Depending on the cause, the “Bluetooth is connected, but no sound” problem may be solved by closing and re-opening the audio playback app or unmuting the volume on your computer. In other cases, you may need to reconfigure the sound settings or set the Bluetooth device as the default playback device.
The issue is commonly caused by muted sound, improper audio playback settings configuration, or just outdated/corrupted audio drivers. Although the causes are similar for Windows 10, Mac, iPhone, and Android users, the solutions differ a bit for the various platforms.
Throughout this guide, you will learn the various causes of this problem. You will also learn the various methods you may use to fix the “Bluetooth is connected, but no sound” issue in Windows 10, Android, and iOS devices.
What Causes the Bluetooth no Media Sound Problem?
The Bluetooth is connected, but no sound issue is caused by the same things, regardless of the device you are using. The cause could be something as simple as low or muted volume on the Bluetooth device or more complicated like corrupted drivers.
Discussed below are some of the common causes of the issue in Windows, Android, and iOS devices:
Muted Sound
Muted sound is one of the common causes of the Bluetooth connection, but no sound in iPhones. If you are using an iPhone, check whether the Ring/Silent button is set to silent. If the button is in silent mode, your Bluetooth device will not be able to play sound, even when connected to the iPhone.
This could also be the cause of the Bluetooth speaker connected but no sound Windows 10 issue. In other cases, the volume could be turned too low to be audible on the Bluetooth device. In either case, you just need to unmute and turn the volume up to fix the issue.
Compatibility Issues
Though rare, you may be trying to connect a Bluetooth device that is not compatible with your computer or phone. Bluetooth is designed to be backward compatible. This means that devices that support the Bluetooth 5 standard are compatible with lower versions, such as Bluetooth 2.1.
However, the gadgets that use the low-energy version (commonly referred to as Bluetooth Smart) are not backward compatible. Such gadgets are not compatible with older Bluetooth versions. For instance, an old Sony Ericsson phone with support for Bluetooth 3.0 cannot pair with a Bluetooth Smart device.
Check to see whether your Bluetooth headphones or speaker is compatible with the device you are trying to pair it to.
Bluetooth Connectivity Range
A Bluetooth device needs to be within the allowable range for it to connect successfully, and be able to play sound. For most Bluetooth playback devices like headsets, and speakers, the device has to be within 10 feet from the connected computer or phone.
For the medium, and high-power Bluetooth devices, the range is usually longer say up to 30 feet. If you happen to exceed this range, the device will stop playing sound and eventually disconnect. Ensure that the Bluetooth device is within the allowable range.
Disabled Bluetooth Support Service
This issue is specific to Windows computers, especially Windows 10, and Windows 8.1. The Bluetooth Support Service makes it possible for the Windows operating system (OS) to discover, and pair with Bluetooth devices.
If the service is disabled on your computer, your previously connected Bluetooth speakers or headsets will stop working. Again, it will be impossible for the computer to detect new Bluetooth devices when you try to pair.
To fix this problem, you need to enable the Bluetooth support service, as elaborated later in this guide.
Improper Audio Playback Settings
Your Bluetooth device could be connected, but fail to play sounds simply because it is not selected as the default audio playback device. In such a case, the computer will use its speakers as the output, even when you have the Bluetooth headphones or speaker connected.
To fix the problem, you should select the Bluetooth device you are currently using as the default audio playback device.
Corrupted/ Outdated Audio Drivers
A driver is essentially a set of instructions used by the Windows OS to send and receive data between the hardware, and an application. Corrupted or outdated audio drivers on your computer could also cause a Bluetooth device to malfunction.
To resolve the Bluetooth connection but no sound problem, in this case, you need to update or reinstall the audio drivers.
Conflicting Connections
Your Bluetooth connection may also conflict with other signals around it, resulting in the Bluetooth no audio problem. To avoid connection conflicts, you should consider disconnecting the other Bluetooth-enabled devices or turn them off.
Note that other wireless devices that use the same frequency as your Bluetooth device, such as Wi-Fi, may also conflict with the Bluetooth connection. Microwave oven and wireless video cameras may also have a similar effect.
Improper Network Settings
Bluetooth is just one of the connections managed by the network settings on your device. On rare occasions, the Bluetooth is connected, but no sound problem could be caused by an issue with the network level.
To fix such an issue, you have to rebuild the network settings, and possibly restore the settings to factory defaults. This may be accomplished by resetting the Network Settings on your computer or phone.
How to Fix the Bluetooth Speaker Connected But no Sound Windows 10 Issue
Certain Bluetooth headphones feature a dedicated mute button. If yours have the button, check to see that it is not enabled. If enabled, toggling it Off may fix the Bluetooth is connected, but no audio problem. Secondly, check to see whether the Bluetooth headphones or speaker you are using is charged.
If the Bluetooth device is compatible with your computer, charged and not muted, but is still unable to play sound, then something else if the matter. Here are some of the most effective solutions for the Bluetooth is connected, but no sound problem in Windows 10, and Windows 8.1:
Method 1: Check the Audio Level of Bluetooth Device
First things first, your Bluetooth device may fail to play sound simply because the volume is turned down. To check whether this is the problem, right-click on the Sound icon on your System Tray and then select Sound from the context menu that appears.
Alternatively, you could press the Windows key, type sound on the search bar, and then click on Sound on the search results to open the Sound window. Next, navigate to the Playback tab on the Sound window. On the displayed list of alternatives, select the problematic Bluetooth device, and then select Properties to continue.
Now click on the Levels tab, and navigate to the audio output bar. Click on the bar and drag it to the far right. This will turn the output volume to the maximum. Once you are done, click OK to save the changes. You can now reboot the computer for the changes to the effect.
Method 2: Enable the Bluetooth Support Service
In Windows operating systems, Services are meant to start, configure, and stop the related operations that allow a process to run properly. If not configures correctly, the Bluetooth support service may lead to the Bluetooth is connected but no sound problem.
Check whether the Bluetooth support service is enabled, and configure it accordingly, as follows:
Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to launch a Run dialog box on your computer.
Step 2: Type services.msc into the Run box and press OK or press the Enter key on your keyboard.
Step 3: Look for the Bluetooth Support Service on the list of services displayed on your screen, and double-click on it to open its properties.
Step 4: On the Properties window, you need to change the startup type to Automatic, and then click on the Start button—situated just below the Service status.
Step 5: Finally, click on the Apply button, and then on the OK button to confirm the changes.
Once you are done, restart the computer and check whether your Bluetooth speaker is working.
Method 3: Change the Default Playback Device
If your Bluetooth headsets are not set as the default audio playback device, the computer will not use them for audio output. To change this, right-click on the Sound icon on your Taskbar, and select Sound from the context menu that pops up. Next, navigate to the Playback tab on the Sound window.
This operation should display a list of the audio output devices available on your computer. Select your Bluetooth device from this list, and click on the ‘Set Default’ button. Click on the Apply button, and the OK button to close the window.
Finally, you need to restart the computer for these changes to take effect. After the PC has restarted, check whether the Bluetooth is connected but no audio error has been resolved.
Method 4: Check Whether the Paired Bluetooth Device is Enabled
As simple as it may sound, the Bluetooth speaker could be paired but not enabled on your Windows 10 computer. To check whether your device is enabled, press the Windows + X keys at the same time, and then select Device Manager to open it.
Next, double-click on the ‘Bluetooth Radios’ category to expand it. This should display a list of wireless devices. The down arrow sign alongside a device indicates that the device is not enabled. If the problematic Bluetooth device has this sign, just right-click on it, and select Enable from the context menu.
Method 5: Check Whether the Bluetooth Device is Still Connected
When moved out of range, your Bluetooth headphones may disconnect, and fail to reconnect automatically afterward. To check whether this is the issue, press the Windows + I keys simultaneously and then select Devices.
From the right pane, select ‘Bluetooth & other devices’. Now select the problematic Bluetooth headphones. If the Disconnect button, the device is already connected. If you see the Connect button, the device is not connected.
In this case, you need to click on the Connect button to connect it.
Method 6: Remove and then Re-establish the Bluetooth Connection
If the Bluetooth speaker is available on the Bluetooth is connected list, and enabled, but still not playing Sound, you should consider re-establishing the connection. This can be done from the Action Center on your Windows 10 computer.
Here is how you should go about it:
Step 1: Open the Action Center Window
Press the Windows + A keys on your keyboard at the same time to open the Action Center window. Right-click on the Bluetooth icon in the window, and select ‘Go to Settings’.
Step 2: Remove the Bluetooth Device
Select the problematic Bluetooth device, and then click on the ‘Remove device’ button. If you get a pop-up window asking you to confirm this operation, select Yes. This should remove the Bluetooth device from the list of connected devices.
Step 3: Restart the Device and Bluetooth on your Computer
At this point, you need to toggle the Bluetooth button on your computer to the off position. Wait a few seconds and turn it back on. You should then restart the Bluetooth speaker or headsets before trying to pair them to the computer again.
Step 4: Re-establish the Bluetooth Connection
Now click on the ‘Add Bluetooth or other devices’ option and then select Bluetooth. Allow the computer some time to scan for available devices. Once the problematic device has been discovered, select it to start the pairing process.
Next, click on the Connect button, and let the computer establish the connection. Now check to see whether the Bluetooth is connected but no sound problem.
Method 7: Run the Sound Troubleshooter
The troubleshooter will help you detect any problems your computer may be having that is making leading to the Bluetooth no audio problem. To run this utility, right-click on the sound icon on your System Tray, and select ‘Troubleshoot sound problems’.
The troubleshooter utility will automatically start scanning for any sound problems. Just follow the on-screen prompts to apply any fix the system may suggest. Once you are done, restart the computer and check whether the problem has been resolved.
Method 8: Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter
If the Audio troubleshooter did find any problems, try the Bluetooth troubleshooter to discover, and fix the problem. To do this, press the Windows key on your keyboard and type ‘troubleshoot’ into the Cortana search box. Now select Troubleshoot to open a list of the Troubleshooters available on your Windows PC.
Next, you need to select the Bluetooth option and then click on the Run button. The troubleshooter will search for and display the possible fixes to any problems affecting your Bluetooth connection. Just follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process, before restarting the computer.
Method 9: Update the Bluetooth Drivers
If none of these methods have restored audio to your Bluetooth speakers, the Bluetooth drivers on the computer may be corrupted or outdated. In this case, you need to update the drivers to fix the issue.
The following steps will help you update the audio drivers on your Windows 10 computer:
Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard simultaneously to open a Run dialog box. Type devmgmt.msc into the dialog box and click on the OK button or press the Enter key.
Step 2: Select the ‘Bluetooth driver’ option from the window that pops up, and right-click on it. Next, select ‘Update driver’ from the context menu that appears.
Step 3: Select the ‘Search automatically for updated driver software’ option and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
Provided that the computer is connected to the internet, it will automatically search for the latest drivers and install them on your computer. Once the update is completed, you should reboot the PC and check whether the Bluetooth no audio problem has been resolved.
How to Fix the Bluetooth is connected But no Sound iPhone Issue
Whether you have paired the popular AirPods or any other brand of Bluetooth headsets to your iPhone, you may fail to get the desired audio output through the headsets. This may be caused by a number of things, ranging from the silent mode to corrupted software on your iPhone.
Here are a number of solutions you can use to fix the Bluetooth is connected but no audio issue on your iPhone:
Method 1: Adjust the Audio Balance
Certain changes on your iPhone settings may cause Bluetooth headsets not to play audio, even when you have maximized the volume of the iPhone. In most cases, the problem has to do with the limit. You also need to check the settings to see whether they allow for audio output through the AirPods.
To do this, navigate to Settings on your iPad or iPhone and select the General option. Next, select the Accessibility option, and then tap on the ‘Audio/Visual’. Ensure that the L and R balance value is set in the middle.
Once done, navigate back to the Settings on your iPad or iPhone, and select the Music option. Now drag the volume limit value to the maximum, and navigate back to the Settings menu. Check to see whether the audio has been restored to your Bluetooth speaker.
Method 2: Disable Automatic Ear Detection
Audio output on your iPad or iPhone is automatically routed to the AirPods whenever they are placed in your ears. While this is a convenient feature, it may malfunction at times, causing the Bluetooth is connected but no audio output issue.
Disabling the automatic ear detection feature may help resolve the problem. With the AirPods connected to the iPhone, navigate to the Bluetooth menu on your iPhone, and tap the info icon. You need to toggle the ‘Automatic Ear Detection’ button to the off position to disable the feature.
Method 3: Refresh the Bluetooth Connection
Leaving the Bluetooth on for an extended period may also result in connection problems. This is because Bluetooth is not meant to stay idle for a long period. If your Bluetooth headset is not playing the audio output, refreshing the connection may fix the problem.
Navigate to the settings menu on your iPad or iPhone and select the Bluetooth option. Next, toggle the Bluetooth button to the Off position to disable it. Keep it disabled for a few seconds, and then toggle it back on. You should then tap the name of your AirPods from the list of available devices, and reconnect it.
Method 4: Reset Network Settings
Bluetooth is just, but one of the several connections managed by the network settings on your iPhone. The slightest problem in the Network settings may prevent your device from playing audio through the connected Bluetooth headsets. To resolve such an issue, you only need to restore the network settings to their factory default.
From the Settings menu on your iPad or iPhone, select General, and then tap on ‘Reset’. Next, select the ‘Reset Network Settings’ option. Depending on the iOS version you are running, you may be asked to provide your passcode before you are allowed to reset the settings.
If prompted for a passcode, just provide it to continue. This operation will remove all your network profile settings, allowing you to set up new ones. Once done, pair your Bluetooth device as you did the first time and check whether the audio has been restored.
Method 5: Reset, Forget and Pair the Bluetooth Device Again
Corrupted profile settings are another cause of the Bluetooth is connected but no audio error in iPhones. In such a case, refreshing the Bluetooth connection may fail to fix the problem. In most cases, it occurs when a connection is disconnected unexpectedly.
By so doing, the Bluetooth connection profile may be altered. To fix the issue, you need to rebuild the profile once again. This is how you should go about it:
Step 1: From the Settings menu, tap Bluetooth, and then select the ( i ) icon, situated beside your AirPods name.
Step 2: Tap the ‘Forget this Device’ option, and then confirm the process when prompted to do so.
Step 3: Now you need to force restart the iPhone and allow it enough time to complete the start-up process.
Step 4: Place the earbuds back in their charging case, close the case lid, and allow them to sit for about 30 seconds.
Step 5: Open the charging case lid. Next, press and hold the Setup button on the charging case for about 15 seconds, until the LED indicator flashes amber.
Step 6: Now close the lid once again and wait for a few seconds before opening it to start the pairing process.
Step 7: Bring the charging case closer to your iPhone or iPad until a setup animation is displayed on the screen. Tap Connect and follow the on-screen prompts to connect the headsets to your device.
How to Fix the Bluetooth is connected But no Sound Mac Issue
Just like most Windows computers, Mac computers come with Bluetooth technology built-in. However, a considerable number of users have reported experiencing Bluetooth issues after upgrading to macOS Catalina.
If the Bluetooth speaker is not playing audio, despite being connected, the following solutions will help you fix the problem on Mac:
Method 1: Disable Ask Siri and Turn off Voice Control Feature
To turn the Siri feature off and disable voice feedback on your Mac, navigate to the System preferences. Next, select Siri, and then click on the ‘Enable Voice Control’ option to deselect the checkbox. Close the window and check to see if the sound has been restored to your Bluetooth device.
Method 2: Control the Number of Bluetooth Devices Connected to your Mac
Basically, you can only connect up to seven Bluetooth devices to your Mac at once. However, the maximum number of devices will also depend on the type of devices you are connecting to Mac. In most cases, you will only be able to connect three to four devices at a time.
Navigate to the Bluetooth menu on your Mac and disconnect the Bluetooth devices you are not currently using. This can help fix the Bluetooth is connected, but no audio problem on Mac.
Method 3: Reset Sounds Preferences on Mac
This option is only applicable to Mac computers running macOS Sierra or newer OS versions. You may upgrade your macOS from the System Preferences menu. From this menu, select Software Update, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the update process.
If upgrading the operating system did not resolve the problem, you can now reset the Sound Preferences settings on your Mac, as follows:
Step 1: Open the Sound Preferences Menu
From the menu bar on Mac, select Go, and then navigate to the ‘Go to Folder’ option. Now type ~/Library/Preferences to display a list of preference files on your Mac.
Step 2: Delete the Preference Files
Find the com.apple.preferences.plist and com.apple.soundpref.plist files on this list and delete them. Deleting the preference files from the library will force the system to create new ones afresh. By so doing, it will do away with any bugs that may have been present.
Step 3: Relaunch the Audio Process
If this does not fix the problem, you can try to relaunch the audio process as well. From your Applications folder, launch the Activity Monitor. Navigate to the CPU tab and locate the coreaudiod process.
Quit this process, and close the Activity monitor. This will reset the audio preferences, and relaunch the entire audio process on the Mac computer.
Method 4: Set the Default Audio Output Preferences
Check whether your Bluetooth device is set as the preferred audio output device on Mac. To do this, navigate to System Preferences > Sound. Open the Output tab on the sound window, and locate the problematic Bluetooth device from the list.
Double-click on the Bluetooth device on this list to activate it. Now check whether the Bluetooth is connected but no sound problem has been fixed.
Final Verdict
The causes of the Bluetooth no sound issue are more or less the same, regardless of the operating system you are running. The issue may be caused by improper audio playback settings, corrupted drivers, compatibility issues, or just something as simple as muted sound.
Regardless of the cause, this guide will help you fix the Bluetooth is connected but no sound problem in Windows, Mac, and iPhone devices.