If you want to watch something with multiple people while using your headphones, you may wonder how to play audio out of speakers and headphones. The best headphones provide superior audio quality, but only one person can listen using these audio devices. Check out how to set up headphones on Realtek HD audio manager before you start listening on your PC.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- You need to connect your Bluetooth wireless headphones to the TV or computer before attempting to complete this process.
- You can use a transmitter or multiple outputs to listen to audio through your speakers and headphones simultaneously while connected to the TV.
- For a PC or laptop, you need to select your playback and recording output devices to select multiple outputs.
The process for selecting your headphones and speakers as output devices varies between headsets and devices, so we’ve outlined several methods below. To make the most out of your headphone purchase, check out how to make your headphones last longer.
How to Have Audio Play Through Both Speakers and Headphones
The process for connecting a pair of headphones to a TV differs from connecting to a PC or laptop. For example, you will not be able to plug your wired Wicked Audio SOLUS headphones into a TV and use speakers because of how the TV is set up.
Insider Tip
Connect your Bluetooth Headset to your source device before trying to select multiple outputs to avoid issues with your sound settings.
When determining the best method for your device, you will need to consider whether you have Bluetooth capabilities or not. Additionally, you must access your settings menu on your source device using a mouse, trackpad, or remote. To increase your comfort while listening, learn how to put earpads on headphones.
Method 1: Using TV Speakers with a Bluetooth Headset
- Time to Complete: 5 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Tools Needed:
- Remote
- TV
- Bluetooth headphones
- Steps: 4
STEP 1
Connect your Bluetooth Headset to the TV.
STEP 2
Bring up the TV menu and select “Settings.”
STEP 3
Select “Multi-Device Audio” or your “Output Device” option.
STEP 4 Choose the devices you want to play sound through.
Method 2: Using TV Speakers with a Transmitter and Wireless Headphones
- Time to Complete: 5 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Tools Needed:
- Remote
- TV
- Wireless headphones
- RCA cable and port
- Steps: 4
STEP 1
Connect the transmitter to the designated plug. Typically, the transmitter will plug into the stereo side of an RCA cord or adapter. If you do not have a TV model with RCA audio output, you may need to find one with an HDMI audio jack.
STEP 2
Select your transmitter device in the “Settings” menu.
STEP 3
Go into “Sound” options and choose “Output Device.” This feature may be listed as “Audio Out” on some TVs.
STEP 4 Select your preferred headphones and internal or external speakers. Ensure you save your settings before exiting the menu.
Method 3: Personal Computer or Laptop and Headphones
- Time to Complete: 5 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Tools Needed:
- Mouse or trackpad
- PC or laptop
- Wired headphones or wireless headphones
- Steps: 8
STEP 1
Connect your wired headphones or wireless headphones to your PC. If you have wireless headphones, you will have to pair them before making your adjustments. This process is pretty simple, and you can find instructions for it in your headphone user’s manual. If you don’t have the user’s manual, you can check out our article on pairing a Bluetooth headset.
STEP 2
Go into the search bar at the bottom of the screen and type “Sounds.” This step allows you to search your device for any application or settings that include that word. You can also find your Control Panel and manually enter the sounds mode if you don’t want to use the search functionality.
STEP 3
Go into the “Playback” tab of the audio options menu. This tab is most likely the first screen that opens up. If you don’t see the options below, click on where it says playback on your screen.
STEP 4
Set your computer speakers as your “default device” and your “default communications device.” You must right-click on the speakers to open the settings specifically for that device. You should see several options, but you only need to worry about the settings related to your default device.
STEP 5
Ensure that “Show disabled devices” and “Show disconnected devices” are both checked while you are in this menu.
STEP 6
Enable “Stereo Mix” in your recording tab. This will allow you to have your headphones and speakers play simultaneously because they register as different functions.
STEP 7
Open “Preferences” from the drop-down menu when you right-click on your headphones. From the “Preferences” menu, select your headphones under the Stereo Mix setting for “Playback through this device.” You may need to check “Listen to this device” if unchecked.
STEP 8
Click “Apply” and “Ok.” This process should make the sound come through both devices on Windows 10.
Warning
You cannot use wired headphones with a TV and have internal or external speakers work, so you need a wireless headset and transmitter or Bluetooth headphones.
F.A.Q.S
Why is the speaker still on when I plug my headset into my PC?
Sometimes, your PC may have issues recognizing the headset. Other times, you may need to manually change your default playback device in the “Sound” menu.
Can you use headphones and computer speakers at the same time?
Yes. You will need to select the computer speakers as the default device for playback and the headphones as the default device for recording.
How do I get sound from headphones and the TV speakers at the same time?
You must select multiple output devices, so you will need a TV that has that capability. Additionally, you can find the steps for this process above.
STAT: You can only select one Bluetooth audio device with multi-output audio. (source)
