How to use Bluetooth headphones for video calls on a computer

To use your headphones for video calls on your computer, you need to make sure that the Speaker and Microphone settings are set correctly. Otherwise, the other party's voice may not be heard, or the other party may not hear you.

Before we walk you through the settings, it's important that you know the different types of Bluetooth® profiles and what they are used for. Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) is intended to playback music. The Hands-free Profile (HFP) and Headset Profile (HSP) are intended for voice calls.

Depending on the video calling app, the voice call may not be available when connected using the A2DP profile, so make sure to select the HFP/HSP profile when you want to use the headphones for video calls.

Step 1. Establish a Bluetooth connection between your headphones and your computer

Put your headphones in Bluetooth pairing mode, and then on your computer, open the Bluetooth settings and search for your headphones.

The instructions may vary depending on your headphones and computer. If you need detailed instructions, check the headphones and the manuals that came with your computer.

Step 2. Set the Speaker and Microphone settings in the video-calling app

The images and descriptions used are examples and intended to provide general instructions. As third-party providers release updates for their apps, the steps to get to a certain setting may change. If you need app-specific details or your video app isn't listed, refer to the app help page or manual for more information.

1. Open the audio (Speaker and Microphone) settings. This step may vary depending on the app:
   • Microsoft® Teams: Click the three-dot icon to the left of your profile picture at the top of Teams, and then select Settings → Devices.
   • Zoom: On the Zoom Home screen, click your profile picture, select Settings, and then select Audio. If you are already in a meeting, click (up arrow) next to the (Mute) icon and select Audio Settings.
   • Skype™: Click the three-dot icon to the left of your profile picture at the app screen, then select Settings. On that screen, you will see the current settings of Speaker and Microphone in Default communications device.
   • Google Meet™: Click (Settings) → (Audio). If you check the settings after a meeting starts, click (More) → (Settings) → (Audio).
2. In the Speaker settings, select the Hands-Free profile you want to use.

   For example, if you have the WH-1000XM4 and using Microsoft Teams, select Headset (WH-1000XM4 Hands-Free), not Headphones (WH-1000XM4 Stereo) because it is only used for music playback.

   

   Notes: If the list shows only the headphone's model name and doesn't suggest the purpose of use (for Hands-Free or Stereo), select your headphone's model name.

3. In the Microphone settings, select the same Hands-Free profile you selected in the Speaker settings.
4. Use the test call function to confirm if the audio is working through the headphones.
   Note: Make sure that Speaker and Microphone volume are not muted.
   • Most video-calling apps have a test call function on the Speaker and Microphone settings screen. In Microsoft Teams, it is located under the Microphone setting.

     

You are all set to use your headphones for meetings or other video calls!

Troubleshooting tips

Try these steps if you don't hear the caller or the caller doesn't hear you. Be sure to check if the issue still occurs after each step.

If you need detailed information on how to perform any step, refer to your product manuals .

1. Turn the headphones off and on, and then reconnect them to your computer.
2. Restart the computer.
3. Reset the headphones.
4. Initialize the headphones.

Tips for Speak-to-Chat users

• When the Speak-to-Chat function is enabled, and the Microphone setting on the video calling app isn't set properly, the voice from the headphones may be muted in response to your speech.
• If your video calling app doesn't have the Microphone setting, disable the Speak-to-Chat function on the headphones. Hold two fingers to the touch sensor control panel to disable the function until you hear the voice guidance say Speak-to-chat deactivated.

Trademarks and Logos for Google LLC and Related Company