In this article, I will show you how to configure the microphone operation on Bluetooth headphones when they are connected to a computer or laptop with Windows 10. So that you can use the headphones as a Bluetooth headset for communication in different programs (Zoom, Viber, Skype, etc.) etc.), playing games, or using the microphone for other tasks. It is very convenient without wires.
Almost all wireless headphones have a built-in microphone. As some classic models, and popular today TWS (separate) headphones, sports models, etc. Even Bluetooth speakers usually have a microphone and can also be used on a computer or laptop. And if there are no problems with the microphone operation when connecting such headphones to mobile devices, then in the same Windows 10 the microphone may not work. It is not uncommon for it to be additionally enabled, configured and tested in different applications.
I tested the microphone on two headphones: JBL E45BT and AirPods 2 (as it turns out, the microphone on AirPods also works fine on Windows 10). And on a Sony wireless speaker. I checked it both on a laptop and on a computer with a USB Bluetooth adapter connected. On my laptop, initially, the microphone did not work at all. It was displayed in the settings, but it was not active, I was not heard through it. As it turned out later, it was disabled in the privacy settings. I'll tell you about this in more detail in the article, suddenly you have the same case.
Setting up and testing the microphone on wireless headphones
The first step is to connect your wireless headphones to your computer. Most likely, you have them already connected. If not, see the instructions: how to connect Bluetooth headphones to a computer or laptop on Windows 10. And a separate instruction for connecting AirPods.
Next, you need to check the status of the connected headphones. Next to them should be written "Connected voice, music" (there can only be "Connected voice"). This means that the headphones can be used as a Bluetooth headset.
Next, open the sound parameters and go to the "Sound Control Panel".
A window will open in which you need to go to the "Recording" tab. Our microphone (headphones) should be there and it should be turned on. Selected as default device (by right-clicking on it).
To check whether the microphone is working or not, you need to start talking, or knock on the headphones, and at this moment look at the scale on the right. She has to move.
The same check can be done in the settings of almost any application that uses a microphone. For example, on Skype.
The microphone that appeared after connecting wireless headphones is displayed in the system and works. During a conversation, the scale for determining the microphone volume level moves. AirPods 2 works fine as a Bluetooth headset in Windows 10.
An important point: when using the headphones as a Bluetooth headset, the sound from the headphones will not be very good. This is a feature of the Bluetooth audio transmission protocols. Either high quality stereo sound without using a microphone, or mono sound and a working microphone. You can read more in this article.
Next, we will consider possible problems and their solutions.
Why is the microphone not working on Bluetooth headphones?
In most cases, there are two problems:
- The microphone (Headset) is not displayed in the sound settings in Windows 10. Or, it is displayed but the device is disconnected ("Connection lost", "Disconnected").
- The device is in the sound settings, but the microphone does not work. The scale that shows the activity of the microphone does not move when speaking, the interlocutors do not hear you.
Only "Connected music" and "Headset" are disabled
It usually looks like this:
The status is "Disconnected" or "Connection terminated".
Solutions:
- Make sure headphones are connected to your computer. Disconnect them and reconnect. Better yet, delete them in the settings.
Then activate the connection mode on the headphones and reconnect them. At the beginning of the article, I left a link to detailed instructions. - If next to "Headset" the status is "Disabled" - try to enable it.
- If the status "Connection interrupted", then right-click on the device and select "Connect".
- Open the old, classic Control Panel. It can be found and run through a search. Go to Hardware and Sound - Devices and Printers. Our headphones should be there. Right-click on them and select Properties.
On the "Services" tab, check the boxes next to all services and click on the "Apply" button.
- You can also try to update / reinstall the Bluetooth adapter driver, and then reconnect the headphones.
Then activate the connection mode on the headphones and reconnect them. At the beginning of the article, I left a link to detailed instructions.
On the "Services" tab, check the boxes next to all services and click on the "Apply" button.
If there is a microphone, it is on, but it does not work (you cannot be heard)
This is the problem I had. Everything seems to be fine in the settings, but the microphone does not respond to sound. The scale does not move when checked. The reason may be that it is disabled in the privacy settings.
- Open Options and start typing "Mic ..." in the search. Select the Microphone Privacy Options section.
- Turn on the "Allow applications to access microphone" item.
- Make sure microphone access is enabled for this device.
- Below you can enable or disable the microphone for a specific application.
Just select the apps that can access the microphone. - Typically, applications and games use the microphone, which is set by default in Windows 10 settings. But not always. Therefore, if the microphone on the headphones does not work for you in a particular application, or in a game, then check the settings in the application itself. In the same Skype, Zuma, etc.
Just select the apps that can access the microphone.I hope you managed to get the microphone working on your wireless Bluetooth headphones. If the article did not help, you have a problem about which there is no information in the article, then ask your question in the comments. Just a small request: indicate the model of the headphones, which Windows system is installed on the computer, and attach a screenshot of the "Sound" window ("Recording" tab).
