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  • You can change the audio output on Android 11 by enabling Developer Mode on your phone.
  • Once enabled, you can switch devices by pulling down the media player's notification and expanding the media controls.

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.
 

  • Start playing some music using a Bluetooth device. 
  • Swipe down from the top of the screen to see notifications. Swipe down a second time. 
  • Tap the small button at the top right of the player notification tile.
    Tap the button at the top right of the media player notification banner. Dave Johnson/Insider

     

  • 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

  • Start the Settings app and tap "About Phone."
  • 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. 
  • Keep tapping until your phone asks you to enter your PIN. Enter it, and Developer Mode is now enabled.
    Tap your build number seven times to enable Developer Mode. Dave Johnson/Insider

     

  • Tap the back arrow to go to the main page in Settings.
  • Tap "System" and then tap "Advanced."
  • Scroll down to the Media section, then turn on "Media resumption" by swiping the button to the right.
    You can now switch among various connected devices. Dave Johnson/Insider

     

    • Samsung Galaxy S21 Shop at Best Buy External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Shop at Samsung External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Dave Johnson Freelance Writer Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider. Read more Read less

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