Why is my volume control not working on my Bluetooth?

Check That Volume is Unmuted

One of the most common reasons for Bluetooth volume issues is that the volume is accidentally muted or turned down on the device or in a media app. Go through the volume settings on both the Bluetooth device and paired device to ensure nothing is muted or set too low:

• On the Bluetooth device (speaker, headphones, etc), check the physical volume buttons or dial to ensure volume is turned up.
• Check the volume level in the device’s media/music app that you are using with the Bluetooth device.
• On the paired smartphone, tablet, or computer, go through the volume mixer and ensure the Bluetooth device volume is turned up and not muted. On Windows, check the speaker properties. On Android, check the media volume. On iPhone, check the volume in Control Center when connected.
• Try raising the volume to maximum on both devices to rule out a simple volume limit issue.

Often the issue is as simple as accidentally reducing volume or muting on one device. Run through the various volume controls to verify nothing is limiting volume. (https://www.makeuseof.com/bluetooth-speaker-volume-contro-not-working-windows-11/)

Ensure Devices are Paired

Before Bluetooth devices can stream audio between each other, they must first be paired to establish a trusted connection. The pairing process exchanges identifying information between the two devices and creates a link between them. Once paired, the devices will automatically connect for audio transmission when in proximity without needing to repeat the pairing process.

Try checking that your problematic Bluetooth speaker or headphones show up under the list of paired devices on your source device like a phone or computer. If not, initiate the pairing process following the manufacturer’s instructions to get the two devices connected. Bluetooth pairing often involves putting the receiving device in discoverable mode and selecting it from the list of available devices shown on the source device. Consult your device manuals for specific steps.

According to Sony, Bluetooth pairing is only required the first time you connect a new device. Once paired, devices will remember each other and automatically reconnect when in range. So if your devices were previously paired but have stopped connecting, the issue may lie elsewhere. Still, repairing the devices can help troubleshoot and rule out any pairing problems.

Check Bluetooth Codecs Supported

The audio quality of Bluetooth depends on the Bluetooth version and audio codec used. Older Bluetooth versions like Bluetooth 2.0 use the basic SBC codec which provides lower audio quality. Newer versions like Bluetooth 5.0 support advanced codecs like AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC which offer improved audio quality.

AAC provides better audio quality than SBC and is supported on most modern devices including iPhones and Android phones. aptX also offers better quality and lower latency than SBC and is commonly supported on Android devices. aptX HD and LDAC offer even higher quality audio but require hardware support on both transmitting and receiving devices.

To get the best Bluetooth audio quality, both devices need to support the same advanced codec like AAC or aptX. If your devices only use basic SBC, the audio quality may suffer. Try pairing different devices or upgrading to devices that support higher quality codecs if the audio is lacking over Bluetooth.

Update Bluetooth Drivers

Outdated Bluetooth drivers can cause a variety of connectivity issues, including problems with volume control not working properly. To update your Bluetooth drivers on Windows:

1. Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it.

2. Expand the “Bluetooth” section.

3. Right click on your Bluetooth adapter and select “Update driver.”

4. Select “Search automatically for updated driver software” to let Windows find and install the latest driver.¹

5. Restart your computer after the update completes.

This will ensure your Bluetooth drivers are up-to-date and should resolve any driver-related issues with volume control.

Reset Bluetooth Connections

One potential fix is to reset the Bluetooth connections on your devices. This clears out any faulty pairing information that could be causing issues.

On Windows 10, you can go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth and select each paired device. Choose “Forget” to clear the pairing. You can then try repairing the devices again from scratch [1].

On Android, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth. Tap the settings icon next to each paired device and select “Forget”. Then try pairing again. You can also reset network settings which will clear Bluetooth pairings [2].

On iOS, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the “i” icon next to each device. Choose “Forget This Device”. Then re-pair. You can also reset network settings to clear pairings.

Forgetting devices and repairing forces the Bluetooth connection to be re-established from scratch, which can resolve software issues that cause volume and connectivity problems.

Check for Interference

Other wireless signals like WiFi can interfere with Bluetooth connectivity. This is because Bluetooth and WiFi both operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, so their signals can clash with each other. There are a few things you can try to resolve interference between Bluetooth and WiFi:

• Keep your Bluetooth device closer to the source it’s connected to and further away from the WiFi router. The shorter the distance, the stronger the Bluetooth signal.
• If possible, connect devices to the 5 GHz WiFi band instead of 2.4 GHz, as 5 GHz does not overlap with Bluetooth’s frequency.
• Update your WiFi router firmware and WiFi drivers to the latest version. This can improve the router’s ability to handle interference.
• Change the wireless channel your WiFi is using in your router settings to avoid the specific frequency your Bluetooth operates on.
• Turn off WiFi when using Bluetooth, or enable Airplane Mode then re-enable just Bluetooth.

If the above tips don’t resolve the interference, consider getting a Bluetooth adapter that’s external and can be positioned further from WiFi sources. Some Bluetooth technologies like Bluetooth 5.0 are also more resistant to interference. As a last resort, replace old Bluetooth devices with newer models that use updated Bluetooth versions and robust interference mitigation techniques.

Replace Bluetooth Adapter

A faulty Bluetooth adapter could be the reason why volume control is not working on your Bluetooth device. If software fixes for resetting Bluetooth connections, updating drivers, and removing interference do not resolve the issue, you may need to replace the Bluetooth adapter. According to this Quora answer, some symptoms indicating your Bluetooth adapter may need to be replaced include:

• The adapter disappearing from Device Manager
• Unknown devices showing up in Other Devices in Device Manager
• Persistent connection issues even after trying resets and updates

Before replacing your adapter, be sure to check with the laptop or computer manufacturer on compatibility. You will want an adapter that works seamlessly with your hardware and supports the Bluetooth profiles needed for audio connectivity. Look for signs of positive user reviews and OS support for the new adapter as well. Replacing a Bluetooth adapter can often resolve volume and other audio issues over Bluetooth. If software fixes aren’t working, this hardware swap may do the trick.

Factory Reset Devices

Factory resetting Bluetooth devices can resolve software bugs and issues by restoring the device back to its original software settings. According to one source, to factory reset Bluetooth headsets, turn both headsets off and press and hold both left and right headset together for about 20 seconds. This should cause the headsets to reset back to their original factory settings and can potentially resolve issues with the volume control not working properly.

Factory resetting is a drastic troubleshooting step that erases all personal data and custom settings, so it should only be performed after trying less invasive solutions. However, it can eliminate problematic software, driver, or settings conflicts on Bluetooth devices. By wiping the device and reinstalling the software fresh, factory resetting aims to restore full functionality.

Update Device Software

Keeping your Bluetooth device’s software up-to-date is important to prevent bugs that can cause connectivity issues like volume control not working properly. Software updates include bug fixes, security patches, and new features that improve stability and performance.

According to Whizkids, software updates “Patch Up Security Flaws” and “Protect Your Data.” Out-of-date software is more vulnerable to security threats that could allow hackers to access your device. Updates help keep your personal data safe.

Upgrading to the latest software version also ensures compatibility with other applications and devices you may connect via Bluetooth. As mentioned in the Tech Target article, updates provide “Better Compatibility with Applications” so everything works smoothly together.

By installing the most recent software release from the device manufacturer, you reduce the likelihood of bugs disrupting Bluetooth connections and features like volume control.

Contact Manufacturer Support

If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing Bluetooth volume issues, it may be time to contact the manufacturer for further support. Many companies offer technical support resources on their websites or over the phone to assist with resolving device issues.

For Windows devices, visit Microsoft’s Bluetooth troubleshooting page and see if contacting their support team can help identify and fix elusive software problems affecting Bluetooth.

For Android phones, check your device manufacturer’s website for a Bluetooth troubleshooting guide, FAQ page, or contact information to speak with a representative. Companies like Samsung, for example, have extensive Bluetooth support resources like walkthroughs and videos for resolving pairing issues.

For iPhone and iPad users, visit Apple’s Bluetooth support page for troubleshooting. If that doesn’t resolve it, you can contact Apple support to troubleshoot your specific device’s Bluetooth problems.

Providing detailed information to the manufacturer’s tech support about your troubleshooting steps already attempted can help them pinpoint potential causes. With their device expertise, they may identify software bugs, compatibility issues, or other problems that standard user troubleshooting cannot resolve.