Google launched the Chromebook to give consumers a cheaper alternative to traditional laptops, and whilst they may fall short when it comes to playing games or editing videos, these portable computers will have no problem playing multimedia.
However, some Chromebook users have experienced issues when using their headphones on their Chromebooks, and in this article, we take the time to address those issues.
This article will provide you with 5 solutions to get your headphones working on your Chromebook.
1. Disabling Faulty Extensions can Fix your Headphones on Chromebooks
If you are a Chromebook owner then you’ll know that one of the things that set a Chromebook apart from other laptops is the OS (Operating System)
Chromebooks use ChromeOS, an operating system that prides itself on simplicity and efficiency. However, as with all operating systems, they are not without their flaws and quirks.
ChromeOS makes use of ‘extensions’, which are comparable to apps on traditional laptops. However, sometimes the extensions that you have can cause problems with your Chromebook’s sound and playback – including your headphones.
If your Chromebook is not playing ball with your headphones then it may be worth disabling your extensions to rule out whether a faulty one is interfering with your sound settings.
Here’s How to Disable Extensions on your Chromebook:
Disabling extensions on your Chromebook is very simple and, as you’ve probably realized, it’s a great way of identifying whether or not a specific extension is preventing your headphones from working.
Disable each one of your extensions by using the steps listed below:
- Launch Chrome.
- Click ‘More’ and then navigate to ‘Extensions’ via ‘More tools’
- Now simply disable each extension.
Once you have disabled all of your extensions on your Chromebook you should check to see if your headphones are working, and if they are, you can know for sure that it is an extension that is causing the problems.
Now you should enable your extensions in turn and, each time you do, check again to see whether your headphones are still functioning.
If you find that after turning an extension on, the headphones stop working, then you will have identified the exact extension that is the culprit.
You can either choose to disable this extension when using your headphones or uninstall the extension completely by following these steps:
- With Chrome open, simply navigate to ‘Extensions’ via ‘More’ > ‘More tools’
- Locate the extension that interferes with your headphones.
- Choose ‘Remove’ and then confirm by selecting ‘Remove’ again.
2. You Need to Clear the Cache Storage
Cached data is so often ignored and overlooked. It hides in the background, but yet it can really have an effect on how your Chromebook performs.
The cache usually helps your Chromebook work more efficiently. Cache files are stored locally and enable your Chromebook to retrieve data quickly so that your device functions optimally.
However, headphone users have found that sometimes simply clearing the cached data fixes problematic sound issues.
Due to the fact that it is incredibly simple to clear the cache on your Chromebook, putting this procedure to the test is highly recommended if your headphones have stopped working.
Here’s How to Clear the Cache on your Chromebook:
- Open ‘Settings’ in Chrome by clicking the three dots.
- Select ‘Tools’
- Choose ‘Clear browsing Data’
- Ensure you have selected ‘All Time’ within the drop-down menu.
- Select ‘Cached data’
- Finally, click ‘Clear Data’
3. You Need to Check your Sound Settings
When your headphones are not playing any sound on your Chromebook it can be easy to assume that there is a problem with the hardware. Still, it’s important to verify that your sound settings are correct before jumping to any rash conclusions.
Your Chromebook sound settings will allow you to check a variety of key issues, such as:
- Whether the volume is set too low
- Whether your Chromebook is set to mute
- Whether your audio device is set to ‘headphones’ or ‘speakers’
Here’s How to Check your Sound Settings on your Chromebook:
- Click the time in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen and this will open a variety of options.
- Here you will see a volume slider that you can drag to the right in order to increase the volume.
- To unmute your volume on Chromebook, simply click ‘Volume’
- Check that your headphones are selected by navigating to ‘Audio settings’ and then ensuring ‘headphones’ is selected from within ‘Output’
4. Try the ‘Closing the Lid’ Technique to Fix Headphone Issues on Chromebook
Sometimes the simplest of solutions can resolve a problem fast. Chromebook owners have found that when their headphones are not working it can be prudent to perform the ‘closing the lid’ technique to fix the problem.
Remember, in order for your Chromebook to play sound from your headphones, the system must recognize the hardware you are using.
Occasionally, your Chromebook will not detect your headphones when they are plugged in. This can be a simple glitch and, as with all minor errors, you can usually trigger your machine into recognizing your headphones again with little effort.
Use the steps below to see if this resolves your headphone issues on your Chromebook:
- Disconnect your headphones from your Chromebook.
- Now close the lid of your Chromebook.
- After waiting a few moments, reconnect your headphones and open the lid.
- Check to see if your headphones are detected in ‘Audio Settings’ and whether they play sound.
Allowing your Chromebook to rescan for audio devices, such as headphones, can help ensure that your Chromebook has the best chance of letting your headphones to be functional when playing media through them.
However, if the ‘closing the lid’ technique did not work for you, it may be worth turning your Chromebook off and on again.
When you reboot your Chromebook with your headphones plugged in, the system will rescan all connected devices and should recognize the hardware correctly.
This ensures that your headphones will work when the Chromebook is back on.
5. Ensure you have Connected your Headphones to your Chromebook Correctly
Chromebooks are compatible with a range of headphones, both wired and wireless.
Wireless headphones operate via Bluetooth and your Chromebook has a built-in Bluetooth feature that allows Bluetooth devices, such as headphones, to be used.
To connect your Bluetooth headphones to your Chromebook, simply follow these steps:
- Click on the taskbar in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
- Locate the Bluetooth icon and click ‘Enable Bluetooth’
- On-screen instructions will guide you through the pairing process for your headphones (or any other Bluetooth device).
- Once pairing is complete, your headphones will automatically pair with your Chromebook without any user interaction. You must ensure that the Bluetooth feature is enabled on your device.
Remember, your Bluetooth headphones will need to be charged, switched on, and in range of your Chromebook in order for them to work and be detected.
If you prefer to use wired headphones on your Chromebook, then it’s important to note that Chromebooks have a 3.5mm TRRS plug. Therefore, as ChromebookHeadphones.com points out:
” (…) only 3.5mm plug headsets and headphones are compatible. This single TRRS plug controls both the headphones and microphone with a single plug.”
To ensure that your wired headphones play sound from your Chromebook, the headphones must be securely connected to the port. You will know that you achieved this once you have inserted the headphone jack into the Chromebook and you hear a ‘click’.
However, when it comes to wired headphones, it is crucial that you check for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
Damage to the wire that connects your headphones to your Chromebook can cause sound quality to become impaired or completely prevent your headphones from working at all.
Always check for breakages in the cable of your headphones and any damage around the headphone jack.
Taking care not to kink, twist, or put any unnecessary strain on the wire of your headphones will help ensure your headphones continue to work on your Chromebook.
Sources
Headphones Not Working on Chromebook? No Sound? Fix it Now (A Complete Guide)
Chromebook Support Audio & Headphones
How do you Diagnose a Chromebook Headphone Audio Problem?
Best Way to Use a Chromebook Headphone

