Spatial sound settings live in different places depending on what device you're using

Spatial sound — also called surround sound or 3D audio — creates the illusion that sound is coming from different directions around you. It's a feature, not something that happens automatically. You have to turn it on, and where you find the switch depends entirely on whether you're using a phone, tablet, computer, or streaming device.

The setting is usually buried a few menus deep, which is why many people own spatial sound capable devices without ever using them. Once you know where to look on your specific device, it takes about 30 seconds to enable.

Key Takeaways

  • Spatial sound settings are found in audio or sound preferences, not in a single universal location across all devices.
  • iPhones and iPads have spatial audio in Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual, while Android phones vary by manufacturer and may not offer it at all.
  • Windows computers have spatial audio in Settings > System > Sound, and Mac computers have it in System Settings > Sound.
  • Streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku, and Fire TV each have their own audio settings menu where spatial sound can be toggled on or off.
  • Not all apps and services support spatial sound — it works best with Apple Music, some Netflix content, and Disney+, but not with standard stereo music or older videos.

iPhone and iPad spatial audio location

On iPhones and iPads, spatial audio lives in the accessibility settings rather than the main sound menu. Open Settings, then tap Accessibility. Scroll down and tap Audio/Visual. You'll see an option called Spatial Audio — toggle it on.

Apple's spatial audio works best with AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, though it also works with some other headphones. The feature tracks your head movement and adjusts the sound accordingly, so it only functions when you're wearing compatible headphones. If you're using regular speakers or non-Apple headphones, the setting won't do anything.

Android phone spatial sound location

Android doesn't have a universal spatial sound setting because different manufacturers add their own audio features. Samsung phones call it Surround Sound or Spatial Audio and place it in Settings > Sounds and Vibration > Surround Sound. Google Pixel phones have Spatial Audio in Settings > Sound and Vibration. Other brands like OnePlus, Motorola, and others may not offer spatial sound at all, or may hide it under different names.

The easiest way to find it on your specific Android phone is to open Settings, search for "spatial" or "surround," and see what appears. If nothing shows up, your phone either doesn't support it or the manufacturer hasn't included the feature.

Windows computer spatial audio location

On Windows 10 and Windows 11, spatial audio settings are in Settings > System > Sound. Scroll down to the Advanced section and look for Spatial Audio. You'll see options like Windows Sonic for Headphones, Dolby Atmos for Headphones, or DTS:X. Select whichever one your headphones support — most modern gaming and premium headphones support at least one of these.

Windows spatial audio works with any headphones, not just a specific brand. The setting applies to everything you listen to on that computer, so once you enable it, movies, games, and music will all use spatial sound if the content supports it.

Mac computer spatial audio location

On Mac, open System Settings and click Sound in the sidebar. Look for a Spatial Audio option in the output device settings. If you have AirPods Pro or AirPods Max connected, you'll see Spatial Audio listed as an available option. Click it to turn it on.

Mac's spatial audio is less flexible than Windows — it primarily works with Apple's own headphones and requires you to have the right AirPods model. If you're using third-party headphones, the setting may not appear at all.

Streaming device spatial sound location

Spatial audio settings on streaming devices vary by platform. On Apple TV, go to Settings > Audio and Video > Audio Format and select Spatial Audio if available. On Roku devices, go to Settings > Audio > Spatial Audio. On Amazon Fire TV, go to Settings > Display and Sounds > Audio > Spatial Audio.

Not all streaming devices support spatial audio — older models may not have the feature at all. If you don't see a spatial audio option in your device's audio settings, the hardware doesn't support it. Even if your device supports it, the content you're watching has to support spatial audio too, which limits it to newer movies and shows.

What content actually uses spatial sound

Turning on spatial audio doesn't mean everything you watch or listen to will use it. The content itself has to be recorded or mixed for spatial sound. Apple Music has spatial audio versions of many songs. Netflix and Disney+ have spatial audio on select titles, usually marked in the description. Standard music streaming services like Spotify and YouTube Music don't offer spatial audio content yet.

If you enable spatial audio and then play regular stereo music or an older movie, you won't hear any difference. The setting is ready to use when compatible content comes along, but it won't change how standard audio sounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special headphones to use spatial audio?

It depends on your device. iPhones and iPads require AirPods Pro or AirPods Max for spatial audio to work. Windows computers and Android phones can use spatial audio with most modern headphones. Mac works primarily with Apple headphones. Check your device's documentation to see which headphones are compatible.

Will spatial audio drain my battery faster?

Spatial audio uses slightly more processing power, but the battery impact is minimal on modern devices. You won't notice a significant difference in battery life by turning it on or off. The head-tracking feature in AirPods Pro uses more power than basic spatial audio, but the difference is still small.

Can I use spatial audio with regular speakers?

Spatial audio is designed for headphones because it relies on sound coming directly into each ear. Regular speakers can't create the same effect. Some soundbars and home theater systems have their own surround sound features, but those are different from the spatial audio setting on your device.

Why doesn't my device have a spatial audio option?

Older devices may not have the hardware to support spatial audio. Phones and computers from before 2018 typically don't have it. Some manufacturers also choose not to include the feature. If your device is newer and still doesn't show a spatial audio setting, the manufacturer didn't include it in that model.

Does spatial audio work with all streaming services?

No. Apple Music, Netflix, Disney+, and some other services have spatial audio content, but Spotify, YouTube Music, and many others don't offer it yet. Even on services that support it, only newer content is mixed for spatial audio. Older movies and songs won't have spatial audio versions available.