7 Ways to Fix Headphones Plugged In but Not Working

Oct. 25, 2024 / Updated by Seraphina to Windows 10

fix-headphones-not-working-issue

When using headphones, encountering the issue of no sound despite them being plugged in is common and can be frustrating. This article provides several effective methods to help you resolve this problem.

Method 1: Check Headphone Connection

First, ensure that the headphone jack is fully inserted into the device. Sometimes, a loose connection can lead to no sound.

If there are multiple audio jacks, try plugging the headphones into different ones to see if that works.

Inspect the headphone cable for visible damage or wear; if found, consider replacing the headphones.

Method 2: Update Drivers

Outdated or corrupted audio drivers may cause headphones to produce no sound. It's recommended to update or reinstall drivers to restore normal audio output. Using Driver Talent can help automatically detect and update drivers, saving time and reducing the risk of downloading incorrect ones

Download Driver Talent

Click the download button to get the latest version of Driver Talent, then open the software and click "Scan".
After scanning, it will show any drivers that are not installed or need updating; find the audio driver in the list and click the "Download" button.

driver-update

Once updated, restarting your computer is advised to ensure the new drivers take effect.

Method 3: Set Default Audio Device

Right-click the volume icon in the bottom right corner of the taskbar and select "Sound Settings".

In the "Playback" tab, check the device list to ensure your plugged-in headphones are listed.

Right-click the headphone device, select "Set as Default Device", and then click "OK" to save changes.

set-default-audio-device

Method 4: Adjust Volume Settings

Make sure the computer's volume is not muted. You can find the volume icon on the taskbar; click it to check the volume slider.

check-the-volume-slider

Some applications (like media players or games) may control volume separately, so ensure these application volume settings are normal.

Method 5: Check Application Settings

Open the audio application you are using and check if the correct output device is selected in its settings.

Ensure the application is updated to the latest version, as older software may have compatibility issues.

Method 6: Run Audio Troubleshooter

Press "Win + I" to open Settings, then select "Update & Security".

In the left menu, select "Troubleshoot", then click "Additional Troubleshooters".

Find the "Playing Audio" option, click "Run Troubleshooter", and follow the prompts.

run-audio-troubleshooter

Method 7: Restart the Device

Sometimes a simple restart can resolve temporary audio issues. Shut down the computer or device, wait a few seconds, then restart.

When restarting, you can try unplugging the headphones first, restarting the device, and then plugging the headphones back in to see if it resolves the issue.