Why is my Bluetooth connected to voice but not music?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows devices to communicate over short distances. It was originally designed in 1994 by Ericsson as a wireless alternative to data cables. The name “Bluetooth” comes from a 10th century Scandinavian king, Harald Bluetooth, who united dissonant tribes, similar to how the technology unified communication protocols (https://www.bluetooth.com/learn-about-bluetooth/).
Bluetooth has become widely adopted for applications like wireless headsets, speakers, keyboards, and for transmitting data between mobile devices. One of the main uses of Bluetooth is streaming audio from a phone to wireless headphones or speakers. Beginning with the Bluetooth 4.0 specification, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) was introduced to provide an ultra low power version for IoT devices. The latest Bluetooth 5.0 specification has increased range and speed while improving functionality for streaming both voice and music (https://www.bluetooth.com/specifications/).
Possible Causes
One of the main reasons your Bluetooth may only be connected for voice and not music is compatibility or version issues between your devices. Bluetooth technology has gone through several iterations over the years, with newer versions introducing audio codecs that allow for higher quality streaming. If your headphones and phone or media device use different Bluetooth versions, they may not be able to establish a high quality audio connection for music playback. For example, older Bluetooth versions like 2.0 or 3.0 may only support lower quality SBC codec, while newer headphones with Bluetooth 5.0 or above can use advanced codecs like aptX or AAC for CD-like quality. This can result in voice coming through clearly for calls, while music playback is crackly or doesn’t work at all.
To fix this, try checking the Bluetooth versions on each device and updating to the latest firmware if available. Using devices with the same Bluetooth version will increase compatibility. You can also try manually selecting the audio codec in advanced Bluetooth settings if possible. As a last resort, wireless headphones or speakers with physical cables for audio can circumvent Bluetooth codec issues. Refer to your device manuals or contact tech support for further troubleshooting.
Audio Codecs
Bluetooth audio quality depends largely on the audio codec being used. Common Bluetooth audio codecs include SBC, AAC, aptX, and LDAC [1]. Each codec has its own characteristics:
SBC (Subband Coding) is the default and mandatory Bluetooth audio codec. All Bluetooth devices support SBC, but it offers basic audio quality. SBC compresses audio for transmission over Bluetooth, resulting in some loss of quality.
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) provides improved audio quality over SBC, with better dynamics and frequency response. Many smartphones support AAC, making it a popular choice. However, AAC is not officially part of the Bluetooth standard.
aptX also offers better quality than SBC, with lower latency and good audio dynamics. Qualcomm developed aptX specifically for Bluetooth audio. Many Android devices and Bluetooth headphones support aptX.
LDAC is an advanced codec developed by Sony that can transmit hi-res audio over Bluetooth. LDAC provides superior audio quality but requires more bandwidth. It’s supported on Sony headphones and some Android devices.
Software Issues
Software problems like outdated device drivers or buggy apps are a common cause of Bluetooth issues. If the drivers for your Bluetooth adapter are outdated, connectivity problems can occur. Device manufacturers will often release driver updates to fix bugs and improve Bluetooth performance. Make sure you have the latest drivers installed for your Bluetooth adapter. An outdated app or operating system can also cause Bluetooth glitches. Apps may have compatibility problems with certain Bluetooth versions or profiles. Updating apps and your phone’s OS can help resolve software conflicts. According to this forum discussion, some Toyota owners experienced Bluetooth problems like dropping connections which were fixed by an Entune software update from the dealer. Buggy apps running in the background can sometimes interfere with Bluetooth as well. Try closing unused apps when connecting your device.
Interference
Bluetooth devices can experience issues if there is interference from nearby devices using the same 2.4 GHz frequency band. This includes wireless devices like Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones, baby monitors, wireless speakers, microwaves, and more. The signals from these devices can potentially disrupt Bluetooth connections and cause problems like stuttering audio or connectivity issues.
To mitigate interference problems, try turning off or unplugging any nearby wireless devices that are not in use. Keeping Bluetooth devices within 5-10 feet of each other and as close to line-of-sight as possible also helps minimize disruption. Consider moving the Bluetooth device to a different room if needed. If the issues persist, check if the firmware for Bluetooth devices needs updating as newer software versions may have improved resistance to interference.
Bluetooth Profiles
Bluetooth profiles define the possible applications and specify procedures to allow devices to discover, connect, and communicate with each other seamlessly. There are two main Bluetooth profiles related to transmitting audio vs voice over Bluetooth: A2DP and HFP.
The Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) is used for streaming high-quality stereo music from one device to another over Bluetooth. It allows devices to transmit stereo audio like music tracks. A2DP ensures seamless audio playback without any delays or interruptions.[1]
The Hands-Free Profile (HFP) enables hands-free devices such as headsets and car kits to communicate with mobile phones over Bluetooth. It allows for hands-free voice calls including calling, call control, call handling and more. HFP is optimized for transmitting voice clearly during calls rather than high-fidelity audio. [2]
If your Bluetooth device can connect to voice but not music, it likely only supports the HFP rather than the A2DP profile required for streaming music. Check the supported profiles for both the transmitting and receiving device to ensure A2DP compatibility.
Connection Issues
Bluetooth connections rely on pairing between devices to allow communication. If the pairing process was incomplete or interrupted, it can prevent proper linking for audio transmission. Make sure Bluetooth is activated on both source and receiving devices, they are within close range during pairing, and the process completes without errors.
Bluetooth connections have a limited wireless range of up to 30 feet between paired devices without obstructions. If your phone and speaker are too far apart or separated by walls or other barriers, the signal can degrade and break audio connectivity while still maintaining the basic paired link. Try moving the devices closer together within the same room and with minimal obstacles between them.
Interference from other wireless signals can also interrupt Bluetooth connections, so avoid using them nearby other active devices like WiFi routers, USB 3.0 ports, wireless headphones, microwaves, or baby monitors. If you begin experiencing cutouts after introducing these into the environment, consider physically moving further away from the interference source.
Device Settings
Incorrect Bluetooth settings on the source and receiving devices can cause connection issues with voice but not music. On Windows 10 and 11, there is an option for “Allow Bluetooth devices to wake this computer” under Bluetooth advanced settings that needs to be enabled (Source). This allows Bluetooth devices to wake up a Windows PC from sleep or hibernation. If this setting is disabled, it could explain why a Bluetooth device connects for calls but not media playback.
On Mac OS, this setting was removed in Monterey leading to similar Bluetooth wake issues (Source). Checking for a related setting like “Allow this device to wake the computer” under the Bluetooth menu can help. If it’s missing or disabled, this could prevent music from auto-playing on wake even though calls work.
So double checking that Bluetooth wake settings are correctly enabled on both source and receiving devices is important to allow full media playback connectivity over Bluetooth.
Hardware Faults
One potential cause of Bluetooth connection issues is a damaged or faulty Bluetooth radio in your device. The Bluetooth radio is the hardware component that allows your device to send and receive Bluetooth signals. If the radio is damaged due to a hardware failure, drop, or other physical issue, it may disrupt the Bluetooth connection.
Signs of a faulty Bluetooth radio can include the Bluetooth connection dropping in and out, being unable to find or pair with other devices, or only partially working like in the case where it connects for calls but not media audio. The radio may become damaged from normal wear and tear over time, or if exposed to liquids, falls, or other trauma.
Testing the Bluetooth functionality in other operating environments like safe mode can help rule out software issues. Additionally, trying another Bluetooth device can determine if the problem lies with the primary device’s hardware. If the issues persist across devices and software resets, the Bluetooth radio itself likely needs repaired or replaced.
While software troubleshooting may resolve some connectivity problems, a completely nonfunctional or temporamental Bluetooth radio often requires professional hardware repair to replace the internal component. Otherwise, using a wireless headphones adapter or other workaround may be necessary if the hardware cannot be fixed. For more help diagnosing Bluetooth hardware issues, see this forum post.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few common reasons why your Bluetooth may be connected for voice but not music:
- Different Bluetooth profiles being used – A2DP for music, HFP for calls
- Codec compatibility issues between your devices
- Interference from other devices disrupting the Bluetooth signal
- Software issues like outdated drivers or OS bugs
- Incorrect device settings not allowing media audio over Bluetooth
- Hardware faults with the Bluetooth adapter or antenna
Some tips for troubleshooting include checking your device settings and toggling Bluetooth on and off, moving devices closer together with no obstructions, installing the latest updates and drivers, using a different music app, and forgetting then re-pairing your Bluetooth devices. If issues persist, you may need to consult device support documentation or consider replacing faulty hardware.