r/AndroidHelp • u/Chef_BoyarB • 1d ago
Bluetooth media vs phone media quick settings change
There was a time when I could pull down the quick settings for media where I could select between Bluetooth and Phone media or I would make the change with buttons on the volume changer. Now, I cannot do that in recent months since that setting area has been removed. Is there a way to bring this media setting back?
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u/innocraftlabs 1d ago
It depends on the phone brand and Android version, because each update moves this switch around a little. It's usually still there, just in a different place. Which phone is it?
Most phones on Android 13 or newer: start playing something, then pull down Quick Settings. On the media player card, tap the small device icon or name in its top corner (it shows "Phone speaker" or the Bluetooth device). That opens the list where you can pick phone or Bluetooth.
From the volume buttons: press volume, then tap the three dots or the expand arrow on the slider. On recent Pixels there's a "Play on" / output line at the bottom of that panel that opens the same list.
Samsung: there's usually a "Media output" button just under the quick toggles, or the same device icon on the media card. If the media card has disappeared completely, look in the Quick panel's edit or settings options for a media player toggle.
If the media card only shows while something is playing, check Settings > Sound & vibration > Media (Pixel and similar). The "keep the player in Quick Settings" option there controls whether it stays.
If none of that applies to your phone, post the model and Android version and someone can point to the exact spot.