What is the media volume sync option?
What is Media Volume Sync?
Media volume sync is a feature found on many smartphones, tablets, headphones, speakers, and other devices that allows the volume level to be synchronized across multiple connected devices. For example, if you adjust the volume level on your Bluetooth headphones, media volume sync will cause the volume to change on your paired smartphone as well.
When media volume sync is enabled, the volume buttons on one device will control the media volume across all synced devices. This provides a unified volume control experience instead of having to adjust the volume separately on each device.
Media volume sync works by sending volume level data between the connected devices over Bluetooth or WiFi. The feature is commonly found on Apple devices through the iOS and macOS platforms. It is also available on Android devices from manufacturers like Samsung and LG. Support varies across Windows devices.
Third party wireless earbuds and speakers may also have their own implementation of media volume sync when used with a compatible device. Overall, the feature allows for convenient synchronized volume control across the different media devices people use today.
Benefits of Media Volume Sync
One of the biggest benefits of media volume sync is providing a consistent volume level across different devices. When enabled, media volume sync will automatically adjust the volume on connected Bluetooth devices like headphones or speakers to match the volume set on the source device. This means users don’t have to fiddle with two different volume controls to get the right level, providing a more seamless listening experience as they switch playback between their smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc. (1)
The automatic syncing of volume levels also provides a major convenience factor. Media volume sync eliminates the need to manually adjust volume each time you connect a new Bluetooth audio device or switch between devices playing the same audio source. Once enabled, it handles keeping volumes aligned across devices in the background so you can focus on your music, videos, calls, etc. This hands-free approach allows for quicker, distraction-free transitions between different playback situations. (2)
How Media Volume Sync Works
Media Volume Sync is a feature found on many smartphones and tablets that allows the volume level to be synced across multiple devices. The technology behind Media Volume Sync involves communication between the mobile devices via Bluetooth.
When Media Volume Sync is enabled on two paired devices, any change made to the media volume on one device will be reflected on the other device. For example, if you increase the volume on your smartphone, the volume will automatically increase by the same amount on your paired Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
This syncing is accomplished through sending metadata along with the audio signal via Bluetooth. The metadata contains volume level information that is read by the receiving device. When the receiving device detects a change in volume metadata, it will adjust its own volume to match. This allows both devices to remain at the same volume level even when adjusted from either side.
The syncing is done seamlessly in the background without user intervention. Modern Bluetooth protocols and audio codecs allow low latency transmission of metadata along with the audio for real-time volume syncing. This results in a convenient and unified volume experience across multiple devices.
Media Volume Sync Across Apple Devices
One of the key benefits of Apple’s ecosystem is the ability to seamlessly sync various settings across devices. Media volume sync allows users to set a volume level on one Apple device, like an iPhone, and have that same level applied across any other Apple devices they use, like an iPad or Mac.
Media volume syncing works through Apple’s continuity features that allow communication between devices signed into the same Apple ID. When enabled, the volume set on an iPhone will automatically adjust the volume on a paired Mac, iPad, or iPod touch to match.[1]
To sync volume levels, devices must be connected to the same iCloud account and signed into the same iTunes & App Store account. Bluetooth and WiFi must be turned on to allow pairing between devices. Volume levels are synced whenever playback begins on a new device, and when volume is adjusted on one device while others are actively playing media.
This volume syncing happens automatically and does not require any special set up. Users simply adjust volume normally on one device, and will notice levels applied across their other iPhones, iPads, Macs, and iPod touches. One volume slider can control audio on all Apple devices in range.
Apple does not provide options to customize or disable volume sync. Users who do not wish to have unified volume control must manually adjust levels on each device independently. But for those who want a seamless audio experience across their Apple ecosystem, media volume sync is an incredibly convenient feature.
Media Volume Sync on Android
Media Volume Sync is a feature available on many Android devices that allows the media volume to be synced across Bluetooth devices. It was first introduced in Android 10 and has since been adopted by most major Android manufacturers.
On Pixel and Nexus devices running Android 10 and above, Media Volume Sync can be enabled by going to Settings > Sound > Advanced > Media Volume Sync. When enabled, the media volume level set on the phone will sync to any connected Bluetooth headphones, speakers, or car audio systems. This prevents the volume from being too loud or too soft when switching between devices 1.
For Samsung Galaxy devices, Media Volume Sync is enabled by default but can be toggled on or off in Sounds and Vibration > Volume > Media Volume Sync. Other Android manufacturers like OnePlus also offer the feature in their sound settings 2.
Android 12 made the Media Volume Sync setting more prominent in Quick Settings for supported devices. This makes it easier to toggle the syncing on or off as needed.
Overall, Media Volume Sync is now a standard feature across most modern Android devices. When enabled, it provides a convenient way to maintain consistent media volume across all connected Bluetooth audio devices.
Media Volume Sync on Windows
Windows has built-in support for syncing the media volume across devices through the Windows Media Player. This allows you to control the volume of audio and video playback from different apps and devices in Windows 10 and 11 using one master volume control.
With Windows Media Volume Sync enabled, adjusting the volume on your Windows PC will change the volume on synced devices like headphones, speakers, Xbox consoles, and other PCs signed into the same Microsoft account. This provides a unified volume experience across the Windows ecosystem.
To enable Media Volume Sync on Windows 10 or 11, open Windows Media Player, click Tools > Options and check the box for “Enable media volume sync.” You can also adjust the sync volume offset if needed. Windows will then sync volume levels across compatible devices. If Media Volume Sync is not working properly, you can try updating your graphics drivers or changing the default audio playback device format.
Overall, Media Volume Sync is a convenient feature on Windows 10 and 11 to keep a consistent volume level across Microsoft devices like PCs, Xbox, and headphones. It allows centralized control over your audio experience within the Windows environment.
Third-Party Apps for Media Volume Sync
While many smartphone platforms like iOS, Android and Windows offer built-in media volume syncing capabilities, there are also some popular third-party apps that can provide additional functionality:
SoundByte is one of the top apps for syncing volume across platforms and devices. It allows you to connect phones running iOS, Android or Windows to each other over WiFi and have synced volume control. This makes it easy to sync music listening sessions when using different devices (1).
Another option is SoundSeeder, which specifically focuses on syncing music playback on multiple phones simultaneously. By connecting via WiFi, you can listen to the same audio in perfect sync with friends who may be using different devices and platforms (2).
These third-party apps provide robust cross-platform media volume syncing capabilities beyond what may be built into operating systems. They allow seamless shared listening experiences across iOS, Android, Windows and more.
Troubleshooting Media Volume Sync
There are some common problems that can occur with Media Volume Sync and a few settings you can check to resolve them:
One common issue is the Media Volume Sync option being greyed out and unusable in your device’s settings. This is often caused by another setting called “absolute volume” being enabled in your developer options. Disabling absolute volume will allow you to turn on Media Volume Sync (1).
Another problem is volume being too low when using Bluetooth headphones even with Media Volume Sync on. For Samsung devices, go to Settings > Sounds and Vibration > Volume and enable “Use Volume Keys for Media” to ensure the volume keys control media levels (2).
On some Android devices like OnePlus, Media Volume Sync can become disabled after a major OS update. Check Settings > Sound & Vibration > Volume and re-enable Media Volume Sync if needed after updates (3).
If Media Volume Sync is just missing from your Android device entirely, make sure your Android OS is updated to version 12 or higher, as this option was added in Android 12.
Checking these basic settings can help resolve most issues with Media Volume Sync not functioning properly on your device.
Sources:
(1) https://www.reddit.com/r/oneplus/comments/uhlbqe/psa_low_volume_on_bt_audio_fter_updating_to/
(2) https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s20-series/quot-media-volume-sync-quot-option-missing/td-p/3569590
(3) https://forums.androidcentral.com/threads/media-volume-sync-does-not-sync-media-volume.1046918/
Customizing Media Volume Sync
There are a few ways to customize how Media Volume Sync works on your device:
Manual Sync Options
Some devices allow you to manually trigger a media volume sync by going into your Bluetooth settings. For example, on Samsung Galaxy devices, you can tap the “Sync volume” button in the advanced Bluetooth settings to force a volume sync with currently connected devices [1].
On OnePlus phones, going into advanced Bluetooth settings and toggling the “Media Volume Sync” option off and back on again can force a sync event [2].
Default Volume Preferences
Some versions of Android allow you to set default volume levels for media that will be applied anytime Volume Sync occurs. For example, you may want media volume to always be set at 75% when syncing.
To access these options, go to Settings > Sounds & Vibration > Volume and look for additional sliders under “Media Volume” or “Bluetooth Volume” to set defaults.
Future of Media Volume Sync
We can expect to see improvements in media volume sync as technology advances. Manufacturers are likely to focus on enhancing integration and making volume control more seamless across devices.
For example, Samsung has indicated plans to improve media volume sync in future Android updates, with better coordination between smartphones and wireless earbuds like Galaxy Buds [1]. This could allow independent volume control from either the phone or earbuds simultaneously.
Apple may also build on its volume sync, which currently works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Expanding to Apple TV and HomePod could create a more unified experience [2].
For Android, users expect Google to address complaints about volume sync problems in future OS updates [3]. Increased cross-device compatibility and settings customization could help.
As media volume sync spreads to more platforms like Windows PCs and smart home devices, we’ll likely see more universal control. The end goal is managing audio conveniently from any connected device.