By Emily ParkerUpdated November 2026
To change a Bluetooth codec, you need to set the codec on the device that sends audio, usually a phone or computer, because the receiving headphones or speaker can only use codecs both sides support. On Android and Windows you can usually pick a codec in developer or sound settings, while Apple devices mostly choose one for you. This guide walks through each platform and explains what to check when a codec option does not appear.
Check What Your Headphones Support First
Codec choice is a negotiation between two devices. Your headphones or speaker publish a list of codecs they can decode, and your source device picks the best one from that shared list. Most headphones support the baseline SBC codec, and many also support AAC. Premium models often add aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, or LC3. Check the manufacturer’s spec sheet for the exact list before you spend time changing settings, because a codec missing on the headphones cannot be forced into use.
Shopping for one? See our guide: 4 Best Bluetooth Audio Codec Android Picks for Better Wireless Sound (2026).
Change the Codec on Android
Android is the platform where you have the most direct control. The steps below work on most recent versions, though menu names vary by manufacturer.
- Enable Developer options: open Settings, go to About phone, and tap Build number seven times.
- Return to Settings and open Developer options.
- Scroll to the Bluetooth section and select Bluetooth Audio Codec.
- Choose a codec from the list. Options typically include SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC, and LHDC, but only codecs your headphones support will work.
- Reconnect the headphones so the new codec takes effect.
If the menu is greyed out or missing, the phone may have locked the setting to a single codec. Some manufacturers also restrict LDAC or aptX on certain models. A related guide covers the common Android fixes: Can't Change Bluetooth Audio Codec Android? 6 Fixes That Work.
Change the Codec on Windows 11
Windows does not offer a single universal codec menu. Support depends on your Bluetooth adapter, the audio driver, and the headphones. Start by checking which codec is active, then look for a switch in your sound settings. Windows 11 supports AAC and, with compatible hardware and drivers, options such as aptX. Some manufacturers add their own codec selectors through companion apps. For the full walkthrough, see How to Change Bluetooth Codec Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide (2026) and Windows 11 Bluetooth Codec: How to Check and Switch to aptX or LDAC.
Confirm the Active Codec
Many Windows users assume they are on a high-quality codec when they are actually on SBC. Check the codec in the driver properties or through a tool provided by your headphone maker before making changes.
Changing the Codec on iPhone
Apple chooses the codec for you. iPhones use AAC with compatible headphones and do not expose a codec picker in Settings. The practical levers are the headphones themselves and the apps you use. If your headphones support AAC, they will normally receive it automatically. Read the iPhone-specific breakdown in How to Change Bluetooth Codec iPhone: What Apple Lets You Control (2026) for the details.
Factors That Limit Your Choice
- Headphone support: the codec must appear on both sides.
- Source hardware: older phones and computers may lack LDAC or aptX HD.
- Transmitter devices: external transmitters may only offer one codec.
- Latency needs: gaming and video may favor low-latency codecs over maximum bitrate.
Common Mistakes
- Selecting a codec without reconnecting the headphones, so the old codec stays active.
- Assuming a higher-quality codec is always better for calls or gaming, where latency matters more.
- Forgetting that the transmitter, not the headphones, may be limiting the choice.
- Expecting LDAC to work on a device that never listed it in the first place.
FAQ
Can I change the Bluetooth codec on any phone?
No. Android phones usually offer a codec menu under Developer options, but iPhones select the codec automatically, typically AAC.
Does changing the codec improve battery life?
It can. Lower-bitrate codecs such as SBC generally use less processing power, though the effect on battery life varies by device.
Why does my codec keep switching back?
The source device may renegotiate when the connection is interrupted or when another app starts audio. Reconnecting and disabling conflicting audio features usually fixes it.
Conclusion
To change a Bluetooth codec, first confirm your headphones support the codec you want, then set it on the sending device. Android offers the most direct control, Windows depends on drivers and hardware, and Apple chooses for you. Focus on the codec that fits your use case, whether that is music quality, calls, or gaming.
Related reading
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About Emily Parker
Emily Parker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our headphone tech & types guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
