In this guide, we’ll walk you through several solutions to troubleshoot and fix Bluetooth headphone sound issues in Ubuntu 20.04.
To fix Bluetooth headphone sound issues in Ubuntu 20.04, you can try resetting the PulseAudio configuration, using the Pulse Audio Volume Control utility, reinstalling PulseAudio and the Bluetooth modules, replacing PulseAudio with Pipewire, or switching between outputs.
Introduction
Ubuntu 20.04, like any other operating system, is not without its share of bugs and issues. One such problem that users often encounter is the lack of sound from Bluetooth headphones. This could be due to various reasons, including bugs in the PulseAudio sound server, incorrect audio settings, or issues with the Bluetooth module.
Solution 1: Resetting PulseAudio Configuration
The first solution involves resetting the PulseAudio configuration. This is a common fix for many users experiencing sound issues in Ubuntu 20.04.
Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T and run the following commands:
mv ~/.config/pulse/ ~/.config/pulse.old
systemctl --user restart pulseaudioThe mv command moves your current PulseAudio configuration to a backup directory, effectively resetting it to its default state. The systemctl command then restarts the PulseAudio service.
Solution 2: Using Pulse Audio Volume Control
If the first solution doesn’t work, you can try using the Pulse Audio Volume Control utility. This tool allows you to manage various sound settings, including selecting the desired output channel for your Bluetooth headphones.
Install the utility by running the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt-get install pavucontrolAfter installation, open the Pulse Audio Volume Control utility and select your Bluetooth headphones as the output device in the Playback tab.
Solution 3: Reinstalling PulseAudio and Bluetooth Modules
Another potential solution is to reinstall PulseAudio and the Bluetooth module. This can help if there are issues with the current installation of these components.
Run the following command in the terminal to reinstall these components:
sudo apt install --reinstall pulseaudio pulseaudio-module-bluetoothAfter reinstalling, reconnect your Bluetooth headphones and check if the sound is working.
Solution 4: Replacing PulseAudio with Pipewire
Pipewire is a new audio handling project that aims to replace both PulseAudio and JACK. It provides a PulseAudio-compatible server implementation and ABI-compatible libraries for JACK clients.
If you’re still experiencing issues, you can consider replacing PulseAudio with Pipewire. Follow the installation steps mentioned in this guide.
Solution 5: Switching Between Outputs
If none of the previous solutions work, you can try switching between outputs. This is a workaround suggested by users on the Ubuntu forums.
For a detailed explanation on how to do this, refer to this post.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve covered several solutions to fix Bluetooth headphone sound issues in Ubuntu 20.04. Remember to try these solutions one by one and test if the sound starts working after each step. With a bit of patience, you should be able to resolve your sound issues and enjoy a seamless audio experience on your Ubuntu system.
To check if your Bluetooth headphones are connected to Ubuntu 20.04, go to the Bluetooth settings by clicking on the Bluetooth icon in the top-right corner of the screen. If your headphones are connected, they should be listed under the "Devices" section.
If your Bluetooth headphones are connected but there is no sound, try the solutions mentioned in this guide. Start with Solution 1, which involves resetting the PulseAudio configuration. If that doesn’t work, proceed to the other solutions, such as using the Pulse Audio Volume Control utility or reinstalling PulseAudio and the Bluetooth modules.
Yes, these solutions should work for other versions of Ubuntu as well. However, the steps or commands mentioned may vary slightly depending on the specific version. It’s always a good idea to double-check the commands or consult the official documentation for your specific Ubuntu version.
Replacing PulseAudio with Pipewire may affect certain audio applications that rely specifically on PulseAudio. However, Pipewire aims to provide PulseAudio compatibility, so most applications should work without any issues. It’s recommended to research and test compatibility with your specific applications before making the switch.
If none of the solutions mentioned in this guide work, you can try searching for specific issues related to your Bluetooth headphones model or consult the Ubuntu community forums for further assistance. It’s also a good idea to ensure that your Bluetooth headphones are fully charged and functioning properly on other devices.
