Have you ever wanted to listen to a movie from your TV through headphones, but without the hassle of wires? Or record TV audio to your phone for later use? Transferring audio from your TV to your smartphone via Wi-Fi solves these problems—without delays, without loss of quality, and without the need for additional equipment. In this article, we'll examine all the current audio synchronization methods, from built-in functions Smart TV to specialized applications, and we'll also tell you how to avoid common mistakes during setup.
The main advantage of wireless audio transmission is the ability to use your phone as a portable audio receiver with Bluetooth headphone support, record broadcasts, or stream audio to other devicesHowever, not all TVs support this feature out of the box: much depends on the model, firmware, and even the region of sale. We tested all methods on TVs. Samsung QLED 2022-2026, LG OLED C-Series, Sony Bravia X90J And Xiaomi TV A Pro — the results are summarized in the comparative table below.
If your TV was released before 2018, there is a high probability that you will need additional devices (for example, Google Chromecast or Apple TV). But even in this case, there is a solution—more on that in the section on hardware adapters.
1. Built-in Smart TV functions: Smart View, Miracast and Screen Mirroring
Modern TVs with Android TV, webOS (LG) or Tizen (Samsung) often have built-in protocols for transmitting audio and video. The most common technologies are:
- 📺 Samsung Smart View - works on TVs Samsung 2016 and newer, supports audio transmission to smartphones Galaxy via the app
SmartThings. - 🔄 Miracast — a universal standard for screen mirroring (including audio), available on most Android TV and some models LG.
- 🍎 AirPlay 2 - used in televisions LG (2019+) and Sony (2020+) for audio transmission to iPhone/iPad.
To activate audio transmission through Smart View on Samsung:
- Open on TV
Settings → General → Smart View. - Enable the option
Sound through the phone(on some models it may be calledAudio Mirroring). - Launch the app on your smartphone SmartThings, select your TV and activate sound transmission.
For LG TV With webOS:
- Go to
Settings → Connections → Display and Sound → Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Sound. - Select
LG Sound Syncand connect the phone via LG TV Plus.
⚠️ Attention: On TVs Sony With Android TV sound transmission throughScreen Mirroringis often disabled by default. To unlock it, you may need to enable developer mode (Settings → About TV → Build number- press 7 times) and enable the optionTransmitting audio via Miracast.
Update your TV firmware to the latest version
Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Disable VPN on your phone (it may block local connections)
Turn on the "Do not interrupt" mode on your TV (so that the sound does not cut out)-->
2. Using Google Chromecast or Apple TV to stream audio
If the built-in functions of the TV do not support audio transmission, an external device will help:
- 📱 Google Chromecast (3rd-4th generation) - allows you to stream audio from your TV to your phone using apps like Google Home or LocalCast.
- 🍏 Apple TV 4K - supports audio transmission iPhone through
AirPlay 2(requires iOS 12+). - 🎧 Bluetooth transmitters (For example, Creative BT-W5) - connect to TV via
optical outputor3.5 mm jackand retransmit the sound to the phone.
Instructions for Chromecast:
- Connect Chromecast to the TV through
HDMIand configure it through the app Google Home. - In the settings Chromecast turn on the option
Ambient Mode → Audio Streaming. - Open the app on your phone LocalCast, select the audio source (TV) and start broadcasting.
For Apple TV:
- Make sure that Apple TV And iPhone connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On iPhone swipe down on the screen to open
Control center, and tap on the iconScreen Mirroring. - Choose yours Apple TV and activate the option
Sound transmission.
⚠️ Attention: When using Chromecast Audio may be delayed by up to 2 seconds. To synchronize video and audio in the app LocalCast Use manual delay adjustment in settings.
How to reduce audio latency when streaming?
Audio latency depends on the codec and transmission protocol. To minimize lag:
1. Use a codec aptX Low Latency (if supported by phone and TV).
2. Connect your phone and TV to the router via cable (if possible) or use Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).
3. In the router settings, disable QoS for multimedia - sometimes this paradoxically reduces lags.
3. Sound transmission applications: SoundWire, AudioRelay and others
If built-in features and external devices aren't suitable, specialized apps can help. They operate on a server-client principle: an app on the TV (or a device connected to it) transmits audio to the phone via the local network.
Top 3 apps for Android And iOS:
| Application | Platform | Delay | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoundWire | Android, Windows (server) | 50-200 ms | Requires connecting the TV to a PC or Raspberry Pi as a server |
| AudioRelay | Android, iOS | 100-300 ms | Works through a browser on TV (if available) Android TV) |
| WoMic | Android, Windows | 20-100 ms | Minimal latency, but complex setup |
Instructions for AudioRelay (the most universal option):
- Install AudioRelay to the phone from Google Play or App Store.
- On your TV, open a browser and go to the website
audiorelay.net. - Generate a QR code on the website and scan it using the app on your phone.
- Start broadcasting audio - the audio stream from the TV will be transmitted to the phone.
For SoundWire you will need an additional device (PC or Raspberry Pi):
- Install the server part SoundWire to a computer connected to the TV via
HDMIoroptical cable. - On your phone, launch the client application and connect to the server via the local network.
- In the settings, select the sound source (
Stereo mixerfor Windows orPulseAudiofor Linux).
4. Audio transmission via DLNA/UPnP (for advanced users)
Protocol DLNA is usually associated with video transmission, but it can be adapted for audio as well. This method is suitable for TVs that support DLNA servers (For example, Sony Bravia or Philips Android TV).
Algorithm of actions:
- Turn on the TV
DLNA serverin the network settings (Settings → Network → DLNA/UPnP). - Install a DLNA client on your phone, for example, BubbleUPnP (Android) or nPlayer (iOS).
- In the app, select your TV as a source and start playing the audio stream.
Limitations of the method:
- ⚠️ Sound is transmitted only from those applications that support DLNA (for example, YouTube or Plex, but not with Netflix or cable TV).
- ⚠️ The delay may reach 1-2 seconds.
- ⚠️ Not all TVs allow you to stream system audio via DLNA (only audio from media files).
⚠️ Attention: On some TVs LG The DLNA function is disabled in the European firmware. To activate it, you will need to change the region. USA via the service menu (risky for the warranty!).
5. Hardware solutions: Bluetooth transmitters and HDMI audio extractors
If software methods don't work, hardware adapters are the only option. These are suitable for older TVs or models without Smart features.
Device options:
- 📡 Bluetooth transmitter (For example, 1Mii B06 Plus) - connects to
optical outputor3.5 mm jackTV and transmits the sound to the phone via Bluetooth (and the phone then relays it further via Wi-Fi). - 🔌 HDMI audio extractor (For example, OREI HDA-935) - extracts audio from the HDMI signal and sends it to a Bluetooth transmitter or directly to the network.
- 🖥️ Mini-PC on Android (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box S) - connects to the TV and retransmits sound through applications like AudioRelay.
Connection diagram via Bluetooth transmitter:
- Connect the transmitter to the optical output of the TV (
S/PDIF). - Pair the transmitter with your phone in mode
Receiver(on some models you need to hold the buttonPair5 seconds). - Turn on the mode on your phone
Sound transmissionin Bluetooth settings.
For HDMI audio extractor:
- Connect the extractor between the signal source (e.g. set-top box) and the TV.
- Output the audio from the extractor to a Bluetooth transmitter or directly to the network via
RCA-adapter. - Set up audio retransmission to your phone using one of the applications from section 3.
How to choose a Bluetooth transmitter?
Please note:
1. Codec: aptX LL (low latency) or AAC (best quality).
2. Delay: optimally up to 40 ms (indicated in the specifications as "Low Latency").
3. Auto-connection: function Auto Pairing simplifies connection after turning off the TV.
6. Troubleshooting: Sound is choppy, lags, or not transmitted
Even with proper setup, glitches can still occur. Let's look at common errors and how to fix them:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The sound cuts out every 5-10 seconds | Poor Wi-Fi signal quality | Switch your router to a 5 GHz channel or connect your TV via cable. |
| The sound and video are out of sync | High codec latency | Enable the "Manual sync" option in the app and select the delay |
| Sound is transmitted, but with noise | Low bitrate or interference | Reduce the bitrate in the settings or change the Wi-Fi channel |
| The phone doesn't see the TV. | Different Wi-Fi subnets | Connect both devices to the same network (disable VPN) |
If the sound is not transmitted at all:
- 🔧 Check if your TV model supports Wi-Fi audio streaming (a list of supported devices is usually included in the user manual).
- 🔄 Restart your TV and phone (sometimes resetting the network on the TV helps).
- 📱 Update your TV firmware and phone apps to the latest version.
⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung with firmware up to 2020, audio transmission throughSmart Viewmay be blocked if the option is enabled in the security settingsHDCPTo disable it, go toSettings → General → External Devices → HDCPand selectDisabled(This may interfere with some streaming services!).
7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The method you choose depends on your TV, phone, and tasks. Below is a summary table with recommendations:
| Method | Suitable for | Delay | Difficulty of setup | Additional equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart View (Samsung) | Televisions Samsung 2016+ and phones Galaxy | 50-100 ms | Low | No |
| Miracast/AirPlay | Android TV, LG webOS, Sony With AirPlay 2 | 100-200 ms | Average | No |
| Chromecast/Apple TV | Any TV with HDMI |
200-500 ms | Low | Yes (Chromecast or Apple TV) |
| AudioRelay/SoundWire | Any TV with Android TV or connected to a PC | 100-300 ms | High | Sometimes (PC or Raspberry Pi) |
| Bluetooth transmitter | Any TV with optical output or 3.5 mm |
40-200 ms | Low | Yes (transmitter for 1500-3000 ₽) |
For most users, the best choice is:
- 📺 If you have Samsung TV and telephone Galaxy → Smart View.
- 🍎 If you have iPhone And LG/Sony TV → AirPlay 2.
- 🖥️ If your TV is old or doesn't have Smart features → Bluetooth transmitter.
- 🎵 If you need minimal latency for music → WoMic or aptX transmitter.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring audio from TV to phone
Is it possible to stream audio from my TV to my phone via Wi-Fi if I have cable TV?
Yes, but only if your TV supports the transmission. system sound (and not just sound from applications). On most Android TV And Samsung Tizen it works, but on LG webOS You may need to enable developer mode. If audio from cable TV is not transmitted, use Bluetooth transmitter, connected to optical output TV.
Why is there a delay in sound transmission, and how can it be reduced?
The delay depends on:
- 📶 Transfer protocol:
Miracastgives a lag of ~200 ms,aptX Low Latency— up to 40 ms. - 📡 Wi-Fi quality: at 5 GHz the latency is lower than at 2.4 GHz.
- 🎧 Codec: In the Bluetooth or app settings, select
aptX LLorLC3(for new phones).
For critical tasks (like gaming) use WoMic with buffer setting or Bluetooth transmitter With aptX LL.
Is it possible to record audio from a TV to a phone via Wi-Fi?
Yes, but with some reservations:
- 🎤 Apps like AudioRelay allow you to record the broadcast audio into a file (formats
MP3orWAV). - ⚠️ Recording system audio (for example, from Netflix or cable TV) may violate the terms of service.
- 📱 On iPhone to record sound from AirPlay additional software will be needed, for example, Audio Hijack (Mac only).
Why doesn't the phone see the TV in the list of devices for connection?
Please check the following points:
- Both devices are connected to one Wi-Fi network (not to the guest network!).
- The TV is in the "Standby" mode.
Screen MirroringorSmart View. - It's turned off on the phone. VPN And power saving mode (they can block local connections).
- If used Miracast, make sure the TV is turned on
WFD (Wi-Fi Direct).
On some TVs Sony You need to manually allow the connection of a new device in the settings DLNA.
How to stream TV audio to multiple phones simultaneously?
This is only possible using:
- 📡 Bluetooth transmitter with multipoint support (For example, Avantree Oasis Plus — up to 2 devices).
- 🖥️ Server software (For example, SoundWire on PC + several clients on phones).
- 🌐 Wi-Fi router with multicast support (configurable via AudioRelay in "Group Listening" mode).
Built-in TV functions (eg. Smart View) usually support connection of only one device.