Only One Side Of Headphones Work On Computer (3 Causes, Fixes)

 

Whether your headphones are cheap or expensive, sometimes, one side just stops working!

That’s a real bummer for music lovers and movie buffs who tend to use their headphones all day long.

This experience becomes even more frustrating when you realize how much you should shell out on a new pair.

Don’t worry, though.

Receiving sound on only one side doesn’t always mean your headset is dead.

Read on to see what can cause this issue and how you can resolve it.

 

Why Do My Headphones Work Only On One Side?

 

When your headphones play in only one ear, the first thing that pops into your mind is they’re broken.

Although this might be the case, sometimes it’s just the computer operating system or AUX socket triggering the trouble.

Before you do anything, test your headphones on another device.

If they properly work with another audio source, the issue is with your computer.

Alternatively, you can also plug another pair of headphones into your computer.

If you still hear the sound on only one side, start troubleshooting your system rather than the headphones.

Here are a few software and hardware faults that might cause the problem, along with their appropriate fixes.

If you’re sure your headphones are at fault, skip these sections and jump into section three to learn how to repair them.

 

1. System Hardware Issues

 

AUX Port Is Dirty

It’s no big surprise that dirt, dust, and lint can accumulate in a small duct over time.

Once it gets clogged, the connection between your headphones and PC could get interrupted.

Use a powerful flashlight to see through the plug.

Then, dampen a lint-free cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and use it to clean the dirt out.

Make sure you’re taking care of all tiny fractures and do it gently not to harm the delicate parts.

You can also use a compressed air duster to facilitate the process.

If you don’t have lint-free swabs, a toothpick brush would be a good alternative.

 

Compatibility Issues

If a replacement headphone works fine with your device, and similarly, your headphones are okay with another audio source, maybe they’re just incompatible with your PC.

Check if your PC accepts only four-pin plugs, mini jacks, or three-pin connectors.

Sometimes the issue goes away with a few plug in-and-outs.

Other times, you have to buy an adapter, change the plug head, or replace your headphones.

 

You’re Placing It Incorrectly

If none of the above scenarios is true, it may be that you incorrectly inserted the headphones into the jack.

Unplug and reinsert the headphones multiple times to see if things change.

Try to insert and remove the plug at various angles.

Twist the plug at each effort and ensure you’re inserting it all the way.

If nothing happens, you could be plugging the headphone into the wrong port, such as an audio-in or microphone jack.

Also, check whether your system supports both mono and stereo headphones.

A mono device plays sound only in the left ear.

As a last resort, try using the alternate port on your desktop.

 

The Input Jack Is Loose

If you’ve been using your headphones with this PC for a long time, and the problem appeared out of the blue, your input socket is probably loose.

This usually occurs after excessive use or because you’ve forced a distorted or unfitting plug into the socket.

Obviously, your first option is to go to have the jack fixed.

But if you prefer a DIY approach, follow these instructions:

1. Open your computer casing (this may require different tools and techniques, depending on whether it’s a laptop or desktop PC. For more information, refer to your system’s manual.)
2. Then, examine the port for any frame cracks, broken bolts, or disconnected wires.
3. If the jack is soldered to the circuit board, check if one of the pins is disconnected, and attach it again using a soldering iron.
4. If they’re fastened by a wire, make sure there’s no damage or interruption. Replace the cables if necessary.
5. Once you’re certain about connectivity issues, pick a glue gun to reattach the broken jack. If you see any splits on the port’s plastic frame, glue it, and then secure it on the stand underneath.

 

Note: When you decide to fix the issue yourself, it may invalidate your warranty.

 

2. System Software Issues

 

Bluetooth Isn’t Properly Connected

Sometimes a disabled headphone is the result of a poor Bluetooth connection.

A connectivity failure doesn’t necessarily mean a software malfunction.

Maybe you’re just too far from the device, and it can’t receive accurate signals.

Surprisingly, sometimes connection bugs can take their toll on only one earbud.

Link to your device via Bluetooth, and then come closer to see if the problem still exists.

 

You’ve Updated Your Audio App

If the problem appears immediately after an audio software update, chances are you can resolve it with a simple restart.

If you reboot your PC and the problem still exists, proceed to the next steps.

 

Windows Needs an Update

Another reason for only one side working on your earbuds is an out-of-date version of Windows.

Here’s how you can update it:

1. Open Windows settings and go to “Update & Security.”
2. Click on “Windows Update,” and you’ll see your previously installed updates.
3. Uninstall the latest updates.
4. Go to the Microsoft website and install a newer version of your Windows.

 

Audio Card Drivers Aren’t Updated

Sound card drivers act like intermediaries between hardware and software, telling the system how to control inputs/outputs to or from your external devices—including your headphones.

If you have a faulty or outdated driver, your computer may not send data to your headphones, and they lose their sound on one side.

An update or rolling back a recent update can resolve this problem.

 

A. Update Drivers

1. Go to your system device manager by typing its name in Search.
2. A new window pops up, and you double-click “Sound, video, and game controllers.”
3. Check for the driver updates.
4. If they’re operating with the previous version, update drivers (do it by right-clicking on the driver card and choose “Update Driver.”)
5. It’s then up to you to browse for the software manually from the web or let the computer do it automatically.
6. If you prefer to do it yourself, download the latest updates from the manufacturer’s website.

 

B. Rollback Drivers

If you’ve recently updated your Windows and the problem showed up right after, you should roll back your driver updates instead of updating them.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to “Sound, video, and game controllers” from your Device Manager.
2. Right-click on your driver and press “Properties.”
3. Select “Roll back Driver” from the “Driver” tab.

 

Note: If the tab is deactivated, it means there are no updates, and you need to update your drivers to the latest version.

 

Audio Settings

A glitch in audio settings is the most common reason for a headphone going mute on one side.

There are multiple ways to check if they’re set properly:

 

First Check:

1. Open your Windows control panel.
2. Find the “Hardware and Sound” or “Sound” option and click. A pop-up window will appear.
3. Choose your sound output device under the “Playback” menu, and double click on it.
4. Once the new window appears, press the “Levels” tab to set your headphone volume options.
5. Click on “Balance” and make sure both left and right sides are on. Besides, set their volumes in an equal state.
6. Hit “OK,” and you’re good to go.

 

Second Check:

1. Open “Sound Settings” by right-clicking the volume icon at the bottom right of your screen (system taskbar).
2. In the newly opened window, you’ll see an option saying, “Choose your output device.” Open the drop-down menu below it and select your headphones, among other options.
3. Then, make sure the volume isn’t muted.

 

This method works for headphones with a separate volume control—it means they operate independently of your system audio controls.

 

The Operating System Has an Issue

If you still haven’t fixed the problem, there’s probably something wrong with the operating system.

Windows and audio troubleshooters can automatically diagnose the issue and fix it.

All you need is to follow these steps:

 

A. Run Windows Troubleshooter

1. Spot the volume icon from the taskbar and right-click on it.
2. Go to the last option that says, “Troubleshoot Sound Problems.”
3. A list of audio outputs will appear.
4. Select your headphone among them (the device you want to troubleshoot) and hit “Next.”

 

B. Try Audio Troubleshooter

1. Go to “Start” (the Windows logo at the left of the Windows tray) and open Windows settings (often shown by a gear icon).
2. Navigate to “Update & Security” and click.
3. Open the “Troubleshoot” option and click on “Playing Audio.”
4. Start the troubleshooter and continue with the instructions.
5. Reset your computer and check if the trouble is gone.

 

C. Disable Audio Enhancements

1. Hold the Windows key along with the R button to launch the “Run” box.
2. Type mmsys.cpl inside the dialog bar and hit “OK.” (You can replace steps 1 and 2 by going to Control Panel > Sound.)
3. Click on your headphones name from below the Playback tab and press “Properties.”
4. Go to the Enhancements tab and choose “Disable all Enhancements.”
5. Press “OK.”

 

D. Change Sample Rate

1. Repeat steps one to three above.
2. This time, open the “Advanced tab” instead of the Enhancements tab.
3. Then, set it on the highest Sample rate from the drop-down menu below “Default Format.”
4. Click “OK”.

 

3. Headphone Issues

 

If your headphones fail to produce sound on other devices, you’ll know for a fact that they’re defective.

Here are a few possible defects and their recommended solutions.

 

A. Wires and Connections

 

Here’s a simple trick to check if there’s anything wrong with your headphone cable:

Insert your headphones into an audio source and start contorting its wire into various forms to see if the sound breaks up.

If so, the cable has disconnected at some point.

To spot the exact location, bend the wire at every inch, and once you hear the sound flow in the faulty earbud, mark that specific point.

An easy but temporary solution is to wrap the cable with electrical tape.

Bend it once again and tape it so that the shorted wires band together.

For a more permanent fix, watch this DIY video:

 

B. Headphone Jack

 

If you tend to leave your headphones on the ground or put them in a messy drawer, the jack may get crushed or distorted.

In this case, you need to get a new headphone jack and replace the damaged one.

Remember that this process requires a few tools and electrical skills.

Therefore, it’s better to simply leave it to professional hands if you’re not qualified.

Here’s a guiding video on how to replace your headphone jack:

 

Those who remove their headphones by tugging the cable rather than gently grabbing the plastic wrap will break the wire next to the end strap.

If this is the case with you, simply cut through the plastic wrap over the plug.

Spot where the wire is disconnected and snip the part.

Then, attach the wires back together, matching them with the colors of each ring.

Finally, solder them so that they remain in place and glue the jack base around them.