How to Turn Any Speaker Into a Wireless Speaker

Imagine this: You have an old or unused speaker lying around, and you're itching to give it a second life. Maybe it's a great quality speaker, but it lacks Bluetooth functionality. No worries! You can easily convert that wired speaker into a wireless speaker with a few simple gadgets and steps. Let’s explore how you can turn any speaker into a wireless one.

1. What You Need

To make your wired speaker wireless, you’ll need a few key items:

1.1. Bluetooth Audio Receiver

• This is the key component to make your speaker wireless. A Bluetooth audio receiver will allow your wired speaker to receive Bluetooth signals from your phone, laptop, or tablet. These receivers typically have an AUX (3.5mm) or RCA connection that can plug into your speaker.
  
  

• Popular Brands: Some good options include TaoTronics Bluetooth Receiver, Anker SoundSync, or Mpow Bluetooth Receiver.
  
  

1.2. 3.5mm AUX Cable or RCA Cable

• Depending on the input of your speaker, you’ll need an appropriate cable to connect the Bluetooth receiver to the speaker. Most modern speakers use a 3.5mm AUX input, but older or high-end speakers might use RCA inputs.
  
  

1.3. Power Source

• If the Bluetooth receiver doesn’t have a built-in battery, you'll need a power source to keep it running. Most Bluetooth receivers come with a USB charging cable. You can either charge it via a USB port in your car, power bank, or wall adapter.

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Make Your Speaker Wireless

Step 1: Set Up the Bluetooth Audio Receiver

• Plug the Bluetooth audio receiver into the input port of your speaker. If your speaker has a 3.5mm AUX input, use a 3.5mm cable to connect the receiver. For speakers with RCA inputs, use the provided RCA cable to connect the receiver.
  
  

• Note: Some Bluetooth receivers also have AUX and RCA output options, so choose what best fits your speaker’s input.
  
  

Step 2: Power the Bluetooth Receiver

• If your Bluetooth receiver has a built-in rechargeable battery, plug it in to charge using the included USB cable. Make sure it has enough charge to function properly.
  
  

• If it requires an external power source (like a wall charger), plug it into an available outlet.
  
  

Step 3: Pair the Bluetooth Receiver

• Turn on the Bluetooth receiver and set it to pairing mode. This is usually done by holding down the power button until the LED indicator starts blinking (often blue or red).
  
  

• Go to your phone, laptop, or tablet and enable Bluetooth. Search for the receiver in the list of available devices and pair it when it appears.
  
  Once paired, the LED on the Bluetooth receiver will typically stop blinking and turn solid to indicate a successful connection.
  
  

Step 4: Play Music

• Now that your Bluetooth receiver is connected to your speaker, you can play music from your Bluetooth-enabled device. Open your favorite music app, hit play, and enjoy the wireless audio from your speaker!

3. Additional Tips for Better Sound and Performance

3.1. Check the Range

• Bluetooth receivers typically have a range of around 30 feet (10 meters). If you're too far from the speaker, the connection might drop or degrade in sound quality. Make sure to stay within range for optimal performance.
  
  

3.2. Use a Power Bank for Portability

• If you want the setup to be completely portable, consider using a power bank to power the Bluetooth receiver. This way, you can turn any speaker into a truly wireless, on-the-go sound system.
  
  

3.3. Consider a Bluetooth Transmitter for Multiple Speakers

• If you have more than one speaker and want to make them all wireless, you can use a Bluetooth transmitter. These devices can connect to multiple speakers at once, allowing you to sync and stream music wirelessly to several speakers.

4. Alternative Methods

If you want a more advanced setup, here are a couple of alternatives:

4.1. Use a Wireless Audio Adapter

• Wireless audio adapters, like Chromecast Audio (no longer available but can still be found), or Wi-Fi audio adapters, allow you to stream music wirelessly from any Wi-Fi-enabled device. These adapters typically use Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth, offering higher sound quality and better range.
  
  

4.2. Turn Your Speaker Into a Smart Speaker

• You can pair the Bluetooth receiver with a smart assistant like Amazon Echo or Google Home. For example, a smart speaker with a 3.5mm AUX output can connect to your old speaker, and you can control the music via voice commands. This turns your speaker into a smart wireless system for music streaming, hands-free control, and more.

5. Conclusion

Turning any speaker into a wireless one is a quick, simple, and budget-friendly way to breathe new life into old audio equipment. By using a Bluetooth audio receiver, you can easily connect your wired speakers to any Bluetooth-enabled device, enjoying wireless sound without the need for buying a brand-new speaker system.

Whether you’re setting it up at home, in your car, or even outdoors, this simple setup can help you enjoy the freedom of wireless music wherever you go. With a little bit of time and a few affordable gadgets, you’ll be all set for a fantastic listening experience!