When you connect your Bluetooth headphone or speaker to your Windows computer, it may show the status as connected as “voice only” or “music only.” This is nothing a quick “disconnect and reconnect” troubleshooting method can’t usually solve.
However, if a quick reconnect doesn’t help, the problem may be due to a buggy audio driver, incorrect audio device configuration, and stopped audio services. Here we show you a few troubleshooting tips to help you resolve this problem on Windows and get your Bluetooth headset working again.
1. Run the Windows Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Windows 10 and 11 feature a built-in troubleshooter to find and fix common Bluetooth issues. It is an automated tool but works differently on Windows 10 and 11.
To run the Bluetooth troubleshooter:
Let the Get Help app try all available fixes until the issue is fixed.
2. Enable Bluetooth Services in Device Properties
Your headset or speaker offers distinct services which are enabled by default. However, if disabled, one or more Bluetooth functions can stop working for your audio device. To fix the issue, open the Bluetooth device properties using the Control Panel and review the services.
Here’s how to do that:
Close the Control Panel, and your Bluetooth audio device should start to work now. If not, perform a restart and check for any improvements.
3. Check and Enable the Windows Bluetooth Services
Windows OS uses multiple Bluetooth-related services that help it connect to other Bluetooth devices and transmit audio. This is in addition to the services enabled above.
If any of these services are stopped or incorrectly configured, your Bluetooth headphone or speaker can start malfunctioning. To fix the problem, check the status of all the essential Bluetooth-associated services and restart them if necessary.
You can check the status of services and restart them from the Services snap-in. To check and restart Bluetooth services:
If the issue persists,disable any audio enhancements on Windows. While intended to improve your listening experience, these enhancements can also cause audio issues. Turning off these enhancements can help you resolve the problem with your audio devices.
4. Check Your Bluetooth Device Driver for Issues
An outdated or buggy Bluetooth driver is a common cause of a malfunctioning Bluetooth device on Windows computers. Try to update the driver, perform a roll back or uninstall the driver to see if it resolves the issue.
5. Update the Bluetooth Driver Manually From the Manufacturer’s Website
While some driver updates may be available via Windows updates, you will likely receive the latest update from the device manufacturer’s website. In this instance, check your Bluetooth device manufacturer’s website to see if a new update is available.
To manually download and install the latest Bluetooth device driver update:
Similarly, the download page may also offer older versions of the driver. If you have the latest version installed, attempt to download an older version to perform a downgrade. Useful if the rollback driver option isn’t available in Device Manager.
Fixing the Bluetooth Headset or Speaker Showing a “Voice Only” Error
Incorrect Bluetooth service configuration is a common reason your Bluetooth device shows as connected as voice only. You can configure the device’s properties to enable these services. If the issue persists, check for driver issues by installing a new driver update or performing a driver rollback.
