How to Use Your Phone as a PC Speaker with AudioRelay

Overview

This tutorial demonstrates how to turn an Android smartphone into an external speaker for a desktop or laptop computer using AudioRelay. The setup involves installing the AudioRelay application on both the mobile device and the PC, connecting them via a physical USB cable, and enabling USB tethering. Once tethering is active, the PC version of AudioRelay functions as a server displaying an IP address. By entering this IP address into the AudioRelay app on the phone under 'Connect by address' and tapping Connect, the computer's audio is instantly routed to the phone's speakers, complete with on-screen volume control.

Introduction and Software Installation

00:00

To route audio from a desktop computer to a phone speaker, install the AudioRelay software on both devices. On Android, open the Google Play Store and download 'AudioRelay'. On your PC, navigate to audiorelay.net in your browser, download the desktop application, and complete the installation process on both platforms.

• AudioRelay enables audio streaming between PC and mobile devices.
• The mobile app is available on the Google Play Store.
• The desktop client is downloaded from audiorelay.net.

Connecting Hardware and Enabling USB Tethering

00:23

Launch AudioRelay on both your PC and your phone. Connect the phone to the computer using a functional USB cable. To ensure a stable and low-latency audio stream, navigate to your phone's Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering, and toggle on 'USB tethering'.

• A working USB data cable is required for direct connection.
• USB tethering creates a local network interface between PC and smartphone.
• Settings navigation path: Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > USB tethering.

Pairing via IP Address and Audio Playback

01:19

Inside the PC AudioRelay application, select the 'Server' tab. Note the IP address displayed under the server name (e.g., 192.168.42.193). On the phone's AudioRelay app under the 'Player' tab, locate the 'Connect by address' field, enter the PC's server IP address, and tap 'CONNECT'. Once connected, the PC app confirms the connected device name and provides a master volume slider to control sound output directly on the phone.

• The PC application operates in Server mode to stream audio.
• The phone operates in Player mode to receive audio.
• Enter the exact server IP shown on the PC into the mobile app's 'Connect by address' field.
• Audio output volume can be regulated directly through the PC client.