BENTECH

PC Audio Streaming to Android with AudioRelay

Master configuring AudioRelay to transform your smartphone into a desktop speaker and microphone via wired USB tethering.

This hands-on course teaches you how to turn your Android smartphone into a computer speaker using AudioRelay. You will learn how to obtain and install the software on Windows and Android, configure USB tethering for low-latency transmission, pair devices using IP addresses, and manage audio output levels directly from the desktop.

Section 1: Installation and Hardware Setup

Download the required software and establish the USB tethering link between the smartphone and the PC.

Lesson 1.1: Software Installation

  • Google Play Store app download
  • audiorelay.net desktop client

AudioRelay is an application designed to stream audio between computers and mobile devices. To prepare your environment, install the mobile client from the Google Play Store by searching for 'AudioRelay'. Next, on your Windows PC, open a web browser and navigate to audiorelay.net to download and install the official desktop application. Having matching software versions on both ends ensures proper protocol negotiation.

Practical work

  1. Install AudioRelay on an Android phone from Google Play.
  2. Download and install AudioRelay on your PC from audiorelay.net.

Lesson 1.2: Connecting Hardware & Enabling USB Tethering

  • Physical USB cable connection
  • Enabling USB tethering in Android settings

A reliable connection is critical for streaming real-time audio without stuttering or lag. While wireless connections can be used, USB tethering provides an optimal, low-latency data channel. Connect your mobile phone to the PC using a functional USB cable capable of data transfer. On your phone, open Settings, select 'Network & internet', tap 'Hotspot & tethering', and toggle on 'USB tethering'. This assigns a dedicated local network IP address between the two devices.

Practical work

  1. Connect your Android smartphone to your PC with a data-capable USB cable.
  2. Open Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering on your phone and enable USB tethering.
  3. Launch AudioRelay on both your PC and phone simultaneously.

Section 2: Pairing and Audio Streaming

Connect the client to the server via IP address and configure audio volume controls.

Lesson 2.1: Server IP Configuration and Pairing

  • Identifying Server IP
  • Entering IP address in Player mode

AudioRelay operates on a client-server architecture. When you want PC audio played on your phone, the PC acts as the 'Server' and the phone acts as the 'Player'. Within the PC application, switch to the 'Server' tab and observe the listed IP address (for example, 192.168.42.193). On the mobile phone app, ensure you are on the 'Player' tab. Under 'Connect by address', type the exact IP shown on the PC, then press 'CONNECT'.

Practical work

  1. Locate the IP address displayed under Server on the PC AudioRelay window.
  2. Enter this IP address into the 'Connect by address' input field on the phone's AudioRelay app and tap CONNECT.

Lesson 2.2: Playback Management & Additional Modes

  • Volume control slider
  • Device connection verification
  • Microphone and playback modes

Once the connection is established, the PC AudioRelay interface will list your connected mobile device (e.g., TECNO MOBILE LIMITED). A volume slider appears beneath the device name, allowing you to regulate the audio signal level sent to your phone's speaker. AudioRelay also supports reverse routing: you can switch modes to use your phone's microphone as an audio input for your PC, or configure Playback options under the Player tab.

Practical work

  1. Play audio from a browser or media player on your PC and verify sound outputs through the phone speaker.
  2. Adjust the volume slider in the PC AudioRelay interface to confirm real-time level control.
  3. Review the Player mode options on PC to see microphone and playback configurations.