Headphones are used by most people to have an exclusive feel to their music or other activities that have to do with audio output to guide against distracting other users. No matter how cheap or costly a headphone or earpieces maybe they both serve the same purpose which is listening to audio privately. They can be used across different devices such as smartphones, desktop computers, laptops, iPhones, etc. Let us know more detail about ‘Only One Side Of Headphones Work On Computer’.
Only One Side Of Headphones Work On Computer
It is not uncommon to experience one fault or the other on headphones. Some of the faults commonly experienced by users include the nonfunctioning of both or one of the earpiece outputs. What are the factors that lie behind these faults? It can be attributed to technical errors in the hardware or software components of the device used or a malfunction of any of the cords in the headphone. Sometimes fixing it might just be cleaning the port with a brush or changing the port.
How To Test For Malfunctioned Headphones On A Computer?
Whether you are using your headphones on a desktop or laptop computer they can still malfunction. The prompt that comes to mind whenever this is experienced can be attributed to faults from the headphone. What if the fault is from the computer?
If this problem occurs on only a piece of particular music it might be linked to the fact that the music was recorded using the mono settings, if this was the case it can only produce on one side. Check for other audio output first.
To ascertain if your headphone is truly faulty, unplug them from the computer and use them on another device. If you receive output on the ear that was not functioning on your device then the fault may be from the system.
You can also try other headphones on the system to detect if the same problem will occur or not.
Causes Of Headphone Malfunctioning On A Computer And How To Fix Them: Only One Side Of Headphones Work On Computer
After trying different headphones on the system to decipher where the cause of the fault is. Several tests can be carried out within the hardware, software, and headphone to determine the cause of the problem. Let’s look at each of the sections.
1. A Hardware Issues
Dirt in Aux Port
The auxiliary port of the system hardware might accumulate dirt which interferes with one of the ear pods from receiving output from the computer. An air duster or toothpick brush can be used to remove the accumulated dirt.
System compatibility
If another headphone works on your computer, it may be that your headphone is no longer compatible with your system. Change the headphone to the one that is compatible with the device to avoid future damage.
Wrong placement
Not fixing your headphones correctly to the jack port might lead to interference. Adjust the pin to different angles to detect the angle that will produce. Also, check between the stereo and memo headphones to detect the port that is supported by your computer.
Lose Jack
A sudden interruption in output may be attributed to the jack port not being firmly fixed to the board. A technician can fix this or you follow the simple steps below to resolve it.
- Open the casing of your CPU or laptop depending on the device.
- Identify the audio port on the circuit board to see if the audio port detects if there are any loose bolts or wires.
- Replace the cable where necessary. If the jack is attached to the circuit, a soldiering iron can be used to fix it properly.
2. Software Issues
If the problem persists after the hardware has been fixed, there’s a probability that the software is the cause of the issue.
Bluetooth Output Connection
First, check the Bluetooth connection to ensure that the headphone is not too far from it or that the Bluetooth driver is working well. This applies to headphones that transmit through Bluetooth connection.
Restart your device
This is applicable if the problem occurs after a recent update in your computer. There are chances that recent updates on your audio app can cause interference, restart the computer to fix it.
System Update
Check for system updates to be sure that you are using the latest update for your device.
Update your windows using the steps below:
- Go to window settings.
- On the window, select update and security.
- Click on window update.
- Uninstall the previous update to install a new one.
- Visit the Microsoft website to download and install the new version.
Update your Audio Card Drivers
Drivers enhance the transmission of data between the software and other components. If the audio drivers are outdated, one of the effects is the lack of output on one part of the headphone. Update your drivers using the simple steps below:
- Locate the device manager.
- On the dialog box that pops up. Click on Sound, video, and game controller.
A list of drivers update will pop up.
- Click on the driver’s card and select update driver.
- Click on download to update to the latest version.
Check the Audio Settings On Your Device
If the audio settings were not set to have the two ears produce sound. It might be a challenge as well. To check the audio settings do this:
- Locate the control panel on your system settings.
- Click on hardware and sound.
- Select the playback menu. Double-click on the sound output device icon.
- Click on the level in the dialog box to set the volume on both sides.
- Click on balance to ensure that both sides are receiving output at the same level.
- Select Ok to apply the changes.
Two sliders for the left and right sides of your headset will be shown. Check to see if any of the sides is muted.
If after fixing the hardware and software components of your system and one side of the headphone is still not working. The fault might be from the headphone.
3. Operating System Has an Issue
Failure to fix the issue after trying all the steps listed here shows that there is an issue with the operating system of your device. To diagnose and have the issue fixed, troubleshooting the audio and windows is the first option. Use the steps below to troubleshoot the operating system:
1) How To Run Windows Troubleshoot?
Right-click on the volume icon on the taskbar below your computer screen.
Click on “Troubleshoot Sound Problems”. It’s the last option on the window that pops up.
A list of audio outputs on your device will be displayed.
Select the device that you want to troubleshoot which is your headphone and click on the “Next” tab.
Allow it to run by searching for issues.
Once the process is complete, read the result to see what the problem is.
2) How To Troubleshoot Audio Setting?
Open the window settings by clicking on the “Start” button ( it is the Window logo at the left of your window tray)
Click on, “Update and Security”
Open the Troubleshoot option.
Select Playing Audio.
Click on troubleshoot and click on next follow the instructions till you get to the last option.
Once you are done with troubleshooting, restart your computer.
Connect your headphone to see if it will work.
4. Headphones Issues
Check the cable for wired headphones
To know if your cable is faulty. Plug the headphone into an audio port and begin to bend the wire at regular intervals, maybe 1mm apart to see where there will be a break in sound.
Pay attention to the output you will receive to detect where there is a disconnection. Once you spot any, use electrical tape to wrap the cable together, and ensure that the shorted wires are firmly placed together.
Check Your Headphones Jack
The jack of your headphone may malfunction if you are always leaving the headphone on the floor or in an environment that is not near.
The best option here is to replace the damaged jack. It is advisable to have a technician fix this for you as it will require electrical skills and other professional tools.
Conclusion
Now We’ve learnt about ‘Only One Side Of Headphones Work On Computer’, After reading this article, it is believed that you now understand how to track issues whenever you experience no output on one side of your headphone for both wireless and wired headphones. The first step is not to assume damage and abandon the headphone, a diagnostic of the issue will help to know what the problem is and possible solutions before you consider buying a new headphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I request a replacement for my headphone from the manufacturer?
This can only be possible if there is no physical damage to the headphone and your product is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty period.
- I have cleaned my aux port and also try all the steps listed above but I’m still experiencing the problem.
If after trying everything and the headphone is not working on your system consider a replacement.
- How can I protect my headphone from future damage?
- Keep it in a clean environment to avoid contacting dirt.
- Don’t remove the headphone from the port by dragging the wire.
