How do you use Bluetooth earbuds on Discord Android?

What is Discord?

Discord is a free voice, video, and text chat app and platform. Originally launched in 2015, Discord has become one of the most popular communication platforms for gamers and online communities. As of September 2021, Discord had over 150 million monthly active users worldwide (Discord – Statistics & Facts).

Discord allows users to create servers, which are private communities for groups of friends or people with similar interests. Each server includes real-time voice and text chat channels that users can join. Users can communicate via voice calls, video calls, or text messaging. Discord also allows users to share images, GIFs, videos, and other files.

While Discord was originally designed for gamers, it has expanded beyond gaming into a general use chat app. Discord servers now exist for communities centered around TV shows, sports teams, social clubs, cryptocurrencies, and more. The platform is free to use on desktop, web, and mobile.

Bluetooth Earbuds Overview

Bluetooth earbuds are wireless earbuds that connect to devices via Bluetooth wireless technology. They allow you to listen to audio from your smartphone, tablet, computer, or other Bluetooth-enabled device without being physically tethered by wires.

Key features of Bluetooth earbuds include:

• Wireless connectivity – Bluetooth earbuds connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to paired devices that are within range, usually up to 30 feet. This allows freedom of movement without cables.
• Portability – Bluetooth earbuds are lightweight and compact for easy portability.
• Audio playback – Allow you to listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, voice calls, and more from paired devices.
• Built-in battery – Bluetooth earbuds have a built-in rechargeable battery that provides hours of wireless playback time before needing to be recharged.
• Connect wirelessly to devices via Bluetooth – Bluetooth earbuds use Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Once paired, the earbuds connect automatically when in range.

Top Bluetooth earbud brands include Apple, Samsung, Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, Jaybird, and more. Prices range from affordable under $50 models to premium headphones costing $200 or more.

Why Use Bluetooth Earbuds with Discord?

Bluetooth earbuds provide several key advantages when used with Discord on Android devices:

Wireless mobility – Bluetooth earbuds allow you to move around freely while chatting on Discord without being tethered to your phone. This is convenient whether you’re at home or on-the-go.

Hands-free use – With wireless earbuds, you don’t have to hold your phone up to your ear while talking. This leaves your hands free for other tasks like gaming, working, or driving.

According to GamesRadar, Bluetooth earbuds provide a portable and versatile audio solution for gamers who play across multiple platforms. The mobility and hands-free use make them well-suited for Discord on the go.

Bluetooth connectivity allows you to move freely while remaining connected to voice chat. This hands-free experience improves convenience and multitasking during Discord calls.

Pairing Bluetooth Earbuds to an Android Phone

Before you can use Bluetooth earbuds with Discord on your Android phone, you first need to pair the earbuds to your device. Here are the steps to pair Bluetooth earbuds to an Android phone:

First, enable Bluetooth on your Android phone. Open the Settings app and tap “Connected devices” or “Connections.” Turn on the toggle for Bluetooth if it is not already enabled. Your phone will now start scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices.

Next, put your Bluetooth earbuds into pairing mode. The specific steps vary depending on the earbud model, but often you need to press and hold a button on the earbuds for a few seconds until the LED light starts flashing. Refer to the user manual of your earbuds for exact instructions.

Once the earbuds are in pairing mode, they should show up in the list of available Bluetooth devices on your Android phone. Tap on the name of your earbuds to initiate pairing. Your phone may prompt you to confirm pairing – tap Pair or Allow.

After a few moments, your Android phone and Bluetooth earbuds will connect. You’ll know pairing was successful if you see a “Connected” message next to the earbuds in your phone’s Bluetooth menu. You may also hear a confirmation tone in the earbuds.

Once paired, your Bluetooth earbuds will automatically connect to your Android phone whenever they are powered on and in range. You only need to pair them once. Refer to this guide for more detailed pairing instructions.

Connecting to Discord on Android

Once you have paired your Bluetooth earbuds to your Android device, you will need to connect to Discord to start using voice chat. Here are the steps to connect to Discord on Android:

First, download and install the Discord app from the Google Play Store. Launch the Discord app and either log in with your existing account or sign up for a new account. Be sure to use a username and password you will remember.

When signing up for a new account, Discord will ask for permission to access your microphone. Make sure to allow microphone access so Discord can detect your Bluetooth earbuds microphone for voice chat.

Once you are logged in, you can join existing Discord servers and channels that your friends or communities use. Discord’s voice chat features will now work using your Bluetooth earbuds.

If you run into any issues with Discord not detecting your Bluetooth microphone, you may need to manually switch the audio output to Bluetooth in your phone’s settings which is covered next.

Switching Audio Output to Bluetooth

To route your audio through Bluetooth earbuds when using Discord on Android, you need to change the audio output setting in Discord. Here are the steps:

1. Open the Discord app on your Android phone and log in to your account.

2. Tap the Settings icon (shaped like a gear) at the bottom of the app.

3. Under App Settings, select Voice & Video.

4. Under Audio Subsystem, tap on Audio Output.^[1]

5. A list of available audio output devices will appear. Select your Bluetooth earbuds from the list.

6. Tap the back button to return to Discord. Audio output will now be routed through your Bluetooth earbuds when using voice chat.

This will make your Bluetooth earbuds the default audio output for Discord calls and conversations on your Android phone. Remember to switch back to phone speaker or wired headphones if needed.

Using Push-to-Talk

One useful feature of Discord on mobile is Push-to-Talk (PTT). This allows you to map a button on your Bluetooth earbuds to toggle your mic on and off. When mapped properly, you can press and hold the earbud button to talk, then release it to mute yourself.

To set up Push-to-Talk on Android (1):

1. Open Discord and tap your profile icon in the bottom toolbar.
2. Go to User Settings > Voice & Video.
3. Under Input Mode, select “Push to Talk”.
4. Choose which earbud button you want to use for PTT by tapping “Short Press” or “Long Press”.

Once configured, you can press and hold the chosen earbud button to talk in any voice channel. Your mic will be muted when you release the button. This gives you quick mic control without needing to tap buttons on screen.

Note that Push-to-Talk must be enabled in Discord’s settings first. If your earbud button isn’t toggling your mic, ensure PTT is switched on.

Adjusting Voice Settings

Discord provides options for adjusting various voice settings to improve audio quality and customize your experience. This is especially useful when using Bluetooth earbuds which may pick up more background noise. Here are some key settings to adjust:

Noise Suppression – This reduces background noise from your environment. Enable this to block out ambient sounds like keyboard clicks or fan noise. It’s usually best to keep this on when using earbuds. Refer to this guide for details on adjusting noise suppression in Discord.

Automatic Gain Control – This boosts quiet voices and minimizes loud voices automatically. Turning this on can help balance audio from different people. However, it may cause unpredictable volume changes. It’s often recommended to keep this disabled.

Voice Processing – Discord has options for audio processing like an expander, compressor, and limiter. These can enhance voice quality but also introduce latency. Try enabling and disabling these to determine if the effects are worthwhile for your setup.

Advanced Voice Settings – On mobile, tap your profile image > User Settings > Voice & Video to access advanced audio options. On desktop, go to User Settings > Voice & Video. Experiment with settings like audio subsystem, quality, input sensitivity, echo cancellation, etc. to refine your audio experience.

Adjusting these voice settings while using Bluetooth earbuds can help minimize background noise, enhance voice pickup quality, and provide the best possible audio experience on Discord for mobile and desktop.

Troubleshooting Audio Issues

Here are some common audio issues that may occur when using Bluetooth earbuds with Discord on Android, and how to fix them:

Microphone Not Detecting

If Discord is not detecting your Bluetooth microphone, first ensure your earbuds are properly paired and connected to your Android device. Open your phone’s Bluetooth settings to verify the connection. Next, in Discord, go to User Settings > Voice & Video and select your Bluetooth earbuds as the Input Device.

Audio is Choppy

Choppy or cutting out audio could indicate a poor Bluetooth connection. Try moving closer to your phone or computer to improve connectivity. Also check for interference from other devices using Bluetooth or WiFi in the same vicinity. As a last resort, try forgetting the earbuds in your phone’s Bluetooth settings and re-pairing them.

Echo Issues

If you hear echo on Discord calls, it’s likely due to the earbuds picking up audio from your phone’s speakers and creating a feedback loop. Go to User Settings > Voice & Video and toggle “Echo Cancellation” on. You can also try adjusting your “Input Sensitivity” to a lower level.

For more troubleshooting tips, check out this guide: https://9to5google.com/2022/08/22/discord-android-bluetooth-issues/

Tips for Better Audio Quality

Here are some tips to help optimize your Bluetooth earbud audio quality on Discord for Android:

First, make sure your earbuds fit securely and the microphone is positioned properly near your mouth. The mic should not be obstructed by clothing or other objects. Proper fit and mic positioning can greatly impact audio pickup and quality.

Within the Discord app, adjust the Input Volume and Input Sensitivity settings under Voice & Video to find the right levels for your microphone. Boosting the volume and reducing sensitivity can improve quiet mics, while lowering volume and increasing sensitivity can reduce distortion.

Enable Noise Suppression under Voice & Video settings to help eliminate background noise being transmitted through your mic. This feature works best in quiet environments.

Under Advanced in the Voice & Video settings, try toggling the Audio Subsystem between Standard and Low Latency modes. Low Latency reduces delay but may impact audio quality in some cases.

Close any other apps using the microphone when on a Discord call, as they can interfere with audio performance. Also disable any other audio enhancements your phone may have enabled.

Make sure your earbuds and phone have the latest firmware installed for best performance. Keeping your phone OS and Discord app up to date can also improve audio compatibility.

If your earbuds have a companion app, use it to customize any audio settings like EQ presets for optimal voice clarity.

Try switching your earbuds to mono audio mode if available. This can provide better call and microphone performance compared to stereo streaming.

Lastly, move closer to your phone if audio issues persist. Bluetooth range limitations can affect audio stability. Proximity typically yields the best results.