Headphones or headset not detected

Wired headphones (3.5 mm jack)

1. Push the plug all the way in. It should click.
2. Answer the pop-up. Some laptops ask what you've plugged in (headphones, headset or microphone). Choose the right one.
3. Choose the output: select the speaker icon on the taskbar and choose Headphones.
4. Check the plug type. Most laptops have one combined headset jack. Headsets with separate microphone and headphone plugs need a splitter adapter.
5. Clean the jack. Lint in the socket stops the plug seating. Use a short burst of compressed air.
6. Try the headphones on a phone to rule out the headphones.

USB headsets

• Plug straight into the laptop rather than a hub or dock.
• Choose the headset under both Output and Input in Settings > System > Sound.
• Select it in your call app's audio settings too.

Bluetooth headphones

• See Bluetooth device won't pair (article 54).
• Sound poor on a call? Bluetooth headsets switch to a lower-quality "hands-free" mode while the microphone is in use. For music, choose the Headphones output, not Headset.