Connecting multiple Bluetooth speakers to an iPhone can enhance your listening experience by providing a surround-sound effect or simply increasing the overall sound output. This can be particularly useful for parties, outdoor events, or even for personal entertainment at home.
The good news is that it’s possible to connect more than one speaker to your iPhone, but it may take some additional steps or require third-party applications for a seamless experience.
Apple’s iOS devices support Bluetooth which allows you to easily pair and connect with a range of devices, including speakers. However, connecting multiple speakers simultaneously requires a little more effort.
Various workarounds and solutions have been developed to achieve this and utilize apps like AmpMe or piggyback methods for later-model iPhones.
In this article, we will discuss the steps and methods available to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers to an iPhone. We will cover the process of connecting two speakers individually, using third-party apps, and other practical tips to help you maximize your audio experience with your iPhone.
Understanding Bluetooth and Multi-Speaker Connectivity
Bluetooth Speaker Basics
Bluetooth speakers are wireless audio devices that connect to your iPhone or other devices through Bluetooth technology. They allow for convenient streaming of audio, offering great sound quality without the need for cords or physical connections. Bluetooth speakers typically have a range of up to 33 feet (10 meters), making them a versatile option for both indoor and outdoor use.
Bluetooth 5.0 vs 4.2
There are various versions of Bluetooth technology available, with the two most common being Bluetooth 4.2 and Bluetooth 5.0. The main differences between these versions include range, speed, and energy efficiency.
- Bluetooth 4.2: This version offers a range of around 33 feet (10 meters) and is widely used in many older Bluetooth speakers. It provides adequate data transfer speeds for most audio streaming needs while also being energy efficient.
- Bluetooth 5.0: As a newer version of Bluetooth technology, Bluetooth 5.0 provides greater range (up to 243 feet or 74 meters) and data transfer speeds, along with improved energy efficiency. Devices that support Bluetooth 5.0 offer better performance and may provide a more reliable connection between multiple Bluetooth speakers.
Audio Sharing in iOS 13 and 14
Starting with iOS 13, Apple introduced the Audio Sharing feature that allows you to share your iPhone’s audio with multiple users. This feature is available on iPhone 8 or later and uses Bluetooth to connect to multiple Bluetooth speakers or headphones. Here’s how to use Audio Sharing:
- Ensure that your Bluetooth speakers or headphones are within range and turned on.
- Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPhone.
- Press and hold the Bluetooth or audio icon in the Control Center.
- Tap the share audio icon, then select the Bluetooth devices you want to share audio with.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the connection process.
Keep in mind that while Audio Sharing allows you to connect to multiple Bluetooth devices, it does not enable true multi-speaker setups with stereo sound. Nevertheless, it’s a convenient feature for sharing audio with friends or using multiple speakers in close proximity.
Native iPhone Settings and Dual Audio
IOS 11.4 Features
In recent versions of iOS, specifically iOS 11.4 and later, Apple introduced some features to enhance the Bluetooth capabilities of iPhones. These features allow users to create a more immersive audio experience by providing options to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers to an iPhone.
Connect Two HomePod Speakers
Connecting two HomePod speakers is relatively simple. To get started, follow these steps:
- Turn on Bluetooth: Go to “Settings” on your iPhone, tap on “Bluetooth,” and enable it if it’s not already on.
- Pair the speakers: Wait for your iPhone to detect the available HomePod speakers. They should appear in the list of available devices. Tap on each speaker individually to connect to them.
- Create a stereo pair: After pairing both HomePods, you can create a stereo pair. This will enable surround sound for a richer listening experience.
Creating HomePod Stereo Pair
To create a HomePod Stereo Pair, follow these steps:
- Open the Home app on your iPhone.
- Select an ungrouped HomePod by long pressing on it, then tap the gear icon to open its settings.
- Tap on Create Stereo Pair, and then select the second HomePod speaker.
- Choose the left and right channels for each HomePod by tapping on the appropriate labels.
- Confirm your selections, and iOS will create the stereo pair.
Third-Party Apps for Connecting Multiple Bluetooth Speakers
In this section, we’ll explore some third-party apps that allow you to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers to your iPhone, enhancing your party experience and boosting your audio capabilities.
AmpMe
AmpMe is a popular and versatile app for connecting multiple Bluetooth speakers to your iPhone. It is not brand-specific, which means it works with a variety of Bluetooth speaker brands. To use AmpMe, simply download the app, create a party, and invite your friends to join. AmpMe will sync the connected devices, ensuring the music playback is seamless across all speakers.
Bose Connect
For those who own Bose Bluetooth speakers, the Bose Connect app is designed specifically for connecting multiple speakers of the same brand. This app offers an efficient way to manage and control your connected speakers, including volume control, playback options, and syncing multiple speakers for a powerful audio experience. Download the Bose Connect app, pair your speakers, and enjoy an enhanced listening experience with multiple Bose Bluetooth speakers.
Party Mode Apps
Party mode is a feature provided by some brands in their respective apps, such as the Ultimate Ears app. These apps allow multiple Bluetooth speakers from the same brand to be connected and synced together for an immersive audio experience. To use party mode, download the specific app for your speaker brand, pair the devices, and activate party mode to sync the speakers and create a powerful sound system.
In summary, connecting multiple Bluetooth speakers to your iPhone can be achieved by using third-party apps like AmpMe, Bose Connect, or brand-specific party mode apps. These apps provide an enhanced audio experience, making your parties and gatherings more enjoyable and memorable.
Connecting iPhones to Multiple Devices
When it comes to connecting your iPhone to multiple Bluetooth devices, there are several options available for a seamless audio experience. In this section, we’ll discuss the methods for using Spotify Connect, pairing Bluetooth headphones, and switching between devices.
Using Spotify Connect
Spotify Connect allows you to connect multiple devices and control playback across them. To use this feature, follow these steps:
- Ensure that both your iPhone and Bluetooth speakers are connected to the same WiFi network.
- Open the Spotify app on your iPhone and start playing music.
- Tap the “Devices Available” icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the Bluetooth speaker or device you’d like to connect to.
- Repeat steps 3-4 for any additional speakers or devices you want to connect.
With Spotify Connect, you can easily switch the music playback between multiple devices without manually disconnecting and reconnecting each one.
Pairing Bluetooth Headphones
Connecting Bluetooth headphones to your iPhone is a simple process:
- Turn on your Bluetooth headphones and make sure they are in pairing mode.
- On your iPhone, go to “Settings” and tap on “Bluetooth.”
- Enable Bluetooth if it’s not already on, and wait for your iPhone to detect available devices.
- Locate your Bluetooth headphones in the list of available devices and tap on the name to connect.
Remember that you can only connect to one set of Bluetooth headphones at a time.
Switching Between Devices
When you have multiple Bluetooth devices connected to your iPhone, it’s important to know how to switch between them:
- On your iPhone, go to “Settings” and tap on “Bluetooth.”
- Find the connected devices in the list under “My Devices.”
- To switch to a different device, simply tap on its name.
This method allows you to quickly switch between connected Bluetooth devices without having to disconnect and reconnect manually.
Multi-Speaker Setup on Android Devices
Samsung Dual Audio Feature
Samsung has introduced the Dual Audio feature to its Galaxy devices, starting with the Galaxy S8. This allows you to connect two Bluetooth speakers or headphones simultaneously. To enable this feature, follow these steps:
- Go to your Settings.
- Scroll down and tap on Connections.
- Tap on Bluetooth.
- Turn on Bluetooth if it is not already enabled.
- In the upper-right corner, tap on the Advanced button (⋮).
- Enable Dual Audio by toggling the switch.
Now you can pair and connect two Bluetooth devices to your Samsung Galaxy smartphone. Once connected, both devices will play audio simultaneously.
Android Apps for Multi-Speaker Setup
There are several Android apps available that allow you to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers to one device for an enhanced audio experience.
- AmpMe: This app enables you to sync music across multiple devices, including different brands of Bluetooth speakers. You can create or join a party, and AmpMe will wirelessly sync your devices to play the same audio.
- Bose Connect: If you own Bose Bluetooth speakers or headphones, the Bose Connect app allows you to manage and control connected devices. This app also supports a multi-speaker setup, letting you connect multiple Bose devices for a more immersive sound experience.
- Ultimate Ears: This company offers a range of apps for their Bluetooth speakers, such as UE BOOM and UE MEGABOOM. These apps allow you to connect and control multiple speakers, giving you the ability to create a rich, multi-speaker listening environment.
These apps provide an easy way to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers to your Android device, giving you the flexibility to create a customized audio experience. Be sure to check the compatibility of your speakers and device with these apps before attempting a multi-speaker setup.
Troubleshooting and Tips
Ensuring Compatibility
Before attempting to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers to your iPhone, confirm that the speakers are compatible with your device. To ensure compatibility, check whether the speakers support Bluetooth 5 or higher and if they have multi-connectivity features. Also, your iPhone needs to be running iOS 11.4 or later to support connecting to multiple Bluetooth speakers.
Optimizing Audio Experience
To get the best audio experience, make sure both speakers are within the audio range of your iPhone and within each other’s range. Additionally, follow these tips:
- Positioning: Place both speakers at an equal distance from your listening position to create a balanced soundstage.
- Volume Adjustment: Adjust the volume of each speaker to achieve a clear audio output without distortion or imbalance.
- Power Supply: Make sure your Bluetooth speakers are fully charged or connected to power to prevent unexpected shutdowns or audio interruptions.
Managing Bluetooth Connections
When connecting multiple speakers, keep in mind the following best practices for managing Bluetooth connections:
- Switch on Bluetooth: Go to your iPhone settings and tap on “Bluetooth.” Enable Bluetooth if it’s not already on.
- Connect Speakers: Once your iPhone has detected the available speaker devices, tap on each speaker individually to establish a connection.
- Managing Connection Issues: If you are unable to connect the speakers, try these steps:
- Ensure the speakers and your iPhone are close to each other.
- Turn the speakers off and back on again.
- Check if the speakers’ batteries are charged or need replacement.
- Forgetting Devices: In case you want to disconnect or change Bluetooth speakers, go to the list of connected devices on your iPhone and tap the “info” icon (i) beside the speaker’s name. Select “Forget This Device” to remove the connection.
By following these troubleshooting tips and guidelines, you can efficiently connect multiple Bluetooth speakers to your iPhone and optimize your audio experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pair iPhone with two Bluetooth speakers simultaneously?
Yes, you can connect two Bluetooth speakers to later-model iPhones. To do this, ensure both Bluetooth speakers are in pairing mode and go to “Settings” on your iPhone. Tap on “Bluetooth,” enable it if not already on, and wait for your iPhone to detect available devices. The Bluetooth speakers should appear in the list of available devices, and you can tap on each speaker to connect to them individually.
How to enable dual audio on iPhone?
Currently, iPhones and iOS do not have a built-in dual audio feature like some Android devices. However, there are apps and workarounds that can help you connect multiple Bluetooth speakers to your iPhone.
Which app helps connect multiple Bluetooth speakers to iPhone?
There are several apps available that can help connect multiple Bluetooth speakers, but one popular option is the AmpMe app. This app syncs multiple devices (including speakers and other smartphones) to play music in unison.
Can iPhone 13 connect to multiple Bluetooth speakers?
Yes, iPhone 13 can connect to multiple Bluetooth speakers, just like any other recent iPhone models. Follow the same connection process mentioned in the first sub-section or use apps like AmpMe to help you achieve this.
Is dual audio possible on iOS 15?
As of now, iOS 15 doesn’t have a built-in dual audio feature. However, you can still use apps like AmpMe and workarounds mentioned in other sub-sections to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers to your iPhone running on iOS 15.
How to play music on multiple speakers using iPhone?
To play music on multiple speakers, connect your iPhone to each Bluetooth speaker individually following the connection process stated earlier. Once connected, use apps like AmpMe to sync music playback across all your connected devices.
Conclusion
In summary, connecting multiple Bluetooth speakers to your iPhone can be achieved through various methods, providing an enhanced audio experience.
The simplest method involves using newer iPhone models and enabling the Dual Audio feature under the Bluetooth settings. This allows you to connect two speakers simultaneously without the need for third-party applications.
Another effective option is using the AmpMe app, a versatile solution that supports a wide range of Bluetooth speaker brands. This app allows you to sync multiple speakers and play them in unison, regardless of the brand or model. The AmpMe app can be easily downloaded from the App Store and set up within minutes.
For more advanced setups that require connecting additional Bluetooth speakers, you can utilize the Audio MIDI Setup Application on your Mac computer.
By creating a Multi-Output Device, you can select multiple speakers to connect to simultaneously and rename this configuration for future use. Remember to select this Multi-Output Device in the Sound menu to ensure your speakers are properly connected.
By employing these methods, you can successfully enhance your audio experience by connecting multiple Bluetooth speakers to your iPhone. The process should be straightforward and user-friendly, allowing you to enjoy amplified sound quality across various speaker brands and models.
