How to join an Auracast broadcast, step by step, on every platform

The venue says it has Auracast. You have the right earbuds or hearing aids. Here is what to press.

Before any of these: your earbuds or hearing aids need to be connected to the phone as usual first, so the phone knows which device to hand the broadcast to.

Samsung Galaxy

1. Settings, then Connections, then Bluetooth.
2. Tap Audio broadcast (on phones before One UI 8.5 it is called Auracast).
3. Tap Listen. Nearby broadcasts appear by name.
4. Tap the one you want. If it asks for a code, type the one on the signage, or back out and scan the QR code with the camera instead.
5. If you are joining with hearing aids, make sure Allow hearing aids to connect is switched on.

To leave: come back to the same screen and tap Stop.

Google Pixel

1. Settings, then Connected devices, then Audio sharing.
2. Tap Find an audio stream (Android 17 calls it Nearby audio streams).
3. Tap the broadcast. Enter the password if asked.

Or point the camera at the venue's QR code; the phone offers to join.

Sony Xperia and Xiaomi

Settings, then Bluetooth, then Audio sharing. Scan the QR code or pick from the list.

Hearing aids, by maker

Each maker's app carries its own assistant, which is what makes these work on an iPhone as well as Android.

• ReSound, Beltone, Jabra Enhance, Danalogic. Open the Smart 3D app (HearMax for Beltone, Jabra Enhance Pro for Costco aids). Tap the Auracast tile, pick the broadcast, tap Join.
• Oticon, Philips HearLink, Bernafon. Open the Companion app (HearLink or Bernafon app). Tap the three dots at the top, choose Auracast broadcast, pick from the list.
• Starkey. Open My Starkey. The Auracast assistant was added in January 2026; it sits under Accessories.
• Phonak Audéo Eon. Open myPhonak and scan the venue's QR code. On an Android phone the app also shows a list; on an iPhone it is QR only, so if the venue has no QR code posted, ask staff for it.
• Widex Allure. No assistant in the Widex app. Use the Android phone's own Audio sharing menu above. There is no iPhone path.
• Signia MaX, Phonak Infinio. Not switched on yet. Check the product page for the latest.

A dedicated receiver

Receivers such as the Avantree AuraClip or a venue's Auri RX1 scan on their own. Hold the button, wait for the display or the tone, and press to step through broadcasts until you hear the right one. Plug in wired headphones, or a neckloop if your hearing aids have a telecoil.

When the broadcast does not show up

The list is empty. Walk closer. Bodies soak up the signal and venue transmitters are aimed at the seats, not the foyer. Check Bluetooth is on and the earbuds are connected to the phone.

My earbuds are not in the list of devices to join with. They may not have the broadcast feature switched on. Check the product database; "firmware pending" means exactly this.

It asks for a code and nobody knows it. The broadcast is encrypted. Find the QR code on the signage or ask staff; they are supposed to have it.

Audio drops out. On some transmitters the hearing aids need to be power-cycled before they will see a new broadcast, and a phone that is also streaming Classic Bluetooth can cause echo. Stop any music on the phone first.

I can hear it, but my partner's iPhone cannot see it. That is Apple's doing.

Tell us how it went

Every venue in the directory has a "report a visit" link. Whether the broadcast was running and what you joined with is the most useful thing a reader can send us.