This wikiHow teaches you how to connect audio devices, such as loudspeakers, to your computer. You can connect audio devices to the computer via cable or Bluetooth, depending on the hardware support of the computer.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Connecting Audio Devices via Cable
Step 1. Find the audio port on your computer
On desktop computers, the audio port is on the back of the CPU, while the iMac's audio port (which measures 3.5 mm) is on the back of the monitor. Some of the standard audio output ports include:
- Optical - this port is pentagonal in shape, and is used for high-end modern loudspeakers.
- RCA - this port has two cables, namely the red and white wires, measuring 3.5 mm.
- Headphone jack - this 3.5 mm port is very common in computers.
- HDMI - HDMI ports on computers and TVs do the same thing. This means that this port can also be used to stream audio.
- Generally, laptops only provide a headphone jack port.
Step 2. Find the microphone port if needed
This port, which is the same size as the headphone jack, has a microphone logo next to it, and is used to connect microphone-equipped audio devices (such as gaming headsets).
Audio input devices can also be connected via USB
Step 3. Determine if you need a converter cable
This cable is required if your audio device and computer have incompatible types of connections. For example, to connect an old computer to new speakers, you may need an optical to RCA converter.
- You can find an audio converter (or audio extractor) online or at your nearest electronics store.
- When purchasing an audio extractor, also purchase the appropriate cable to connect the device to your computer.
Step 4. Connect the audio device to a power jack or USB port on your computer if needed
Some audio devices, such as loudspeakers or condenser mics, require an additional power source to power on.
You may need to press the switch on the back of the speaker to turn it on
Step 5. Connect the cable provided on the main unit of the audio device to the appropriate output/input port on the computer
If needed, connect the device to the audio extractor first
Step 6. Test your audio device by playing video or music
If you connect a microphone, try recording sound.
If the audio device does not work, you may need to restart the computer after installing it
Method 2 of 3: Connecting Audio Devices with Bluetooth in Windows
Step 1. Press the button
on the keyboard, or click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen to open the Start menu.
Step 2. Click
in the lower-left corner of the Start screen to open the computer settings page.
Step 3. Click Devices at the top of the Settings page
Step 4. Select the Bluetooth & other devices tab on the left side of the page
Step 5. Turn on Bluetooth by clicking the button
under Bluetooth.
Usually, this button is at the top of the page.
If the ON button is on the right, Bluetooth on your computer is on
Step 6. Turn on your Bluetooth device, then connect it to a power source if needed
Step 7. Click the + Add Bluetooth or other device button at the top of the screen
Step 8. Click the Bluetooth option at the top of the Add a Device window
Step 9. Click your device name in the Add a Device window
Generally, the device name consists of the device brand and type.
If you don't see the device name in the list, press the pairing button on the device, or turn Bluetooth off and on again on your computer
Step 10. Click Pair in the lower right corner of the Add a Device window to start the pairing process
Step 11. Click
and input audio.
Search results for "audio" will appear in the Start window.
Step 12. Click the Manage Audio Devices entry with the loudspeaker symbol
Windows Audio Manager will open.
Step 13. Select your Bluetooth device in the Sound window
This window will display all audio devices on your computer, including the default output devices if you are using a laptop.
If you connected a microphone, click the Recording tab at the top of the window
Step 14. Click Make Default in the lower right corner of the window
Step 15. Click OK
Your Bluetooth device will be your default sound output device.
Step 16. Test your audio device by playing video or music
If you connect a microphone, try recording sound.
If the audio device does not work, you may need to restart the computer after installing it
Method 3 of 3: Connecting Audio Devices with Bluetooth on Mac
Step 1. Turn on your Bluetooth device, then connect it to a power source if needed
Step 2. Click the icon
in the shape of the letter B in the upper right corner of the screen.
You will see the device menu.
Step 3. If Bluetooth on Mac is disabled, click Turn Bluetooth On to enable it
You must turn on Bluetooth to see a list of nearby devices.
Step 4. Click your device name
Generally, the device name consists of the device brand and type.
If you don't see the device name in the list, press the pairing button on the device, or turn Bluetooth off and on again on your computer
Step 5. Click Connect to start the pairing process
Step 6. Click menu
apple shape in the upper left corner of the screen.
Step 7. Click System Preferences in the middle of the menu
Step 8. Click the speaker icon in the System Preferences window to open the Sound menu
Step 9. Click the Output tab at the top of the Sound window
If you connected a microphone, click the Input tab
Step 10. Double click the Bluetooth device name to make the device the default voice output/input device
Step 11. Test your audio device by playing video or music
If you connect a microphone, try recording sound.
If the audio device does not work, you may need to restart the computer or update the software after installing it
Tips
- Connect the microphone to the Mic-in port instead of Line-in. The Line-in port is designed to accept devices such as DVD players and musical instruments.
- Most Bluetooth devices run on batteries. You should recharge the battery after using the device for a while, instead of constantly plugging the device into a power source.
