Can you play audio through USB on Android?

USB audio support allows Android devices to output audio through a connected USB device like headphones, speakers or a car stereo. This allows users to listen to music, podcasts, and other audio using wired USB accessories rather than Bluetooth. With the right setup, Android can send high quality digital audio over USB. This provides an alternative to Bluetooth that some users prefer for audio quality, latency, compatibility or convenience.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about playing audio over USB on Android. We’ll look at enabling USB audio in settings, compatible accessories, USB audio apps, troubleshooting tips and the future of wired audio on Android.

USB Audio Support in Android

Android has included support for USB digital audio since Android 3.1 Honeycomb, which was released in 2011. According to the Android source documentation, “This article reviews Android support for USB digital audio and related USB-based protocols.” (source).

The Android version history shows that USB audio support has continued to be included in every major version of Android since 3.1. For example, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean introduced support for USB audio routing, allowing different audio streams to be sent to different USB devices. Android 5.0 Lollipop added support for USB high-definition audio and USB audio class 2.0 devices (source).

In summary, Android has provided growing support for USB digital audio over the past decade, with the capability improving with each major OS release. Core USB audio functionality has been included since 2011, with additional routing, quality, and device support added in subsequent versions.

Enabling USB Audio in Settings

To enable USB audio in Android settings, follow these steps:

Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Go to the Sound section.
Look for an option like “Audio Source” or “Select Output.” On Samsung devices, go to Advanced Sound Settings.

Select the USB audio device as the audio output source. On some devices, you may need to select USB headset or USB audio.
You should now hear audio through your connected USB device.

If you don’t see the USB audio option, your Android device may not support audio over USB. You can check with your device manufacturer to confirm compatibility. Some devices like the Google Pixel require a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter to output audio over USB.

Compatible USB Audio Devices

There are several types of USB devices that can be used for audio output on Android devices:

Wired USB Headphones

Most wired USB headphones with a USB-A or USB-C connector will work for audio output when plugged into an Android device’s USB port. This includes common USB headphones from brands like Sony, Jabra, Philips, and others. Many USB gaming headsets are also compatible.

USB DACs

USB DACs (digital-to-analog converters) that convert digital audio signals to analog can be connected to an Android device via USB. Quality USB DACs from companies like Audioquest, Chord, iFi Audio, and others have been verified to work.

USB Sound Cards

Small external USB sound cards, like those from Creative Labs, can plug into an Android device and provide audio output to speakers or headphones connected to the sound card’s 3.5mm jack.

Overall, Android has good support for many standard USB audio devices. Some specialized pro audio USB gear may not be compatible, so check reviews and the manufacturer’s guidance.

USB Audio Apps

For Android users that want to get the most out of USB audio playback, having the right app is essential. Here are some top recommendations for USB audio apps on Android:

USB Audio Player PRO – This is one of the most popular and full-featured USB audio apps on Android. It supports a wide range of audio formats, bitrates, and sample rates. You get a polished interface, gapless playback, audio effects, and customization options. Great for audiophiles.

Neutron Music Player – For those looking for advanced audio processing, Neutron Music Player is a top choice. It has a parametric equalizer, audio effects, and the ability to upsample audio. This allows you to customize the audio output from your USB device.

PowerAmp – A reliable audio app for local playback, PowerAmp works great for USB audio. It supports many formats, has bass/treble adjustment, and a customizable interface. The pro version unlocks additional features like gapless playback.

UAPP (USB Audio Player Pro) – Designed specifically for bit-perfect audio output, UAPP bypasses Android audio processing for optimal quality. It even supports DSD audio playback via USB. If you want the cleanest and truest signal, UAPP is recommended.

There are many great options for USB audio apps on Android. The ones above are top choices that unlock the full potential of USB digital audio playback.

USB Audio on OTG Cable

Many modern Android phones no longer have a standard 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio output. However, it’s still possible to get wired USB audio output using an OTG (On-The-Go) adapter cable.

An OTG cable has a USB-A female port on one end and a USB-C or micro-USB male port on the other end. The USB-A port allows you to connect wired USB headphones, headsets, or external DACs (digital-to-analog converters).

When you plug the OTG cable into your Android phone, the phone should automatically detect and enable USB audio output to the connected device. You may need to go into Settings -> Sound and select the USB audio device as the output option.

Some music and audio apps like USB Audio Player Pro have native support for USB audio over OTG.

The main limitations are that your Android phone needs to support USB OTG, and it will drain your phone’s battery faster since it’s powering an external USB device. But it’s a handy way to still use wired headphones with modern smartphones.

USB-C Headphones

Many modern Android phones now come with a USB-C port instead of the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. This allows you to directly connect USB-C headphones to your device for audio playback and calling. There are several advantages to using dedicated USB-C headphones with your Android phone:

First, USB-C headphones can provide faster charging speeds compared to Bluetooth headphones. The USB-C port delivers power directly to the headphones, allowing quick charging in just 5-10 minutes in some cases (https://www.pocket-lint.com/best-usb-c-headphones/).

Second, you get improved audio quality as the USB-C port allows transfer of high-resolution digital audio signal. This results in better sound reproduction compared to analog 3.5mm or Bluetooth streaming (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/best-usb-c-headphones-for-android-phones-2023/ar-AA18RNwi).

Finally, dedicated USB-C headphones eliminate the need for dongles or adapters as they connect directly to the USB-C port. This leads to less clutter and no compatibility issues.

Some of the best USB-C headphones for Android include the Google Pixel Buds Pro, OnePlus Buds Pro, and Anker Soundcore Life P3. Make sure to check for USB-C headphone compatibility with your specific Android model before purchasing.

Bluetooth vs USB Audio

When comparing Bluetooth versus wired USB audio on Android devices, there are pros and cons to each method.

The advantages of Bluetooth audio include:

Wireless connectivity – no cables required.

Convenient pairing – once paired, connecting is seamless.
Mobility – you can move around while listening.

However, Bluetooth audio has some disadvantages:

Audio compression – Bluetooth uses lossy audio compression which can reduce audio quality.
Potential interference – other wireless signals can cause interference.
Battery drain – streaming over Bluetooth uses more battery than wired.

For USB audio, the pros are:

Higher quality – USB can deliver uncompressed, lossless audio.
No interference – wired connection avoids wireless interference.

Charging – USB connection keeps your phone charged.

The cons of USB audio include:

Wired connectivity – you need to be plugged in via USB cable.

Portability – less convenient for listening on the go.
Driver support – USB audio requires driver support on the Android device.

Overall, Bluetooth offers more convenience and mobility, while USB provides higher quality lossless audio. Choose the option that best suits your listening needs.

Troubleshooting USB Audio

There are a few common issues that can arise when trying to get USB audio working properly on Android devices. Here are some potential fixes:

If you don’t see a USB audio device listed in your sound settings, try these steps:

Make sure your USB audio device is properly connected and powered on

Try connecting your USB device to a different port if available
Check that your USB audio device is compatible with Android (see the official documentation for supported devices)
Restart your Android device

Update your Android version if an update is available

If your USB audio plays through your phone’s speakers instead of the connected USB device:

Go to Settings > Sound and change the audio output to your USB device

Toggle USB audio on and off under Settings > Developer Options if available
Try a different audio app that specifically supports USB output

For audio cracking, popping or other interference:

Make sure connections are secure and cables are not damaged
Avoid using low quality cables or adapters
Adjust audio settings like EQ and sample rate

Toggle Exclusive audio mode in Developer Options

If you continue having issues, check for firmware, driver and app updates. You can also search for help in Android forums or contact the device manufacturer.

Future of USB Audio on Android

USB audio support on Android is poised for major advancements in the near future. Most notably, Google has announced the addition of lossless USB audio in Android 14 beta 2, promising uncompressed high-resolution audio through wired USB headsets and peripherals (Source). This brings Android up to par with lossless offerings already available on iOS.

According to Google, lossless USB audio will allow devices to transmit the highest fidelity audio signals possible over USB digital connections. This enables wired listening experiences comparable to high-end audiophile equipment. Lossless audio has virtually no loss of audio quality or data during transmission. The result is audio playback that truthfully represents the original studio master recordings (Source).

Lossless USB audio support will arrive first on devices like the Google Pixel 8 series. However, Google has indicated the feature will roll out across more Android devices over time as part of upcoming Android OS updates. This firmly positions USB as the premier wired audio solution across Android phones, tablets, and other devices moving forward.

Beyond lossless quality, Android is also expected to expand USB audio codec support to include formats like aptX HD and LDAC. This will further elevate wired listening and allow USB to deliver audio across the full sonic spectrum. As USB audio capabilities grow, it is sure to satisfy even discerning audiophile listeners and provide an unmatched wired listening experience on Android.