Why is my Bluetooth headphone volume suddenly so low?
Check Your Device’s Volume Settings
One of the most common reasons for suddenly low Bluetooth headphone volume is that your device’s system volume has been turned down. Make sure the volume on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop is turned up to the maximum comfortable listening level. On Android, pull down the notification shade and drag the volume slider all the way to the top. On an iPhone or iPad, use the volume buttons on the side to increase system volume.
Additionally, check the volume levels in any apps you use to listen to audio, like Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Music. There may be a separate in-app volume control that got lowered accidentally. Turn these up to max as well.
Finally, check if your device has any battery saving modes enabled that restrict volume to conserve power. On Android, disable features like Battery Saver or Adaptive Battery. On iPhone, turn off Low Power Mode. This will prevent your device from limiting headphone volume.
Once you’ve verified your device’s system and app volumes are fully turned up, your Bluetooth headphones should play at their normal maximum volume. If they are still quiet, there likely is another underlying issue causing the problem.
Check Your Headphones’ Volume Controls
One common reason for suddenly low Bluetooth headphone volume is that the volume controls on the headphones themselves have been turned down. Make sure the physical volume up/down buttons or touch controls on your Bluetooth headphones are set to an audible level.
Most Bluetooth headphones will have built-in volume buttons or swipe gestures that let you control the audio output separately from your phone’s main volume. Check that these headphone volume controls are turned up to an adequate level.
Additionally, consult your headphones’ manual or manufacturer instructions for information on optimal volume settings. Some models may have app-based controls that allow you to customize volume limits and EQ presets.
Setting your headphones’ onboard controls to maximum volume can help troubleshoot if the issue stems from your device’s Bluetooth connection rather than the headphones themselves. Just take care not to damage your hearing by playing audio too loudly.
Update Your Headphone Firmware
Manufacturers release firmware updates to fix bugs and improve the performance of Bluetooth headphones. If your headphone volume is suddenly low, updating to the latest firmware may help resolve the issue.
To update your headphones’ firmware, first check with the manufacturer to see if any updates are available for your specific model. Many headphone manufacturers have companion apps that can automatically detect firmware updates and guide you through installing them.
For example, Audio-Technica has the Connect app to update firmware for their wireless headphones like the ATH-M50xBT2. You may need to connect your headphones to your phone or computer to run the update.
Follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer to successfully update your headphone firmware. This usually involves downloading the latest firmware to your device, connecting your headphones via Bluetooth or cable, and launching the update from the companion app. The process can take several minutes as the new firmware installs.
Once complete, check if your headphone volume returns to normal. Firmware updates can optimize the headphone drivers and audio components to restore maximum volume output via Bluetooth. If the issue persists after updating, you may need to troubleshoot other potential causes.
Adjust Your Phone’s Bluetooth Settings
One potential solution is to adjust the Bluetooth settings on your phone. Many phones allow you to control the media volume sent over Bluetooth separately from the regular volume. Try increasing the Media Volume in your phone’s Bluetooth settings, as this will direct more volume to your connected headphones.
On Android devices, go to Settings -> Connections -> Bluetooth and look for a Media Volume option. On iPhones, go to Settings -> Bluetooth and adjust the volume slider under each device. You may also want to disable the Absolute Volume setting in Bluetooth settings if your phone has this option, as it can limit volume.
Adjusting these Bluetooth-specific volume controls essentially sends a stronger audio signal to your headphones which may resolve volume issues. Refer to your phone’s user manual if you need help locating these settings. This simple tweak to the Bluetooth configuration can often restore normal volume levels on wireless headphones.
Source: How to Fix Bluetooth Volume Levels on Android
Make Sure Headphones Fit Snugly
One potential cause of suddenly lower volume in Bluetooth headphones is an improper fit. Most in-ear headphones come with interchangeable eartips in different sizes. Over time, your ear canal shape may change slightly, or the eartips may wear out and lose their snugness. This can create gaps where audio leaks out, effectively lowering the volume you hear.
Try swapping the eartips for a different size to get a better seal. Make sure to push the eartips all the way into your ear canal so they form a tight closure. You may need to try all of the eartip sizes included to find the ideal fit for your ears. Getting a proper seal and fit will prevent audio leakage and restore normal volume levels.
If your headphones didn’t come with multiple eartip sizes, you can purchase third party eartips to potentially achieve a better fit. There are many options designed specifically for common Bluetooth headphone models. Just make sure to get the right size for a secure and comfortable fit.
Check for Interference
One of the most common causes of suddenly low Bluetooth headphone volume is wireless signal interference from other devices. Bluetooth operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is also used by WiFi routers, cordless phones, microwaves, and other wireless electronics. When multiple devices are broadcasting wireless signals in the same environment, it can create interference and disrupt Bluetooth connections.
To check for interference, first turn off or unplug any other unnecessary wireless devices in your vicinity to eliminate competing signals. If your Bluetooth headphone volume returns to normal, you’ve likely isolated the interference source. You can also try moving to a different room or area to get away from the interference range of certain devices. Turning off Bluetooth on other connected devices like laptops, tablets, or spare smartphones can also help reduce congestion on the Bluetooth bandwidth so your headphones get a stronger, uninterrupted signal.
If your headphones connect via lower-bandwidth Bluetooth versions like 4.0 or older, upgrading to newer models with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher could improve connectivity and withstand interference better. You may also check your wireless router channel settings to choose a less crowded channel, or consider switching to a 5 GHz WiFi network instead of 2.4 GHz if possible. Proper antenna positioning and placement to avoid obstacles can also optimize your wireless signal environment for stable Bluetooth performance.
Source: https://www.thehouseofmarley.com/blog/why-are-my-headphones-so-quiet-7-easy-fixes/
Replace Your Headphones’ Battery
If your Bluetooth headphones are several years old, the rechargeable battery inside may be reaching the end of its lifespan and no longer able to hold a full charge. This can result in your headphones’ maximum volume decreasing even when fully charged. Over time, lithium-ion batteries like those in headphones naturally lose capacity and supply less power.
To restore your headphones to full volume, you may need to replace the internal battery. Check your headphone’s manual or support site for instructions on how to open up your device and properly replace the battery. In some cases, the battery is not designed to be user-replaceable. You may need to contact the manufacturer or take your headphones to an electronics repair shop for assistance. Replacing headphone batteries can require small screwdrivers, soldering tools, and getting the right replacement part for your specific model.
As an example, according to Avcomm Solutions [1], most Bluetooth headsets do not have user-replaceable batteries. So you may need professional help with the replacement. Be sure to research the process for your specific headphones.
Reset Your Headphones
One way to troubleshoot sudden low volume issues with Bluetooth headphones is to reset them back to factory default settings. A factory reset can often clear up glitches or software issues that are causing problems with volume output.
The exact steps to reset Bluetooth headphones vary depending on the specific make and model. It’s a good idea to check the user manual or online support site for your headphones to find the proper reset procedure. But in general, resetting wireless headphones involves pressing and holding a small reset button on the headphones for 5-10 seconds until an indicator light flashes, or going through a sequence of button presses.
For example, to reset JBL wireless earbuds like the LIVE series1, you would start with the buds powered off, then press and hold the button on both earbuds simultaneously for 10 seconds until the LED status indicator flashes red and white. On Bose SoundSport earbuds2, hold down the Bluetooth and volume + buttons together for 10 seconds while powered on.
After resetting your wireless headphones, pair them again with your mobile device’s Bluetooth settings to see if the volume problem is resolved.
Clean Your Headphones
Built up earwax and debris can clog the drivers inside your Bluetooth headphones, leading to reduced volume. Over time, dirt, dust, oil and wax from your ears can build up on the headphone’s speakers and block the sound.
To clean your headphones, first remove any removable ear tips or covers. Then use a soft brush, like a tiny toothbrush, to gently brush away any visible debris or wax buildup. Be very gentle and avoid pushing any earwax further into the drivers. You can dip the soft brush in some isopropyl alcohol to help break up and dissolve any wax or oil.
After brushing, use a clean cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe down the earbud speakers and any other accessible surfaces. Be sure no moisture gets inside any openings. Allow your headphones to fully dry before using again. Regularly cleaning your earbuds this way can help restore audio quality and volume.
You can find small headphone cleaning brushes and isopropyl alcohol at electronics stores or online retailers like Amazon.
Contact Manufacturer Support
If you have tried all of the troubleshooting tips above and your Bluetooth headphone volume is still low, it may be time to contact the manufacturer’s support team. There could potentially be an issue with your specific headphones that requires attention from the company.
First, check the warranty and support information that came with your Bluetooth headphones. Many headphones come with a 1-year limited warranty. If your headphones are still under warranty, the manufacturer will likely replace them if defective.
If the warranty is expired, contact the headphone company anyway and explain the issue. They may have suggestions specific to your model, or they could offer you a replacement at a discounted price. Providing the serial number and proof of purchase is generally required.
Before reaching out, gather relevant information to share:
– Headphone brand/model
– Serial and model numbers
– Purchase date
– Phone make/model
– Brief history of issues
Explain steps you’ve already tried like resetting and updating the headphones, adjusting Bluetooth settings, cleaning connectors, etc. This will save time and show you’ve made an effort to self-troubleshoot.
If the manufacturer determines the headphones are defective and need to be replaced under warranty, they will provide instructions for returning them and sending a replacement pair. This is often the best outcome when volume issues persist after troubleshooting.
For more help, refer to the manufacturer’s website or call their support line. Delicate electronics like Bluetooth headphones sometimes fail, but the maker should rectify issues if the product is under warranty.
[1] http://linustechtips.com