How to Change Audio Output on Chromebook

Key takeaways:

• Switch audio from internal speakers to Bluetooth or wired devices
• Pair new Bluetooth audio easily from the system tray
• Chromebook auto-switches output, but you can pick manually too 🎧

Having trouble getting your Chromebook to play sound through your headphones or that new Bluetooth speaker? You’re not alone. Chromebook usually defaults to its built-in speaker, which is fine for quick stuff, but not great for music, calls, or movies. I’ll walk you through how to change the audio output, so you get the sound exactly where you want it—no more frustration.

Why Chromebook Audio Output Can Be Confusing

Chromebooks are designed to be simple, but sometimes that means the basics—like switching audio output—aren’t super obvious. By default, all sound comes from the internal speaker. If you want to use headphones or an external speaker, you need to tell your Chromebook to send the sound there instead. The good news? It’s quick once you know where to look.

Step-by-Step: Changing Audio Output on Chromebook

Opening the System Tray and Finding Audio Settings

Start by clicking the clock in the bottom right. This opens the system tray, where you’ll see your battery, WiFi, and Bluetooth toggles. If you want to use a Bluetooth device, make sure Bluetooth is turned on.

Pairing a New Bluetooth Audio Device

If you’re connecting headphones or a speaker for the first time, put them in pairing mode. This is the step most people miss—just turning on your headphones isn’t enough. They need to be in pairing mode so your Chromebook can see them.

Hit the Bluetooth icon, then choose “Pair new device.” Wait for your device to pop up in the list, then click it. Once it’s paired, your Chromebook should auto-switch the audio output to your new device.

If you’re still not seeing your device, double-check that it’s in pairing mode and not already connected to something else.

Manually Switching Audio Output

Sometimes, even after pairing, your Chromebook might still use the internal speaker. No worries. Click the arrow next to the volume slider in the system tray. You’ll see a list of available audio outputs—internal speaker, Bluetooth headphones, maybe even HDMI if you’re plugged into a monitor.

Pick the one you want. The Chromebook will remember your choice until you unplug or disconnect the device.

Going Back to Internal Speaker

Want to switch back to the built-in speaker? Just open the audio output menu again and select “Internal speaker.” You can do this even if your Bluetooth device is still connected.

Chromebook Makes It Simple

Honestly, compared to Windows, Chromebook makes switching outputs way less of a hassle. No deep menus, no digging through control panels. It’s all right there in the system tray.

If you’re curious about other Chromebook basics, like how to delete apps or how to take a screenshot, check out those guides too.

What If You’re Using Wired Headphones or Speakers?

Plug in your headphones or speaker to the headphone jack or USB port. Chromebook should automatically switch the audio output. If it doesn’t, just use the manual method above to pick the right device.

If you want to know more about Chromebook ports, here’s a quick read on does a Chromebook have a USB port.

Troubleshooting: Audio Output Still Not Working?

• Double-check your device is in pairing mode for Bluetooth
• Make sure your wired headphones are plugged in all the way
• Restart your Chromebook if the output menu isn’t updating
• Try these tips if your Chromebook audio isn’t working at all

Extra Tips for Chromebook Audio

• You can connect multiple Bluetooth devices, but only one audio device will play sound at a time.
• If you want to adjust the output volume for different apps, Chromebook doesn’t have a built-in mixer like Windows. It’s all or nothing.
• For more on Chromebook settings, check out how to change your Chromebook name or how to check Chromebook hardware specs.

FAQs

How do I switch back to the internal speaker after using headphones?

Just click the audio output arrow in the system tray and pick “Internal speaker.” Chromebook will switch instantly.

My Bluetooth headphones aren’t showing up. What’s wrong?

Make sure they’re in pairing mode, not just turned on. If you still don’t see them, try “Pair new device” and restart your headphones.

Can I use USB speakers or headphones?

Yep, just plug them in. If they don’t auto-switch, use the audio output menu to pick your USB device. For more on USB, see does a Chromebook have a USB port.

Why does my Chromebook keep switching back to the internal speaker?

If your external device disconnects or runs out of battery, Chromebook will default to the internal speaker. Reconnect or recharge your device and pick it again in the menu.

Where can I find more Chromebook tips?

Check out how to change audio output on Chromebook, how to change language on Chromebook, or tips for speeding up Chromebook for more guides.

🔊 That’s all you need to get your Chromebook sounding the way you want!