Picture this: you've successfully connected your Bluetooth headphones or speaker to your computer, ready to enjoy some music or a video. But then, you realize there's no sound. It's incredibly frustrating when you see "Bluetooth connected but no sound" messages. You're not alone in facing this issue. Many people encounter the problem of "Bluetooth connecting but no sound," and it can disrupt your listening experience. But don't worry! In this blog, we'll walk you through five effective ways to fix this problem.
How to Fix Bluetooth Connected but No Sound?
1. Check Audio Output Settings
The first thing you should do when you notice "Bluetooth connected but no sound" is to check your audio output settings. It's possible that your computer isn't set to use the Bluetooth device as the audio output.
On Windows
- Click on the volume icon in the taskbar, usually located at the bottom-right corner of your screen. A list of available audio devices will pop up. Make sure your Bluetooth headphones or speaker is selected as the output device. If it isn't selected, click on it to make the selection.
- If you don't see your Bluetooth device in the list, right-click on the volume icon and select "Sounds." In the "Sounds" window, go to the "Playback" tab. Here, you'll see all the available audio output devices. Right-click on your Bluetooth device and select "Set as Default Device." Then click "Apply" and "OK."
On Mac
- Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."
- In the System Preferences window, click on "Sound."
- Go to the "Output" tab. You'll see a list of available audio output devices. Select your Bluetooth headphones or speaker. Check the volume slider to make sure it's not muted and is turned up to an audible level.
2. Disconnect and Reconnect Bluetooth Device
Sometimes, a simple disconnection and reconnection can fix the "Bluetooth connecting but no sound" issue. This can refresh the connection between your computer and the Bluetooth device.
On Windows
- Open the "Settings" app by clicking the Start button and then the gear-shaped icon.
- Select "Devices" and then click on "Bluetooth & other devices" on the left-hand side.
- Find your Bluetooth device in the list of connected devices. Click on it and select "Remove device." Confirm the removal.
- Now, put your Bluetooth device in pairing mode. Then, click "Add Bluetooth or other device" in the "Bluetooth & other devices" settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your device again.
On Mac
- Click on the Apple menu and select "System Preferences."
- Click on "Bluetooth."
- In the Bluetooth window, find your device in the list of connected devices. Click the "X" button next to it to remove the device.
- Put your Bluetooth device in pairing mode. Then, click "Connect" next to the device's name in the Bluetooth window to pair it again.
3. Update Bluetooth Drivers
Outdated or faulty Bluetooth drivers can often cause the "Bluetooth connected but no audio" problem. You can update the drivers manually or use a tool like PcGoGo Driver Sentry.
Manual Update
- On Windows, right-click on the Start button and select "Device Manager."
- In the Device Manager window, expand the "Bluetooth" category. Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter and select "Update driver."
- Choose the option "Search automatically for updated driver software." Windows will then search for and install the latest driver if available.
- On Mac, Apple usually updates the Bluetooth drivers automatically with system updates. Ensure that your Mac is operating on the most recent version of macOS. You can check for updates by clicking on the Apple menu and selecting "System Preferences," then "Software Update."
Automatic Update
If you want an easier way to update your Bluetooth drivers, PcGoGo Driver Sentry is a great choice. Here's how to use it:
- First, download and install PcGoGo Driver Sentry from the official PcGoGo website.
- Open the program and click the "Scan" button. PcGoGo Driver Sentry will quickly scan your system to identify any outdated or problematic drivers, including your Bluetooth driver.
- Once the scan is complete, click the "Update" button next to the Bluetooth driver. The software will then download and install the latest and most compatible version for you.
- Restart your computer after the update. This often resolves many driver-related issues, including the "Bluetooth connected but no sound" problem.
4. Check for Hardware Issues
If you've tried the above steps and still have the "Bluetooth connected but no sound" issue, there might be a hardware problem.
Check the Bluetooth Device
- Make sure your Bluetooth headphones or speaker has enough battery power. Charge it if necessary.
- Check if there are any physical damage or loose connections on the device. For example, if it's a pair of headphones, check the cables (if it has any) and the ear cups.
- Try connecting the Bluetooth device to another computer or mobile device. If it works on another device, the problem likely lies with your original computer. If it doesn't work on any device, the Bluetooth device itself might be faulty, and you may need to repair or replace it.
Check the Bluetooth Adapter
- For desktop computers with an external Bluetooth adapter, make sure it's properly plugged into a working USB port. Give it a try by disconnecting it from the current USB port and then plugging it into an alternative USB port.
- If your computer has a built-in Bluetooth adapter, there might be a problem with it. In some cases, you may need to take your computer to a professional technician for further inspection.
5. Run the Troubleshooter
Both Windows and Mac have built-in troubleshooters that can help identify and fix the "Bluetooth connected but no audio" issue.
On Windows
- Hit the Windows key, then enter "Troubleshoot." Open the "Troubleshoot settings."
- Scroll down and click on "Bluetooth." Then, click "Run the troubleshooter." Windows will scan your system for problems and attempt to fix them automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions if prompted.
On Mac
- While there isn't a specific "Bluetooth audio" troubleshooter like on Windows, you can try resetting the Bluetooth module. To do this, shut down your Mac. Then, press and hold the Shift + Option keys while clicking on the Bluetooth menu bar icon. Select "Debug" and then "Remove all devices." Restart your Mac and try reconnecting your Bluetooth device.
Conclusion
Dealing with the problem of "Bluetooth connected but no sound" can be a real headache, but with these five fixes, you should be able to get your audio working again. Whether it's adjusting your audio settings, reconnecting the device, updating drivers with the help of PcGoGo Driver Sentry, checking for hardware issues, or running the troubleshooter, there's a solution for you. If you've tried all these methods and still have issues, it might be time to seek further technical support. But for most cases, these steps will help you enjoy your Bluetooth-connected audio without any problems. So, give them a try and get back to listening to your favorite tunes and videos!
