How to change Bluetooth audio codecs on Android

Bluetooth earphones have become quite mainstream in the past few years, especially with the rise of truly wireless earphones aka TWS. They are convenient to use but are not at the same level as wired headphones in terms of audio quality. It is not to say there have not been any improvements which is why we have various Bluetooth codecs to choose from.

A Bluetooth codec is an algorithm that compresses the audio file from the source device and facilitates a quick and seamless transmission to the earphone. It is also responsible for decompressing the particular file when it reaches the destination. Each Bluetooth codec works in a different way and SBC is the default choice on almost all Android devices. You will get to choose from the likes of AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, aptX Adaptive, and aptX TWS. The exact availability will depend on what Bluetooth earphones or headphones you have.

Without any further delay, let’s talk about how you can change Bluetooth audio codecs on your Android device.

Change Bluetooth audio codecs on Android:

1. If you do not have developer options enabled already, visit Settings > About phone and tap the build number seven times.
   
   
2. Connect your Bluetooth earphones/headphones with the device and search for Developer options in Settings.
   
3. Scroll down developer options until you find the Bluetooth Audio Codec setting.
   
   
4. Choose your preferred Bluetooth audio codec from the list of available options.
   
   

Only those Bluetooth audio codecs that are supported by your Bluetooth earphones can be selected. Any unsupported codec will be grayed out in the list. This is one of the main differences between affordable and high-end Bluetooth audio devices.