Unlike Windows, Android does not have a direct "Virtual Audio Cable" (VAC) driver that routes audio between any two apps due to strict system security and sandboxing. However, you can achieve similar results using manufacturer-specific tools, third-party routing bridges, or specialized recording apps. 1. Built-in Multi-Sound Tools (Samsung Galaxy)

If you own a Samsung device, you have the most powerful native tools for audio routing through the Good Lock ecosystem.

Sound Assistant: Install this via the Galaxy Store. It allows you to:

Multi-Sound: Enable specific apps (or all apps) to play audio at the same time as other apps without one cutting the other off.

Individual App Volumes: Control the volume of one app (e.g., Spotify) independently of another (e.g., a game).

Separate App Sound: Route audio from a specific app to a Bluetooth device while all other sounds stay on the phone speakers. 2. Universal App-to-App Routing (Non-Samsung)

For other Android devices, you must use intermediary "bridge" apps to break the system's standard audio restrictions.

Shizuku + Shizuku Tools: This is the current standard for non-rooted devices. Install Shizuku from the Google Play Store.

Enable Wireless Debugging in your phone's Developer Options and pair it with Shizuku.

Install Shizuku Tools and use the "Mixed Audio" option to force multiple apps to play sound concurrently, mimicking a virtual mixer environment. 3. PC-to-Android Routing

If your goal is to use your phone as a virtual speaker or microphone for your computer (effectively a wireless audio cable), use these specialized servers:

SoundWire: This streams all audio from your PC to your Android device over Wi-Fi. You can download the required server from GeorgieLabs.

VBAN Receptor: If you use Voicemeeter on PC, the VBAN Receptor app for Android can receive high-quality audio streams directly from your PC’s virtual cables. 4. Capturing Internal Audio (Virtual Recording)

If you need a "virtual cable" to record an app's output internally without using the physical microphone: Routing Audio signal between apps

Routing Audio signal between apps * 1. Does this answer your question? How can I record internal audio? Robert. – Robert. 2023-01- Android Enthusiasts Stack Exchange iOS / Android - VB Audio Software

Finding a true "Virtual Audio Cable" (VAC) for Android is significantly more complex than on Windows or macOS because the Android operating system does not natively allow applications to intercept or reroute the system audio of other apps for security and privacy reasons

Below is a report on the current state of virtual audio routing for Android. 1. The Core Challenge Unlike Windows, where drivers like VB-Audio CABLE Eugene Muzychenko's VAC

can create virtual "loopback" devices, Android's Linux-based architecture sandboxes applications. A standard app cannot "listen" to the output of another app unless it uses specific APIs provided by the system. 2. Available Workarounds

While a direct "VAC.exe" equivalent for Android doesn't exist, you can achieve similar results through these methods: Audio Loopback Dongles (Hardware):

The most reliable way to route audio between Android devices or into a PC is using a physical 3.5mm TRRS loopback cable iRig-style interface

. This physically routes the "Speaker" output back into the "Microphone" input. MediaProjection API (Screen Recording):

Android 10 and above allows apps to capture "Internal Audio" if the source app permits it. Apps like OBS Studio

(via a PC) or high-end screen recorders use this to "virtually" grab audio. External Routing via PC: AudioRelay:

An app that streams your Android's audio to a PC via Wi-Fi or USB. Once on the PC, you can use a Virtual Audio Cable to route it anywhere.

This open-source tool can mirror your Android screen to a PC and forward the audio, which can then be captured by virtual drivers on the computer. 3. Developer Solutions (Root Required)

For users with rooted devices, there are more advanced options that behave like a true virtual cable: AudioWizard / JamesDSP:

These can sometimes intercept system-wide audio for processing. Custom HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer):

Developers have attempted to write custom audio HALs to create virtual input/output lines, but this requires deep system-level modification and is not a "plug-and-play" app solution. Google Groups 4. Summary Table: Software vs. Hardware Ease of Use Requirement Physical Loopback Cable Hardware Dongle AudioRelay (Wi-Fi/USB) Low to Medium PC Connection Internal Recording API Android 10+ Rooted System Drivers Root Access

If you are trying to route audio for streaming (like Discord or Twitch), it is almost always better to route the Android audio to a PC first using a tool like to manage the lines there. using one of these free tools?

Unlike Windows (where VAC is a single, famous driver), Android handles audio routing very differently. Android does not have a native, system-wide "Virtual Audio Cable" driver that creates endpoints like "Line 1" and "Line 2."

Instead, the concept is achieved through audio routing apps, virtual mixers, or screenshots/streaming tools that intercept the audio stream.

Here is the breakdown of how it works, the limitations, and the best actual solutions.

Method 2: Internal Audio Capture (Android 10+)

Best for: Screen recording with internal audio.

If you simply want to route all internal audio (games, music, notifications) to a recorder or stream, Google finally added native support in Android 10 via the MediaProjection API.

This is not a cable, but it functions like one. Apps like Screen Recorder or StreamLabs can capture the system’s output mix.

How to use it as a virtual cable:

1. Install an app that requests "Internal Audio Capture" (e.g., XRecorder or AZ Screen Recorder).
2. When prompted, grant the "Record audio" permission (this is the virtual cable handshake).
3. Instead of saving a video, some advanced apps (like Audio Share or Syncthing) allow you to route this captured audio to Bluetooth or a local server.

Pros: No root required. Works on any Android 10+ device. Cons: You cannot route only WhatsApp to headphones while routing only YouTube to a recorder. It captures the whole system mix or nothing.

The Core Problem: Security vs. Flexibility

On a PC, virtual cables install as drivers at the kernel level. Android’s Linux kernel is locked down tighter than a drum. Apps cannot see other apps’ audio streams directly due to per-app sandboxing. You cannot simply install an APK and suddenly see "Cable Input" in your volume mixer.

To achieve "virtual audio cable" functionality on Android, you have to bypass the native audio stack entirely.

Method 5: Network Audio Streaming (Wi-Fi Cable)

Best for: Sending Android audio to a PC or another Android device.

If you don't need the audio to stay on the same device, use the network as your virtual cable. Apps like SoundWire or AudioRelay (not to be confused with the earlier app) turn your Android into a streaming server.

How it works:

• Install "AudioRelay Server" on your Android.
• Install "AudioRelay Client" on your Windows PC or secondary Android.
• Both devices connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Android streams its internal audio to the client in real-time (less than 50ms latency).

This is effectively a wireless virtual audio cable. You can then use the PC’s virtual audio cable software to further route that stream.

Core Concept: What Does "Virtual Audio Cable" Mean on Android?

On Windows, a VAC allows you to:

• Route output from App A (e.g., Spotify) to the input of App B (e.g., OBS).
• Create a feedback loop for recording internal audio.

On Android, due to security and app sandboxing, one app cannot directly capture another app's output unless:

1. You use root access.
2. You use Android’s built-in Screen Capture or Internal Audio Capture APIs (Android 10+).
3. You use a virtual audio device driver (requires custom ROM or kernel).