Bluetooth headphones say they're connected but no audio

[virginialouise]

When I connect my headphones to my computer, I can't hear anything and no one can hear me on Zoom. Zoom says that the microphone and speaker are set to my headphones, but it doesn't actually work. I thought it was a problem with the headphones (Bose) so I tried it with Apple Airpods Max, but I'm having the exact same issue now. It worked earlier this week, but then it didn't work today, and I haven't changed any settings between now and then. 

[Ohkawa]

@virginialouise 

When using a Bluetooth headset, the headset microphone cannot be used unless the headset, not the headphones, is selected as the speaker.
Make sure you select a bluetooth headset!

[virginialouise]

Thanks for this reply! To be clear, this issue happened with headphones (Bose and Apple), not a headset. I do have both the microphone and speaker marked to the headphones, but it still isn't working. 

[CarlaA]

Hi @virginialouise! Was @Ohkawa's solution able to fix your issue? If so, please mark it as the accepted solution! 

Thank you! 

[virginialouise]

Just tried to reply, but it doesn't look like it posted - unfortunately, that did not solve my problem, as I already had the speaker and microphone set to the my headphones and it still isn't working. 

[Ohkawa]

@virginialouise 

I think you may be misunderstanding.

For Bluetooth devices, only two communication channels can be used.
What is shown on PCs and other devices is a function.
A headphone is only for listening to sound.
A headset is a function for both listening and speaking.
For a headphone with a microphone, the user must choose whether to use it as a headphone or a headset.
If a headphons is selected, two channels are assigned to the left and right of the headphones, allowing stereo audio, but not a microphone.

When headset is selected, one channel is assigned to the headphones and the other channel is assigned to the microphone, so the microphone can be used.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

[virginialouise]

Is there a way to set headphones to be recognized as a headset? They do have a microphone. The only setting I see is for microphone and speaker, both of which I set to my headphones. I tried again yesterday, and it did work — but I never know when it will and won't work. 

[storyhub]

https://www.wikihow.com/Connect-Airpods-to-Zoom

You may want to try a less expensive device that actually does work.

The following device works very well and is available from other sources at a lower price.

https://www.xmpow.com/collections/business-headset/products/mpow-usb-headset-all-platform-edition-wi...

[virginialouise]

Thanks — I specifically need noise canceling headphones but I'll keep this in mind.