromecast to TV.
    • 📱 On Android, open the application (for example, YouTube or Spotify) and press the button Cast.
    • 🔊 The sound will be broadcast to the TV, but system sounds are not supported.

    4. or Zoom to broadcast audio

    If you need to transfer sound to another PC:

    • 💬 Create a voice channel in Discord.
    • 🎤 Connect from your smartphone and enable the option Transmit Audio (in the voice settings).
    • 🔊 On the second PC, the sound will be played through Discord.

    Minus: high latency (200–500 ms) and audio compression.

    These methods are suitable if you do not need professional broadcasting, but need a temporary solution.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Stream What You Hear on Android

    🔊 Is it possible to stream audio from Android to iPhone?

    Yes, but with limitations. Applications like AudioRelay support cross-platform broadcasting, but iPhone you will need to install the server part. An alternative is to use cloud services (for example Discord or Zoom), but with a large delay.

    🎮 How to broadcast audio from Android to OBS for streaming?

    1. Install SoundWire or Wo Mic on Android and PC.

    2. In OBS Studio add an audio source Audio input from a microphone and select a virtual device (for example, VB-Cable or SoundWire Speaker).

    3. Adjust the delay in the filters OBSif the sound is not synchronized with the video.

    🔌 Why, when connected via USB, does the sound go only to the headphones and not to the PC?

    On most Android devices USB-C by default it is used for charging or data transfer To transmit sound:

    - Turn on the mode USB audio mode in the connection settings (on some smartphones you need to select Transfer files (MTP), then manually change the profile on Sound settings PC).

    - Use an OTG adapter with output to 3.5 mm for direct connection to speakers.

    📱 Does it work? Stream What You Hear on Android 13?

    Yes, but with limitations. Starting from Android 10Google has tightened its security policies, so:

    - Without root, applications can only capture sound from media (not system notifications).

    - On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14) audio capture is blocked completely - you need to roll back to an older version or root.

    - For full operation, use a wired connection or specialized applications like AudioRelay.

    🎧 Is it possible to broadcast sound to several devices simultaneously?

    Yes, but this will require:

    - An application that supports multi-streaming (for example, SoundWire in the paid version allows you to connect several clients).

    - Or use Bluetooth 5.2+ with support Dual Audio (available on Samsung Galaxy and some other models).

    - For a PC, you can set up a virtual audio mixer (for example, Voicemeeter) and duplicate the sound on several outputs.