For years, a fundamental difference has separated desktop computers from smartphones: audio multitasking. On a PC, multiple applications can output sound simultaneously – music, system alerts, and video game audio can all play at once. Smartphones, however, typically prioritize one audio source, cutting off others when playback begins. But Samsung Galaxy users running One UI have a surprisingly powerful, yet little-known, feature that bends this rule, offering a desktop-like audio experience on a mobile device.
Dubbed “Separate app sound,” this feature allows users to route audio from specific apps to the phone’s built-in speakers, even while a Bluetooth device is connected. While it’s been available for some time, it remains largely undiscovered by many Galaxy phone and tablet owners. This capability unlocks a new level of flexibility for users who want to enjoy media on headphones while still receiving important notifications or navigation prompts through the device’s speakers.
The core benefit of Separate app sound lies in its ability to intelligently manage audio output. Imagine being a passenger in a car, listening to music through Bluetooth headphones, while the driver relies on Google Maps for navigation. Traditionally, the navigation prompts would interrupt the music. With this One UI feature, you can configure Google Maps to always play through the phone’s speakers, ensuring the driver receives directions without disrupting the passenger’s listening experience. This is just one example of how the feature can streamline multitasking and enhance usability.
Enabling Separate app sound is straightforward. On Galaxy devices running One UI 8 or later, navigate to Settings > Sounds and vibration > Separate app sound and toggle the feature on. From there, you can manually select which apps will utilize the phone’s speakers, providing granular control over your audio experience. Samsung details the functionality on their support pages, highlighting its potential for increased productivity and convenience. Samsung DeX, while a different feature, demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to desktop-like experiences on mobile devices, and Separate app sound builds on that philosophy.
How Separate App Sound Works
By default, when a Bluetooth audio device is connected to a Galaxy phone or tablet, all audio is routed through that device. This includes music, videos, system notifications, and voice prompts. Separate app sound overrides this behavior, allowing you to designate specific apps to bypass the Bluetooth connection and output audio directly from the device’s speakers. This is particularly useful for apps that require consistent audio output, such as navigation apps or communication tools.
However, there is a key limitation to the feature. Currently, Separate app sound does not allow users to assign different apps to different Bluetooth devices. You can only choose between the phone or tablet’s speakers and the currently connected Bluetooth device for each app. PCWorld notes the strong integration between Samsung phones and Windows PCs, highlighting Samsung’s focus on seamless connectivity, but this feature is specific to the One UI experience.
Beyond Navigation: Use Cases for Separate App Sound
The applications for Separate app sound extend beyond navigation. Gamers can route game audio to the phone’s speakers for a more immersive experience while simultaneously listening to music through headphones. Professionals can keep communication apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams audible through the speakers while enjoying personal media on a Bluetooth headset. The feature also proves useful for accessibility, allowing users to receive important alerts even while using headphones. Android Police highlights the growing capabilities of Android smartphones as PC replacements, and Separate app sound contributes to that trend.
While not a widely publicized feature, Separate app sound represents a clever solution to a long-standing limitation of mobile audio. It’s a testament to Samsung’s ongoing efforts to enhance the functionality and versatility of its Galaxy devices. As users continue to demand more from their smartphones, features like Separate app sound will become increasingly valuable, blurring the lines between mobile and desktop experiences.
The future of mobile audio is likely to see further advancements in multitasking capabilities. As software and hardware continue to evolve, we can expect even more sophisticated ways to manage and prioritize audio output on our smartphones and tablets. What other hidden features might One UI be hiding? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
