Android 16 is poised to introduce Auracast to a broader audience, yet Google Pixel users with compatible devices can already explore the forthcoming audio-sharing capabilities. This innovative feature enables users to connect multiple Bluetooth headphones to a single Pixel phone, facilitating seamless content sharing and the initiation of mass broadcasts. The integration of Auracast and Bluetooth LE Audio promises to revolutionize accessibility and enhance content consumption experiences.
For those eager to share audio with multiple Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, the process is straightforward. Currently, the Audio sharing settings page may not be visible in Android 16 Beta 4, but it can be activated through Developer Options on supported Pixel phones. Users will need a Google Pixel 8 series or newer device to access this feature, as it relies on Auracast technology.
Interestingly, activating the Android 16 beta is not a prerequisite for enabling audio sharing. The necessary Developer Options toggle is also available on Android 15 devices. For those interested in becoming testers, a simple guide is available to assist in installing the Android 16 beta on their Pixel phones. Once set up, users can follow these steps to reveal the Audio sharing feature:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap About phone.
- Tap your build number multiple times to enable Developer Options.
- Upon successful activation, you will see You are now a developer.
With Developer Options activated, users can now access the hidden toggle for Audio sharing. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to the System page, then select the Developer Options tab.
- Locate Enable Bluetooth LE Audio Broadcast UI preview and toggle it on.
- Follow the prompts to restart your phone for the changes to take effect.
Once these steps are completed, the Audio sharing page will be accessible in the Settings app on a supported Google Pixel phone. While this process may seem intricate, it reflects the feature’s current status as not yet publicly available. When Google officially rolls out Bluetooth LE and Auracast support via Audio sharing, the steps will likely be simplified.
How to start Audio sharing
To initiate audio sharing, users will need compatible earbuds or headphones, as the feature cannot be activated without at least one connected device. The audio devices must support Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio to function with Audio sharing. Not all popular Android earbuds and headphones are compatible, but many, including the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and 3 Pro, do support this feature.
Tip: If your supported headphones or earbuds do not appear as compatible for Audio sharing, unpairing and re-pairing the device often resolves the issue. Additionally, check for a toggle for LE Audio in the device settings for each compatible earbud.
When the Audio sharing feature is visible on a Pixel phone and compatible earbuds are ready, users can begin sharing by following these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Select the Connected devices page, then tap Connection preferences.
- Access the Audio sharing page, which should now be visible.
- Toggle Audio sharing to activate it.
- A QR code will appear for your broadcast, along with your device name and an optional broadcast password for others to connect.
- Tap Pair new device to add additional earbuds or headphones, or Close to finish.
- To join an existing broadcast, select Find an audio stream.
With these steps completed, users can create a broadcast and pair multiple LE Audio-compatible headsets to their Pixel phone. The full support of Auracast is particularly significant for accessibility, allowing public events, sports contests, concerts, and transit hubs to transmit Auracast-compatible broadcasts for anyone to access. This feature also serves as a practical tool for sharing music or movies with those nearby.
When will Audio sharing publicly debut?
The introduction of audio sharing, powered by Bluetooth LE and Auracast, is confirmed for Pixel phones with the upcoming release of Android 16. Google highlighted this feature in the release notes for Android 16 Beta 3, coinciding with the update’s achievement of platform stability. However, the exact timeline for its public availability remains uncertain; it may launch on day one or be included in a subsequent update.
Fortunately, Pixel phone users running both Android 15 and the Android 16 beta can already take advantage of Audio sharing. Whether for hearing assistance or simply to share audio with a friend, this feature is a valuable addition to the Android ecosystem.
The latest and greatest
Users need not invest in a high-end flagship to experience the latest Android 16 features; the base-model Pixel 9 is more than capable. It encompasses all the essentials, featuring an impressive camera system, a robust Tensor G4 processor, and Google’s Pixel Launcher with exclusive functionalities.
