How To Use an iPhone as a PC Speaker (The Real Way)

Q: Are there any apps I can use to turn my iPhone into a speaker for my PC?

Examples include Airfoil, SoundWire, and SpeakerShare. -->

You can use an iPhone as a PC speaker, but it is not a native feature of Windows or iOS and requires a third-party app on your PC. To use iPhone as PC speaker, you must install software that routes your computer's audio output to your phone over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Can you really use an iPhone as a PC speaker?

The honest answer is yes, but with important limitations. An iPhone cannot natively function as a Bluetooth speaker for a Windows PC without a specific third-party application like "Bluetooth Audio Receiver" on the PC. Apple's AirPlay is designed to stream audio from an iPhone or Mac to AirPlay-compatible speakers, not the other way around. So while the setup is possible, you need to manage your expectations: audio quality and latency will depend on your hardware and connection method.

Method 1: Use the Bluetooth Audio Receiver app (Windows 10/11)

This is the most direct solution for streaming audio from your Windows PC to your iPhone. It works by turning your PC into a Bluetooth transmitter that your iPhone can receive audio from.

Open the app on your PC. It will begin scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices.
On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
In the Bluetooth Audio Receiver app on your PC, select your iPhone from the list of detected devices and initiate pairing.
Confirm the pairing code on both devices if prompted.
Once paired, the app routes your PC's audio to your iPhone. You may need to set the app as your default playback device in Windows Sound settings.

For seamless functionality, a compatible Bluetooth adapter with an AX200 or AX210 chip may be required. Connecting Bluetooth to Phones this way works best when your PC has a modern Bluetooth radio.

Method 2: Use a third-party streaming app like SoundWire or Airfoil

Wi-Fi-based apps offer higher audio quality and lower latency than Bluetooth, making them a more flexible alternative.

SoundWire

Download and install the SoundWire server software on your Windows PC.
Install the SoundWire app on your iPhone from the App Store.
Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Open the SoundWire server on your PC; note the server address displayed.
Open the SoundWire app on your iPhone, enter the server address, and tap Connect. Audio from your PC will now play through your iPhone.

Airfoil

Install Airfoil on your Windows PC.
Install the Airfoil Satellite app on your iPhone.
Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
On your PC, open Airfoil and select your iPhone as the audio output target. The app creates a virtual AirPlay server that streams audio to your iPhone.

USB cable connection method

Connect your iPhone to your PC via a Lightning cable.
In Windows Sound settings under the Playback tab, select your iPhone as the playback device and set it as default.

Shairport Sync

Shairport Sync is an open-source app that turns your iPhone into an AirPlay receiver, allowing you to stream audio from your PC.

VLC Streamer

VLC Streamer streams audio from your PC to your iPhone over Wi-Fi by accessing your PC's media library.

Both SoundWire and Airfoil allow you to stream any audio from your PC, music, videos, games, directly to your iPhone's speakers.

Troubleshooting connection and audio quality issues

If you experience lag, stuttering, or pairing failures, try these practical fixes:

Bluetooth adapter compatibility: For the Bluetooth Audio Receiver app, ensure your PC has a compatible adapter, such as one with an AX200 or AX210 chip. Older Bluetooth adapters may not support the required audio profile.
Reduce Wi-Fi interference: For Wi-Fi-based apps like SoundWire or Airfoil, move your PC and iPhone closer to your router. Avoid having many devices on the same network during streaming.
Update drivers: Make sure your PC's Bluetooth and network drivers are up to date.
Restart both devices: A simple restart often resolves temporary connection glitches.
Check audio settings: In Windows Sound settings, confirm that the correct output device is selected (the Bluetooth Audio Receiver app or SoundWire server).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my iPhone as a PC speaker without installing any software?

No. There is no built-in Windows or iOS feature that allows a PC to stream audio to an iPhone as a speaker. You must install a third-party app on the PC, such as Bluetooth Audio Receiver, SoundWire, or Airfoil.

Will using my iPhone as a PC speaker drain its battery quickly?

Yes, streaming audio over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi will drain your iPhone's battery faster than normal standby. Keep your iPhone plugged into power during extended use.

Does this work with a Mac instead of a Windows PC?

No. The methods described here are for Windows PCs. For a Mac, you can use AirPlay to stream audio to an iPhone, but only if the Mac is the source and the iPhone is the receiver, this requires third-party software as well.

Why is there a delay between the audio on my PC and what I hear on my iPhone?

Latency is common with Bluetooth streaming. Wi-Fi-based apps like SoundWire typically have lower latency. For real-time audio like video calls, Bluetooth may not be suitable due to noticeable delay.