Bluetooth Audio in One Ear on Windows 11? Try These Fixes

Common causes

• Low battery in the headphones or earbuds
• A mono or low-quality audio format in Windows
• LE Audio earbuds or speakers paired with only one side connected
• A PC or device update that added LE Audio support
• Outdated firmware on the Bluetooth audio device
• Wear, loose wires or other damage to the audio device

Step-by-Step Solutions

Work through these steps in order and play some audio after each one to check whether both sides work.

1. 1

   Step 1: Charge your headphones or earbuds

   Some headsets and earbuds turn off one speaker when their battery is low.

   Low battery can cause sound to play in only one channel. Some Bluetooth headsets or earbuds may disable one speaker or reduce functionality when power is low.

   To check the battery level, select Start, then Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, and find your device in the list. If your device supports it, the battery percentage appears below its name.

   Charge the device, then reconnect it and check the sound again.

   Good to know

   Not all devices report battery status to Windows. If you don’t see a percentage, check the indicator on the device itself.

2. 2

   Step 2: Look over the headphones

   Physical wear or damage can affect audio output on one side.

   Inspect your headphones or speakers for signs of wear, loose wires or damage that could affect audio output.

3. 3

   Step 3: Check the left and right balance

   Make sure Windows isn’t sending less sound to one side.

   Select Start, then Settings, then System, then Sound. Under the Output section, select your Bluetooth audio device.

   Go to Output settings and select Volume. Make sure the Left and Right channels are set to the same level, typically 100.

4. 4

   Step 4: Turn off Mono audio

   Mono audio combines stereo sound into a single channel.

   Mono audio converts stereo sound into a single channel so you can hear everything even with one headphone. To turn it off, select Start, then Settings, then System, then Sound, and in the Output section turn off the Mono audio toggle.

   Good to know

   Windows 11 also has a system-wide mono audio toggle in Settings, Accessibility, Audio. If stereo audio is what you want, make sure that toggle is off too.

5. 5

   Step 5: Set a stereo audio format

   Windows may be using a mono or low-quality format that disables stereo output.

   Select Start, then Settings, then System, then Sound. Under the Output section, select your Bluetooth audio device.

   In Output settings, go to Format and choose 2 channels, 16bit, 48000Hz (DVD Quality) from the dropdown.

6. 6

   Step 6: Remove and re-pair the device

   Pairing again gives Windows a chance to connect both earbuds or speakers.

   Select Start, then Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, then Devices. Scroll to the Audio section, find your earbuds or speakers, select Disconnect, then select Remove Device.

   If you use earbuds, place both earbuds in their charging cradle. Put the earbuds or speakers into pairing mode as the manufacturer’s instructions describe. Usually there’s a button on the device or charging cradle that you press or hold.

   Select Add device, then Bluetooth. When your earbuds or speakers appear in the list, select them to begin connecting. When you’re asked to connect the second earbud or speaker, select the option to connect it.

   Good to know

   LE Audio earbuds and speakers can end up not properly paired, especially if only one side connects during pairing. It can also happen after an update to your PC or audio device that adds LE Audio support.

7. 7

   Step 7: Test with another Bluetooth headset

   A second headset or speaker shows whether the problem is the device or the PC.

   To rule out a hardware failure, connect a second Bluetooth headset or speaker and play audio.

   If stereo sound works on the second device, your original headset may be faulty. If the problem happens with other devices too, it’s likely a configuration or driver issue on the PC side.

8. 8

   Step 8: Update the device’s firmware

   Outdated firmware on a Bluetooth audio device can cause stereo problems.

   Visit the official website of your Bluetooth audio device or adapter manufacturer. Look for a Support, Downloads, or Drivers & Firmware section and search for your product model.

   Download and install any available firmware updates, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Afterward, restart both the Bluetooth device and your PC, then reconnect the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related guides

• Sound & AudioWindows 11 No Sound? Try These FixesCheck the output device, volume and cables, run the audio troubleshooter, turn off audio enhancements, then update, reinstall or roll back your audio driver.
• Bluetooth & DevicesWindows 11 Bluetooth Not Working? Try These FixesTurn on Bluetooth, run the troubleshooter, check and re-pair your device, update Windows and the Bluetooth driver, and know when to contact your PC maker.