Headphones & earbuds

Earbuds show as connected but audio still plays from the phone's speaker

This usually means the earbuds are connected for one Bluetooth function (like calls) but not selected as the media/audio output, which is a common and simple settings mismatch. Manually selecting the earbuds as the audio output fixes most cases.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
5–15 minutes

Symptoms

  • Bluetooth settings show earbuds as 'connected'
  • Music or video audio still comes from the phone speaker
  • Switching apps sometimes fixes it, sometimes doesn't
  • Calls route to earbuds fine but media doesn't

Likely causes

  • CommonPhone's media audio output not manually set to the earbudsA Bluetooth connection can be active without media specifically being routed to it, especially on Android with multiple audio profiles.
  • CommonEarbuds connected for calls (HFP) but not media streaming (A2DP)Some connection states only activate one audio profile rather than both.
  • PossibleA specific app has its own separate audio output setting overriding the system defaultCertain apps, especially some video or game apps, manage audio output independently.
  • PossibleBluetooth cache issue on the phoneA glitchy Bluetooth stack can misreport or mishandle which profile is actively streaming.
  • Less commonEarbuds' Bluetooth firmware issue affecting profile switchingA firmware bug on the earbuds side can prevent proper profile negotiation.

What to do

  1. Open the phone's Bluetooth or sound settings and manually tap/select the earbuds specifically for media audio output.
  2. Check the individual app's own audio output settings if it has one, separate from system Bluetooth settings.
  3. Disconnect and reconnect the earbuds from the Bluetooth menu to refresh the connection profile.
  4. Restart the phone's Bluetooth (toggle off and on) to clear any stuck audio routing.
  5. Test with a different app to see if the issue is app-specific or system-wide.
  6. Forget the earbuds and re-pair them completely fresh if the issue persists across multiple apps.

When to call a pro

If media audio never routes to the earbuds despite a solid Bluetooth connection across multiple apps and a fresh pairing, contact the phone or earbud manufacturer's support for a compatibility check.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.