Transform Your Android’s Audio Experience with These 5 Simple Tweaks

TL;DR: Boost your Android’s audio quality with 5 simple settings changes: use wired headphones, disable Absolute Volume for Bluetooth, choose a better music source, utilize EQ, and try Google’s Sound Amplifier app. While perfect audiophile sound isn’t possible on mobile, these tips can significantly enhance your listening experience.

Are you underwhelmed by the sound quality of your Android phone’s speakers? Fear not! There are several ways to boost what you hear, even if audiophile perfection isn’t possible on a mobile device. With a few adjustments, you can dramatically improve your listening experience.

Let’s dive in.

5 Secrets to Superb Android Audio

1. Embrace Wired Headphones Bluetooth is handy but noisy. When it transmits from your phone to your headphones, the sound is compressed, losing fidelity. There’s also the risk of interference introducing noise. For higher-quality sound, choose wired headphones. You may need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter for modern phones. The Marshall Major IVs are a budget-friendly option supporting both Bluetooth and wired connections.
2. Disable Absolute Volume for Bluetooth If you struggle to hear Bluetooth audio clearly, especially outdoors with bone-conducting headphones, try disabling Absolute Volume. Caution: This could result in excessively loud or distorted sound, potentially damaging your ears. To disable Absolute Volume:
3. Enable Developer Options (tap “Build Number” in “About Phone” seven times)
4. Find “Disable Absolute Volume” in Developer Options
5. Toggle the slider to “On” You should now get more volume from your Bluetooth speakers.
6. Upgrade Your Music Source If you use a streaming service, ensure it offers a high-quality option. Spotify users can set Audio Quality to High or Very High (use Automatic for cellular to avoid data overages). Some services, like Tidal, already provide high-resolution audio. Note that not every phone/headphone combo can handle high-res audio. Whenever possible, download music in high-quality formats like FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec). The better the source material, the better the sound.
7. Harness the Power of EQ An equalizer lets you tailor the sound to your preferences and needs. Beyond tweaking bass or treble for music, EQ can make voices more prominent for podcast lovers by boosting the midrange. Samsung Android phones have a built-in equalizer: Settings > Sound & Vibration > Sound Quality and Effects > Equalizer Other Android phones may require a third-party app like Flat Equalizer – Bass Booster. Pixel devices with Pixel Buds Pro offer a basic EQ when the buds are connected: Connected Devices > Pixel Buds Pro > Gear Icon > Sound > Equalizer Adjust treble, mid, bass, or choose from presets.
8. Amplify with Google’s App Google’s Sound Amplifier app enhances sounds around you or on your phone. It improves phone calls in noisy environments, reduces noise, boosts quiet sounds, tunes frequencies, and allows separate settings for each ear. Designed for wired headphones, results may vary with Bluetooth. When active, you can adjust settings for the phone mic or media. Pre-installed on Pixel phones, other Android users can get it from the Google Play Store.

Elevate Your Ears

With a little effort, you can greatly enhance your Android device’s sound. A combination of these tips should help you achieve the best possible mobile audio experience.

Give them a try. Your ears will thank you.