What is the difference between Stereo and Hands-Free mode?

Stereo (A2DP) gives full-quality music; Hands-Free is a low-quality two-way call mode. For listening, pick the stereo device.

How do I fix no sound on Bluetooth headphones?

Set them as the output device, choose the stereo profile, re-pair the headphones, and make sure they are charged and in range.

Bluetooth Headphones Connected but No Sound? Fix

Q: Why are my Bluetooth headphones connected but silent?

The output is usually still set to your speakers, or Windows picked the low-quality hands-free profile. Set the headphones as output and choose the stereo entry.

Quick answer: When Bluetooth headphones connect but play no sound, the output is usually still set to your speakers, or Windows picked the low-quality hands-free profile. Set them as output and choose the stereo (A2DP) device.

Confirm the route: open the headphone test after switching output.

Set them as the output device

Open Sound settings and pick the headphones under Output. Many show two entries — choose the Stereo one for music, not the Hands-Free one, which is for calls and sounds muffled and quiet.

Re-pair from scratch

Remove or forget the headphones in Bluetooth settings, then pair them again. A stale pairing often connects without routing audio.

Check profile, range and battery

Make sure they are charged and within a few metres, and update the Bluetooth driver or restart the Bluetooth service if they still will not play. If a wired set is not recognised instead, see headphones not detected.

Confirm the fix

Re-run the headphone test — you should now hear sound in both ears.