Headphones not working? How to fix it
Test your audio, identify the problem, and fix common headphone issues step by step.
Click the speaker icon in the taskbar (bottom-right corner).
- Make sure the volume slider is not at zero
- Check that the speaker icon doesn't have an "X" (muted)
- Click the icon to open Volume Mixer for per-app volume
Tip: Some keyboards have volume/mute keys — check if mute is accidentally enabled.
Click the Sound icon in the menu bar, or go to System Settings → Sound.
- Check Output volume slider is not at minimum
- Make sure "Mute" checkbox is not selected
- Check individual app volumes in the app itself
Tip: Press F10 to mute/unmute, F11/F12 to adjust volume on most Mac keyboards.
Open Sound Settings or use pavucontrol.
- Check PulseAudio volume levels in pavucontrol
- Run
amixerto check ALSA levels - Verify the correct output is not muted
Switch output device:
- Click the speaker icon in taskbar
- Click the device name to see all outputs
- Select your headphones from the list
If device is missing:
- Right-click speaker icon → Open Sound settings
- Click "Device properties" under Output
- Make sure "Disable" is not checked
Go to System Settings → Sound → Output tab.
- Select your headphones from the device list
- If using Bluetooth, ensure they appear under "Output Device"
Tip: Option-click the Sound icon in menu bar for quick device switching.
Open Sound Settings or use pavucontrol.
- Go to "Output Devices" tab
- Set your headphones as the fallback device
- Check "Playback" tab to route specific apps to headphones
Quick fixes to try first:
- Turn Bluetooth off and on again on your device
- Turn headphones off and on again
- Move closer to your computer (within 3 feet / 1 meter)
- Remove interference sources (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, other Bluetooth devices)
Re-pair headphones:
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices
- Find your headphones, click "..." → Remove device
- Put headphones in pairing mode
- Click "Add device" → Bluetooth
- Select your headphones when they appear
Re-pair headphones:
- Go to System Settings → Bluetooth
- Find your headphones, click "X" to remove
- Put headphones in pairing mode
- They should appear in the list — click Connect
3.5mm audio jack:
- Push the plug in firmly — partial insertion causes crackling
- Headphone jack is usually green or has a headphone icon
- Try cleaning the port with compressed air
USB headphones:
- Try a different USB port
- Avoid USB hubs — connect directly to computer
- Check if the headset needs drivers installed
Combined headset plug (TRRS):
If your headset has a single plug for both audio and microphone, but your PC has separate jacks, you'll need a splitter adapter:
Open Device Manager:
- Right-click Start button → Device Manager
- Expand "Audio inputs and outputs" or "Sound, video and game controllers"
Look for issues:
- Yellow exclamation mark = driver issue. Right-click → Update driver
- Gray arrow = device disabled. Right-click → Enable device
If update doesn't work, try: Right-click → Uninstall device, then restart Windows.
macOS handles audio drivers automatically. Try these steps:
- Restart your Mac
- Check for macOS updates in System Settings → General → Software Update
Check audio system status:
# Check PulseAudio status pulseaudio --check pulseaudio -k && pulseaudio --start # List audio devices aplay -l # Reinstall ALSA/PulseAudio sudo apt install --reinstall alsa-base pulseaudio
Common signs of damage:
- Sound only works in one ear
- Crackling or static when moving the cable
- Sound cuts in and out intermittently
- Visible fraying or exposed wires near the plug
- Loose or wobbly plug connection
The "wiggle test"
While playing audio, gently wiggle the cable near the plug and near each earcup. If sound cuts out, you've found the damage location.
Cable damage near the plug is the most common failure point. For expensive headphones, consider getting the cable replaced professionally.
Run the troubleshooter:
- Right-click the speaker icon in taskbar
- Select "Troubleshoot sound problems"
- Follow the wizard to detect and fix issues automatically
Reset audio settings:
- Right-click speaker icon → Open Sound settings
- Scroll down to "Advanced sound options"
- Click "App volume and device preferences"
- Click "Reset" at the bottom
Reset Core Audio:
Open Terminal and run:
sudo killall coreaudiod
This restarts the audio system. It will re-initialize automatically.
Create a new user account:
If audio works in a new user account but not your main one, the issue is with your user preferences, not the system.
Still not working?
If none of these solutions helped, try testing your headphones on a different device (phone, tablet, another computer). If they don't work there either, the headphones themselves may be faulty.
You can also check out our headphones testing guide for more detailed diagnostics.