Tidal Connect Guide: How to Stream Hi-Res Music on ANY Device

Part 1. What is Tidal Connect?

Tidal Connect is a proprietary streaming protocol that elevates the native Tidal app into a remote control for connected devices. Unlike Bluetooth or AirPlay, which compress and transmit audio from your phone, Tidal Connect bypasses your mobile device entirely. It sends playback instructions to compatible hardware, which then streams lossless, Hi-Res audio directly from Tidal's servers. This ensures the music remains in its original, uncompressed state - including Hi-Fi (FLAC) and MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) formats - delivering the highest possible fidelity.

Benefits of Tidal Connect

This technology provides a seamless and high-fidelity listening experience with several key advantages:

• Lossless Audio Streaming: Tidal Connect is the only way to stream Tidal's lossless Hi-Fi and Hi-Res audio directly to your device without any quality loss.
• Seamless Control: Your phone acts as a remote, so notifications or calls won't interrupt the music, and your device's battery isn't drained by constantly streaming audio.
• Cloud-Based Streaming: By pulling the music directly from the cloud, it ensures a more stable connection and better overall performance.
• Unparalleled Versatility: The feature supports not only CD-quality casting but also Hi-Res (MQA) tracks and Dolby Atmos Music to compatible devices.
• Simplicity and Convenience: It offers a user-friendly solution for high-fidelity streaming without the need for expensive third-party software like Roon.

Compatible Tidal Connect Devices

Tidal Connect is available on both Tidal's mobile and desktop apps and is supported by a growing list of hardware partners. These include audiophile-grade speakers, amplifiers, home theater receivers, and multi-room audio systems.

Initial partners included brands like Bluesound, Cambridge Audio, KEF, iFi Audio, NAD, Marantz MODEL M1, Stereo 70s, and Naim Audio. Tidal is continuously adding new brands to this list.

To check if your specific device is compatible, you can refer to the official list of Tidal Connect supported devices on the Tidal website.

Part 2. How to Use and Link Tidal Connect on Any Device

Here's a consolidated and streamlined guide on how to use Tidal Connect, including the official method for supported devices and a workaround for unsupported ones. Make sure you have an active Tidal Premium subscription before getting started.

Using Tidal Connect on Supported Devices (Official Method)

For devices officially compatible with Tidal Connect, the process is quick and seamless.

Step 1. First, ensure both your playback device (e.g., a speaker or receiver) and your phone, tablet or computer are connected to the same WiFi network.

Step 2. Open the Tidal app and begin playing a track.

Step 3. Tap the Tidal Connect icon (it looks like a small speaker) on the Now Playing screen. A list of nearby compatible devices will appear.

Step 4. Select your desired device from the list. The music stream will instantly transfer to that device, which will then handle all playback directly from Tidal's servers.

Your phone now acts as a simple remote, allowing you to change tracks, control volume, and manage your queue without draining your battery or interrupting the music with notifications.

Note: TIDAL is also compatible with some smart assistants, like Alexa, that enable voice controls. You can find this option in the Settings section of your Smart Devices app and link your Tidal account to a selected smart device to enable voice control. It's worth mentioning that, when it comes to Tidal Connect sound quality, it supports streaming innovative MQA and spatial Tidal Dolby Atmos on your device.

Playing Tidal Music on Non-Supported Devices (Workaround)

If your device, such as an older stereo, car system, or portable music player, doesn't support Tidal Connect, you can use a workaround to get your music playing.

A highly effective solution is to use a third-party tool like AudFree Tidal Music Downloader. This software allows you to download Tidal tracks and playlists to your computer in high-quality formats, such as FLAC, WAV, and MP3. This bypasses the need for official support and provides universal access to your music library for offline playback.

This powerful software can preserve 100% lossless music quality with all ID3 tags information kept, such as artists, titles, albums arts, genre, etc. Most importantly, it allows you to keep the Tidal downloads forever even though you cancel Tidal subscriptions. Besides, it helps you play Tidal audio on multiple devices without Tidal subscriptions. Besides, it can even run at 37X speed to download Tidal music once started.

See also: Tidal HiFi vs Tidal MQA

Note: AudFree Tidal Music Downloader offers a free version for both Windows and Mac users to try before committing to a purchase.

Here's a simple breakdown of how to Download Tidal MQA Music via AudFree Tidable:

Step 1. Launch AudFree Tidal Music Downloader and add Tidal songs. Locate Tidal MQA tracks you wish to download. Then tap the '+ ♫' button on the AudFree software. Hit the 'Add to list' button to load.

Step 2. Set output format Tidal MQA songs. Go to the 'Preferences' to select your desired output format, such as FLAC or MP3. You can also customize parameters like bitrate (e.g., 320kbps) and sample rate (e.g., 192 kHz) to ensure the best possible quality.

Step 3. Download Tidal music losslessly. Press the 'Convert' button in the Converting window. The software will download the music at a high speed, preserving 100% of the original lossless quality and all metadata.

Once converted, these files are saved locally, giving you universal access to your music library for offline playback on any device. You can transfer them to a USB drive, an SD card, an MP3 player, or any other device, effectively bypassing the need for Tidal Connect.

Part 3. Comparison of Tidal Connect vs Spotify Connect and Other Protocols

Tidal Connect is just one of many wireless streaming protocols available today, and it's important to understand how it stacks up against its competitors. While they all aim to deliver music wirelessly, they differ significantly in terms of sound quality, functionality, and device compatibility.

Tidal Connect vs Spotify Connect

Sound Quality: Tidal Connect has a distinct advantage here. It supports the streaming of lossless and high-resolution formats, including Hi-Fi (FLAC) and MQA, which can reach up to 9216 kbps. Spotify Connect, in contrast, is currently limited to a maximum of 320 kbps. For audiophiles who prioritize sound fidelity, Tidal Connect is the superior choice.

Compatibility: Spotify Connect has been on the market longer and is integrated into a far wider range of devices, from smart speakers and car systems to game consoles. While Tidal Connect's list of partners is growing, Spotify remains the more widely compatible option.

Tidal Connect vs AirPlay

Streaming Method: This is a key difference. Tidal Connect streams music directly from the cloud to the playback device, using your phone as a remote. AirPlay, on the other hand, mirrors audio from your Apple device. This process can lead to a reduction in audio quality and places a constant burden on your device's battery and processing power.

Audio Quality: While AirPlay is a convenient solution for Apple users, the audio is re-encoded and can be compressed, preventing you from enjoying the full resolution of your Tidal Hi-Fi or MQA tracks. Tidal Connect ensures the audio file is transmitted to the end device without any loss in quality.

Tidal Connect vs Chromecast

Streaming Method: Similar to Tidal Connect, Chromecast also streams directly from the cloud. However, it is a universal protocol used by many apps, not just Tidal.

Audio Quality: While Chromecast supports high-resolution audio, it is not optimized specifically for Tidal's unique formats like MQA. Tidal Connect is a native, app-specific solution that is engineered to deliver the highest possible quality from the Tidal platform.

Tidal Connect vs Roon

Functionality: Roon is a highly advanced music management software that offers a comprehensive solution for managing large music libraries, rich metadata, and multi-room audio. It's a full-fledged ecosystem for serious music collectors.

Simplicity: Tidal Connect is a much simpler, more streamlined solution. It's built directly into the Tidal app, making it easy to use without the need for additional software, a dedicated server, or a separate subscription.

See also: TIDAL 360 Reality Audio music Reviews

See also: Best Way to Use Roon with Tidal Online/Offline

In short, Tidal Connect is the ideal choice for listeners who prioritize audiophile-level streaming quality and a seamless, app-native experience. While other protocols may offer wider device support or more advanced features, Tidal Connect is unmatched when it comes to delivering high-fidelity sound.

Part 4. Troubleshooting: How to Fix Tidal Connect Not Working

If Tidal Connect is not working properly, the problem is often related to an unstable network connection, outdated software, or other technical glitches. Before you contact Tidal support, you can try the following common troubleshooting steps to fix the issue.

1. Check Compatibility of Tidal Connect

First, please confirm that your device is on the official list of supported devices for Tidal Connect. If your device is not compatible, then the problem is not a technical glitch but a device limitation. In this case, the best solution is to use a third-party tool.

2. Basic Troubleshooting Steps

If your device is compatible, please try the following methods:

✔ Sign Out and Sign in Again: Signing out of your Tidal account and then signing back in can help refresh the connection and solve some minor problems.

✔ Restart Your Devices: A simple reboot can fix many temporary glitches. Try restarting both the Tidal app and your streaming device (e.g., your speaker or receiver).

✔ Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure that both your device (phone, tablet, computer) and your playback device are connected to the same, stable Wi-Fi network. A weak or unstable signal is the most common reason for playback issues.

✔ Restart and Reinstall the App and Devices: Make sure your Tidal app and device firmware are updated to the latest version. If the problem persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Tidal app, which can often clear corrupted cache files.

✔ Contact Tidal Support: If none of the above steps work, you can contact Tidal support for a further assistance. They may be able to provide you with additional troubleshooting steps or help you resolve the issue.

3. The Ultimate Solution

If all the above steps fail to solve the problem, or if your device simply doesn't support Tidal Connect, the most reliable solution is to use a third-party tool like AudFree Tidal Music Downloader. This software allows you to download Tidal tracks and playlists to your computer and save them in high-quality formats such as FLAC or MP3. This method provides a permanent solution, allowing you to have the music files locally and play them on any device, completely bypassing the need for Tidal Connect.

Part 5. FAQs About Tidal Connect

Q1: What is the Difference Between Tidal Connect and Bluetooth?

A: Tidal Connect streams music directly from Tidal's servers to a compatible device, ensuring a lossless or hi-res playback. In contrast, Bluetooth compresses the audio, which reduces sound quality, and relies on your phone's battery and processing power to transmit the signal.

Q2: Why is Tidal Connect Not Working on My Device?

A: This issue is often caused by outdated firmware, Wi-Fi connectivity problems, or a device's lack of compatibility. The first steps to fix it are to ensure both your app and your device's software are up to date, and that you have a stable network connection. If the device is unsupported, a converter like AudFree Tidal Music Downloader can provide a solution.

Q3: Does Tidal Connect Work with Free Accounts?

A: No, Tidal Connect is a premium feature that requires a paid subscription to be used.

Q4: Can I Use Tidal Connect Without Wifi?

A: No, a Wi-Fi or stable internet connection is required. The feature is designed to stream music directly from Tidal's servers to your device, which is not possible without an internet connection.

Q5: Can I Use Tidal Connect on Non-Supported Devices?

A: Not directly. However, using a third-party tool like AudFree Tidal Music Converter allows you to download Tidal tracks and transfer them for offline playback on virtually any device.

In Summary

Tidal Connect is a game-changing feature for music lovers who prioritize high-fidelity audio streaming. It bridges the gap between convenience and sound quality, outperforming Bluetooth with its lossless playback and offering a more seamless experience than AirPlay or Chromecast. While its availability is limited to a growing list of compatible devices, workarounds like AudFree Tidal Music Converter ensure that you can still enjoy your Tidal music collection on any device online or offline.

See also: How to Download Music from Tidal

Ultimately, whether you are streaming to high-end speakers, a car stereo, or a portable MP3 player, Tidal Connect and the right tools allow you to unlock the full potential of your music library, free from compression and interruptions.