If you’re trying to get into the ecosystem, Airpods are the way to go. But when it comes to Windows, though, the experience is quite different. When it pertains to using Airpods as a Bluetooth headset, Windows 11 has gone a long way. You no longer need to switch between the headset and stereo audio profiles to receive the optimum audio quality.
Compared to the macOS or iOS experience, it appears as a single device, but things are still a little fussy. Several factors impacting your PC are causing audio issues with Airpods on Windows 11.
Use the first fix to confirm that everything is adequately covered, then proceed with the remaining solutions one by one until the problem is resolved. As you may know, AirPods necessitate smart switching between A2DP and hands-free, which Windows 11 does not perform as well as its predecessor.
As a result, having everything set up according to your needs is critical, and we recommend that you do the following tests before proceeding.
Let’s get started.
15+ Fixes for Airpods Audio Issues
We have listed around several airpods audio fixes that one might have which are as follows:
1. Disable Telephony Service
We recommend that you check the audio quality currently set for Airpods. If you don’t mind using AirPods without the microphone, we propose you turn off the Telephony service.
- Now that you’ve linked your AirPods with your PC, connect them, and wear them for a bit to look connected in the ‘Settings.’
- Open the Start menu, search for ‘Control Panel,’ and choose it from the search results.
- In the top right corner of your screen, click the drop-down menu and select ‘Large icons.’
- Select ‘Devices and printers.‘
- Click and pick ‘Airpods’ from your devices, then hit Alt + Enter on your keyboard.
- Go to the ‘Services’ tab at the top of your screen and click.
- Uncheck the ‘Handsfree Telephony’ checkbox. To save the changes, click ‘OK.’
The audio should now automatically transition to Stereo audio, providing better audio quality when using AirPods.
See Also: Best iPhone 13 Cases with Card Holder (Mini, Pro, Pro Max)
2. Restart the Bluetooth Service
If you want the best audio quality with the mic turned on, we recommend restarting the Bluetooth service on your PC and reconnecting your Airpods to restore everything to normal. The quality will be inferior to Mac, but it’s the best you can get right now on Windows. However, it requires a shove, and restarting the BT service should suffice now and then.
- Press ‘Windows + type ‘services.msc’, and press Enter.
- Now find the following services, right-click on them, and select ‘Restart’ for each one.
When you have an ongoing session and most likely have Airpods linked to your PC, the user Bluetooth User Support Service NNNNN will appear. Don’t worry if it doesn’t appear; restart the other two services.
- Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service
- Bluetooth Support Service
- Bluetooth User Support Service_NNNNN
Reconnect your Airpods to your PC after it has been restarted. Everything should now function properly.
3. Turn off Enhanced Audio
When using the headset profile, Airpods employ a single channel profile, which appears to result in poor audio quality on Windows 11, allowing only one bud to be active at any given time.
While stereo audio may be present while viewing content for the first time, connecting to a video or audio call will quickly reveal very different things. Airpods will use the right one by default and default to single-channel audio. You will be given the option to select which earbud you want to use, although this option may not work very well depending on the app.
- On your right, press ‘Windows + I’ and select ‘Sound.’
- Select ‘Headphones’ from the drop-down menu.
- At the bottom, turn on the ‘Enhance audio toggle’. Try playing an audio file to see if you can obtain high-resolution audio on Windows 11.
If it doesn’t work, turn the toggle off and try again. Toggles this switch to restart background services that deal with Airpods audio upgrades, which should help you resolve audio issues.
If you’re still having problems, use the last troubleshooting step below before repairing your Airpods.
We recommend that you leave whatever music is in the background and return to the previous page of the Settings app. Now, Toggle ‘on’ the Mono audio. On your end, the sound quality should now be lower; we recommend that you disable this setting once more. This should restore your Airpods’ stereo connection, allowing you to listen to high-resolution audio on your device.
4. Reset Airpods
This is inconvenient because you will have to repair your Airpods with each device you own; nonetheless, this is a known fix for most audio and connection issues on Windows. Resetting your Airpods will enable you to start over, and pairing them with Windows first should ensure that everything works as it should.
Placing your Airpods in the case and leaving it alone for a few minutes is a simple way to reset them. Return to your Airpods, open the lid, and then press and hold the Setup button on the rear for around 15 seconds. The light should then flash Amber and then white. Close the lid, go into pairing mode, and try to link them. Close the lid, go into pairing mode, and connect them as a new device to your Windows 11 PC. If it all goes well, your device should have audio and a working connection.
You can now use the instructions above to set up your Airpods properly.
5. Adjust your Balance & Reconnect
- Connect your Airpods to your PC and launch the Settings app by pressing Windows + i. Now, on your right, click on ‘Sound.’
- Select ‘Headphones,’ and ‘Airpods’ should appear beneath them. Now play something in the background and use the sliders to modify your balance for both buds as desired.
- Next, on the left, click on ‘Bluetooth and devices.’
- Select ‘Disconnect’ from the ‘3-dot’ menu above Airpods. At this point, restart your computer for good measure.
- Insert your AirPods into the case, close it, and set it aside for a few minutes. After a few minutes, open the case and press and hold the setup button until your Airpods are in pairing mode. Return to your PC’s ‘Bluetooth and devices’ settings and click ‘Connect’ beneath Airpods at the top.
Your Airpods will be balanced and connected to your PC if everything goes smoothly. If you’re still having trouble with your balance, we recommend resetting your Airpods using the instructions in this article.
6. Airpods and Video Conferencing services on Windows
This is rather sensitive and depends on the version of your Bluetooth driver and if you’re using Windows 11 or Windows 10. If you have Windows 10, Airpods will appear as two separate devices, one labeled ‘Airpods hands-free’ and the other ‘Airpods stereo.’
If you have the most recent PC that is compatible with Windows 11 and is running the same, Airpods will most likely appear as a single device with smart switching already enabled. However, if you have an older Bluetooth adapter or older Bluetooth drivers, it will appear as two devices on your system.
If you have two devices, pick ‘Airpods hands-free calling’ when trying to use Airpods in video conferencing apps. If you have one, you must re-enable the Telephony service if it was previously disabled. As a result, to have reasonable audio quality on your system, you’ll need to increase your Mic levels. First, we tried Google Meet, where the Airpods appeared as three different devices for audio and video. Choosing either option had no effect.
After that, we tried Microsoft Teams, and the results were also unsatisfactory. When you speak or listen, teams do a remarkable job switching between stereo and mono audio on their own, unless it doesn’t happen very often. It’s preferable to have a single bud that functions flawlessly rather than two buds that only operate occasionally. We believe this is a relatively new feature, and Microsoft is working to improve it over time.
See Also: How to View Saved Passwords in Chrome (Android & IOS)
7. Use 3rd party EQ
To Increase the gain on your Airpods, noise compressors, apply filters, and more with third-party EQs to get the Audio sounding right. Depending on your demands, this may require some effort and experiment on your part, but the ultimate result is well worth it.
We prefer Equalizer APO because it is free and offers a wide range of tools and filters.
8. Use Your OEM App
This isn’t a solution but rather a workaround if you’re having problems with audio quality, volume, or other concerns. We recommend that you utilize any third-party audio enhancements tool to fine-tune your audio output for Airpods on Windows if you have one. As previously mentioned, bandwidth and software limitations on Windows hinder you from getting the optimum audio quality from AirPods.
This can be avoided by fine-tuning your EQ, employing compressors, and, in rare situations, boosting the gain. This should be possible with your manufacturer’s OEM audio app, especially if you’re using a pre-built system or a laptop. For example, some Asus laptops come with Sonic Studio, which allows you to fine-tune your audio experience with various upgrades.
If your PC does not have specialized software, you can utilize Equalizer APO instead, which can be downloaded from the URL below.
9. Install Broadcomm BT drivers (if you have their hardware)
Broadcomm Bluetooth adapters were extremely common a few years ago, and if you have an older PC, this is most likely the cause of your audio problems when using Airpods. You will need to utilize a particular driver provided by Lenovo for their devices a few years ago to resolve this issue. Because this package includes .inf files for most Broadcomm devices, you can use it on any PC.
We recommend downloading the most recent Bluetooth drivers from your OEM’s support site if these drivers do not work for you. This usually solves the problem for users who are having issues with the Broadcomm drivers provided above.
10. Test Audio via Control panel
This is another diagnostic that can help you figure out if there are any difficulties with your Airpods’ connection producing audio problems. If you can’t hear the Test audio correctly, we recommend using the procedure below to test your Airpods and then repair them. We’ll also attempt basic troubleshooting, such as restarting Windows services in the background that could create audio issues with Airpods.
To get started, follow the instructions below.
Note: Before following the steps below, make sure your Airpods are connected and in your ears.
- Open the Start menu, type Control Panel into the search box, and select it from the results list.
- Select ‘Large icons’ from the drop-down menu in the top right corner of your screen.
- Select the ‘Sound’ option.
- Select ‘Headphones’ and then ‘Properties’ from the drop-down menu at the bottom.
- Click on the ‘Advanced’ tab at the top to go to it. Now select ‘Test’ from the drop-down menu.
Note: When testing audio with Airpods, the Settings app seems to crash, so we’re using the Control Panel instead.
If you hear a chime in both earbuds, your Airpods function correctly. You may be experiencing audio troubles due to your PC’s current audio drivers or a third-party application. If this is the case, we recommend troubleshooting your PC at this time.
If you’re having problems with Bluetooth on other devices, we consider restarting your Bluetooth adapter. Suppose you experience audio issues during the Test. In that case, we recommend that you first attempt the troubleshooting options listed below, and if none of them works, you should repair your Airpods with Windows 11 to resolve the problem.
11. Check for BT Driver Updates
Bluetooth attacks are relatively frequent these days, and Apple regularly publishes multiple firmware upgrades for all of its products. This means that your Airpods’ current firmware may be incompatible with your earlier Bluetooth driver version, resulting in a driver and firmware conflict.
To get the latest drivers for Bluetooth adapters, check for any driver updates or your OEM’s support website. Optional driver updates in Windows 11. can also be found by navigating to Settings and opening Windows Update. In there, go to Advanced settings and Optional updates, then Driver updates.
12. Check for Audio Driver Updates
We now recommend checking for Audio driver upgrades, particularly if your system has a third-party sound card or integration. Regular audio updates ensure that your adapters are compatible with the most up-to-date equipment. If you haven’t updated your drivers in a while, this is most certainly the cause of your system’s audio problems.
We recommend that you check your OEM support site for updates as well as Windows Upgrades for any Audio driver updates. If any are discovered, we recommend that you install them as soon as possible and restart your computer.
13. Reconnect Airpods
As you may have observed, Airpods now connect to Windows 11 automatically once the case is opened; however, this is only true until you connect Airpods to another device. Even if you open the case and wish to connect manually, Airpods will no longer communicate with your Windows 11 device once attached.
The solution is to put your Airpods in pairing mode first, then go to the Settings app and tap ‘Connect.’ With the lid open, press and hold the Setup button on the back of your Airpods until you see a flashing white light. This indicates that you’ve entered pairing mode, and you may now press the ‘Connect’ button on your PC.
See Also: What Does ‘Let That Sink In’ Mean and How to Use it?
14. Remove & Pair it Again
If you are still facing Audio issues, we suggest you re-pair Airpods to Windows 11. below is the guide that will help you to get started.
- Launch the Start menu, search for ‘Control Panel and launch the same from your search results.
- Click on the drop-down menu in the top right corner and select ‘Large icons.
- Now click on ‘Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on ‘Airpods’ and select ‘Remove device’. Confirm your choice by clicking on ‘Yes’.
- Be patient till the device is removed. Once all is done, hit Windows + X on your keyboard and select ‘Device Manager’.
- Now click on ‘View’ and the top and select ‘Show hidden devices’.
- Double-click on Bluetooth in the list and look for any entries related to Airpods. Right-click on it and select ‘Uninstall device’ if you find any.
- Click on ‘Uninstall’ again to confirm your choice.
Repeat the steps if you have any other entries related to Airpods in the Device manager, specifically under Bluetooth. Airpods will now be removed from your device. You can now reconnect them with Windows as you usually do so disable the Telephony service to get higher res audio on your device. Everything should work as intended after a repair.
15. Test Airpods with Another device
These checks will help us guarantee that every device we use functions correctly and does not have a hardware or driver problem. If that’s the case, you’ll need to resolve it first before using Airpods with your PC. On the other hand, if everything is operating as it should, you can fix your problem using one of the two techniques listed below.
- Use Bluetooth to connect another audio output device to your PC: This will test your audio and Bluetooth drivers. You’re OK to go if another speaker or headset can connect and transmit audio as expected.
- Connect Airpods to a different Android or Windows PC to see if the audio issues are limited to your PC or affect all BT non-Apple Airpods connections.
- Pair AirPods with an Apple device: This will allow us to test the Airpods’ default capabilities in their natural setting. Your AirPods are probably fine if you’re getting good audio and everything is operating well.
If you fail any of these tests, you may be dealing with a hardware problem on the relevant device. If your AirPods have poor audio quality when connected to a macOS or iOS device, they’re probably defective, and you’ll need to take them to a repair shop to get everything fixed. If you pass all of these tests, however, if you pass all these checks, we recommend that you apply the solutions listed below to resolve your problem.
16. Reconfirue Airpods on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, then Pair it again to Windows
This is a known workaround, and adjusting the Airpods’ configuration and how each gesture and tap is interpreted appears to resolve audio and connection issues with Windows.
Before editing the conversation, you must first pair your Airpods with an iOS or macOS device. We advocate switching gestures, especially for functions like volume control and Hey Siri that aren’t supported.
These commands can be complicated, and Windows may not know how to handle them, which could be the source of your audio problems. Instead of reconnecting your Airpods once you’ve modified them, we strongly advise you to repair them to Windows 11.
A new connection will not only carry over your current settings and customizations but will also enable you to create a new connection with your PC.
To remove all instances of Airpods being paired to your PC, follow the instructions at the top of this page. After that, restart your computer and set up your Airpods as if they were brand new. After that, you may follow our detailed guide at this link to personalize your experience.
17. Reset PC (known fix, but the last resort!)
If your audio problems haven’t been resolved by this time, you’ll need to restart your computer. Although it may seem unnecessary, a Reset has been known to work for many Airpods users in the past. This issue is most likely caused by newer BT driver upgrades, which cause older adapters to be unable to keep up with current requirements and newer devices.
Another issue appears to be OEM bugs that occur due to providing Bluetooth driver upgrades over time. In any case, a Reset or Refresh of your PC will aid in the reinstallation of all previously compatible drivers supplied by your OEM, resolving any issues. A reset will also remove driver conflicts and conflicting drivers, which should help your PC fix the problem. To reset your Windows 11 computer, follow our step-by-step guide.
Conclusions
We hope you were able to use the guide above to get audio working with Airpods on Windows 11. Please leave further details in the comments area below if you’re still having problems.
