Bluetooth headphones stopped working in calls.

Hi Mr. Jiminy Cricket,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

Based on the original description, we understand that your device is experiencing Bluetooth device-related issues.

Generally, the implementation of a Bluetooth device's functionality depends on different profiles, which are reflected in the system as different “Bluetooth services”.

Due to the standards of the Bluetooth protocol, Bluetooth audio devices typically cannot use all profile types at the same time.

For example, the Hands-Free profile cannot be used simultaneously with Advanced Audio Distribution. The former is typically used in call scenarios and the latter is typically used in audio playback scenarios.

The bandwidth of Bluetooth hardware is limited, and so are the signals that Bluetooth devices can process at the same time, and the codecs that can be used at the same time.

When the Hands-Free profile is enabled, the Bluetooth device mainly handles call-related data streams, and correspondingly, the quality of the audio will decrease.

We're not quite sure if the reference to “Discord” is highly correlated with the functional status changes you're experiencing with your Bluetooth device.

Just for Discord, the application does offer an option that may affect the volume of other applications.

The option may be located in “Voice & Video” and is called “ATTENUATION”.

If I misunderstand your situation, feel free to correct me and share the information.

Best Regards,

Kyo.Y - MSFT | Microsoft Community Technical Support

Correct me if I am wrong, but from my understanding, it seems that you are saying that I cannot use Hands-Free and Stereo as input and output at the same time. If this is correct, then would that mean previously, when everything was working fine, I was using Hands-Free as both input and output, but the quality of the output audio would be higher? If this is true, is there a way to increase the output quality? To be specific, the output sounds glitchy, and has a buzzing noise.

Previously, my bluetooth headphones (Soundcore Space Ones) have always worked fine in calls. Now, when I'm in calls, I'm forced to use Hands-Free AG Audio for input (which is normal) AND output, which leaves to a somewhat functional call, but TERRIBLE audio quality, and mutes all audio from other applications. If I keep the input as what it is, but use Stereo for the output instead, I can hear no audio in general, from other applications or the call. Again, everything was fine before, for years. If it matters, I use Discord for calls. Could it be that previously, when everything was working fine, I was using Hands-Free as both input and output, but the quality of the output audio would be higher? If this is true, is there a way to increase the output quality? To be specific, the output sounds glitchy, and has a buzzing noise.

Hi Mr. Jiminy Cricket,

Thank you for getting back to us.

Hands-free and stereo are modes supported by both Bluetooth protocols/Bluetooth devices, but that doesn't mean that using hands-free enhances stereo.

It is a choice between the two.

Audio quality (for example, the quality of music playback) may be degraded in hands-free mode, but this usually means changes in the accuracy, fidelity, and clarity of the audio due to a change in codec capabilities.

Codecs (compression/decompression algorithms) play a crucial role in Bluetooth audio quality. Common codecs include SBC, AAC, aptX, and LDAC. Each codec has different bit rates and compression methods, affecting audio quality.

Higher bitrates and sample rates generally provide better audio quality. However, they also require more bandwidth, which can be limited in Bluetooth connections.

Additional noise may not be the expected situation.

If possible, you can try to perform different cross-tests to analyze whether the problem is specific to the headset itself or the device itself.

• For example, pair with and test on another Windows device that has a similar Bluetooth module.

• Pair another Bluetooth headset with similar functionality with your current Windows device.

• Observe if the situation is the same with different versions of Bluetooth drivers.

  The content in this link described an example of performing a clean install of the driver.

  Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

  How to Perform a Clean Installation of Bluetooth Drivers (intel.com)

  

  For older versions of the driver, you can visit the device manufacturer's product support site.

  After the driver "package" is removed from the device, the driver cannot be installed by scanning for hardware changes. Please be careful to back up the driver installation files in advance.

  Disclaimer: Please back up all your important data before performing it.

Best Regards,

Kyo.Y - MSFT | Microsoft Community Technical Support