Most computer monitors feature a built-in speaker. If you use a laptop, it is likely to have a built-in speaker as well. While the audio output quality is debatable, these built-in audio devices help in the absence of an external audio setup.

However, what if your computer speaker or the external audio setup stops working, and you don't have time to troubleshoot? If you have a working Android phone, you can use it as an external speaker for your computer. Here we show you the two ways to turn your Android phone into a laptop speaker with the help of an app.

Use Your Android Phone as a Wireless PC Speaker Using AudioRelay

AudioRelay is an audio streaming app that lets you turn your Android phone into a wireless PC speaker. It supports both wireless and wired modes of audio streaming.

To connect your Android phone to your computer, you will need to install the AudioRelay PC client on your Windows, macOS, or Linux machine, as well as on your compatible Android device.

The free version of the app is ad-supported and limited by features. If you want, you can upgrade to the premium version to remove ads. The subscription also brings support for multiple-device streaming and lets you customize the audio quality settings.

Download: AudioRelay for Android | Windows | Mac | Linux (Free, in-app purchases available)

We're using a Windows computer for this guide. Follow the steps below to turn your Android phone into a wireless speaker.

  1. Make sure your Android phone and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Next, download the AudioRelay app on your Windows PC, then run the installer and click Next.
  3. Make sure to select all the options under the Select Additional Tasks section.
  4. Click Install to complete the installation and restart your PC.
auduiorelay setup

Once you've installed the app and restarted your PC, continue with the following steps:

  1. Launch the AudioRelay app.
  2. Next, download and install the AudioReplay Android app on your phone.
  3. Launch the app on your phone and tap on Get Started.
  4. Tap on your PC name under the Server section.
Audiorelay android connect server
Audiorelay android stop streaming

Once connected to your PC, you will see your Android phone listed under the Connections section in the PC client.

audiorelay pc phone detected

That's it! Now play any audio on your PC to hear the sound from your phone's speaker. You can adjust the audio volume from the AudioRelay PC client. To stop streaming audio, tap on the Stop button within the Android app.

While the audio output quality is largely dependent on your phone's speaker quality, upgrading to the premium version of AudioRelay offers some advanced features. The paid version lets you access uncompressed audio with compression options, control of the buffer amount, and some other nifty features to enhance the audio quality.

Use an Android Phone as a Wired PC Speaker

If you can't connect to the same Wi-Fi network or find the wireless connection laggy, you can use AudioRelay in wired mode. It uses USB tethering and offers reduced delays by sending the audio over a USB connection. You can use USB tethering to connect mobile Internet to your PC as well.

Follow these steps to turn your Android phone into a PC speaker via USB tethering.

  1. Make sure you have installed the AudioRelay app on your PC and Android phone.
  2. Next, connect your Android to your PC via a USB cable and make sure the phone is detected.
  3. In the AudioRelay Android app, scroll down to the USB tethering section.
  4. Next, tap on Settings to open your phone's mobile hotspot and tethering settings.
  5. Here, toggle the switch for USB tethering to turn it on.
audiorelay android USB tethering
audiorelay android enable USB tethering

Once you've turned on USB tethering, you can then connect your phone to your PC as a speaker.

  1. Go back to the AudioRelay app on your Phone.
  2. Under the Servers section, tap on the new entry with your PC name.
  3. In the PC client, your phone name will appear under the Connections section.
  4. Play anything on your PC to stream the audio via your phone's speaker.

If you have difficulty streaming via the USB tethering option, try using a different USB cable or an alternate USB port.

Additionally, you can also use your Android phone as a mic for your PC. To do this, in the AudioRelay PC client, open the Player tab and select the Mic option under the Mode section.

Turn Your Android Phone Into a PC Speaker

AudioRelay is an excellent way to turn your Android phone into a PC speaker. That said, it is not without its flaws. The audio quality on the free version is just manageable. Also, the app automatically disconnects from your PC if you play anything on your smartphone.

However, if your PC speaker or mic decides to give up in the middle of something, AudioRelay lets you use your Android phone as a temporary substitute.