Bluetooth Speaker Connected but Not Playing? 8 Fixes
Your Bluetooth speaker says it is connected, but no sound comes out. This is annoying, and it is almost always a quick fix.
Most of the time your phone is sending the audio somewhere else, or the speaker volume is turned all the way down. Check both first.
If that does not do it, the fixes below walk through every common cause, from the volume slider to pairing the speaker again.
Why is my Bluetooth speaker connected but not playing?
A handful of things cause this, and none of them mean the speaker is broken.
Your phone is playing through its own speaker or another device instead of the Bluetooth one.
The speaker volume or the phone volume is turned down.
The speaker paired for phone calls only, not for music.
The two devices are too far apart or something is blocking the signal.
A small software glitch needs a restart or a fresh pairing to clear.
Fix 1: Turn up both volumes
There are two volume controls, and both have to be up.
- Turn up the volume on the speaker itself using its buttons.
- Turn up the volume on your phone using the side buttons.
- Start a song and slowly raise both.
Many speakers reset to low volume after they power off, so this alone often fixes it.
Fix 2: Check where your phone is sending the sound
Your phone may be playing through the wrong output.
On an iPhone:
- Open Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner.
- Press and hold the audio card in the top right.
- Tap the AirPlay icon (a triangle with rings).
- Choose your Bluetooth speaker from the list.
On an Android phone:
- Start playing a song.
- Pull down the notification shade from the top.
- Tap the output icon on the media player.
- Select your Bluetooth speaker.
Sound should now come from the speaker.
Fix 3: Restart the speaker and your phone
A quick restart clears most glitches.
- Turn the speaker off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.
- Restart your phone.
- Play audio again.
This resets the connection on both ends.
Fix 4: Move the speaker closer
Bluetooth has a limited range, and walls cut it short.
- Bring the speaker within about 15 feet of your phone.
- Remove anything solid between them, like a wall or a metal object.
- Keep other electronics that use WiFi a little further away.
A clear, close signal keeps the audio flowing. For more on this, see our guide on checking Bluetooth signal strength.
Fix 5: Forget the speaker and pair it again
Sometimes the speaker connects for calls only, not for music. A fresh pairing fixes that.
On an iPhone:
- Open the Settings app (the gray gear icon).
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Tap the letter i in a circle next to your speaker.
- Tap Forget This Device, then confirm.
- Put the speaker in pairing mode and connect it fresh.
On an Android phone:
- Open Settings, then tap Connected devices.
- Tap the gear next to your speaker.
- Tap Forget or Unpair.
- Put the speaker in pairing mode and connect again.
If you need the steps to clear a stubborn saved device, our guide on removing and adding a Bluetooth device again helps.
Fix 6: Make sure nothing else grabbed the speaker
Most speakers only play from one device at a time.
- Turn off Bluetooth on other phones, tablets, and laptops nearby.
- A tablet in the next room can quietly connect and hold the speaker.
- Try your audio again once the others are off.
The speaker can now lock onto your phone.
Fix 7: Try a different app or song
Now and then the problem is the app, not the speaker.
- Close the music or video app fully.
- Open a different app and play something.
- If the new app plays, the first app was stuck. Reopen it.
This rules out a frozen app in seconds.
Fix 8: Update or reset the speaker
If it still will not play, the speaker software may need attention.
- Check the maker app for a firmware update and install it.
- If there is no app, look up your model and do a factory reset.
- Pair it fresh afterward.
A reset wipes a deep glitch that nothing else touched.
What if my Bluetooth speaker still will not play?
If none of that worked, test the speaker with a different phone.
If it plays from another phone, the issue is your first phone. If it stays silent on every device, the speaker hardware may be failing.
Check the warranty at that point, or consider a replacement. If your speaker also shuts off on its own, see our guide on using a Bluetooth speaker while charging, since power problems can look like sound problems.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Bluetooth speaker say connected but has no sound?
Usually your phone is playing through the wrong output, or the volume is down. Point the audio to the speaker and turn both volumes up.
Why does my speaker connect but only work for calls?
It paired on the call profile instead of the music profile. Forget the speaker and pair it again to fix it.
Can two devices being connected stop the sound?
Yes. Another phone or tablet may be holding the speaker. Turn off Bluetooth on your other devices and try again.
Does a low battery cause no sound on a Bluetooth speaker?
It can. A speaker low on battery may connect but play quietly or not at all. Charge it and test again.