Bluetooth Connected, not playing

[JessScribbles]

I am using an HP OmniBook 7. I got it a couple weeks ago, and from the beginning, my Bluetooth device connects, but refuses to play audio. When I open YouTube, the video will buffer, and then play slowly, without audio. As soon as I disconnect my earbuds, it plays normally through the laptop speakers. No sound works through my Bluetooth earbuds, despite the laptop saying "connected, audio"

I have tested both a Jlab Jbud Pro, and Jlab GOpop+ earbuds, and the same thing happens for both pairs. 

Here are the following troubleshooting options I've tried:

-Disconnecting/reconnecting the earbuds, as well as entirely removing them and rediscovering them from the device. 

-Using the output automatic troubleshooting feature in settings: it tells me that my audio is not responding, it runs and update, and has me restart my laptop. Then, my earbuds will temporarily work, however if I disconnect them and then try to use them again as normal, I have to repeat the same process if I want to use them again. 

- Checking to make sure it isn't mixing up input/output. It's not. 

-Deleting my Bluetooth driver, and then rebooting my laptop and having it reinstall. Didn't work. 

-Called HP support, allowed them to take control of my laptop. They downloaded a BIOS update, and once again it only temporarily fixed the problem. Disconnecting my earbuds and then trying to use them again brought me back to square one. 

-Entirely resetting the laptop. Once again, worked temporarily, but I am back at square one. 

-Other things I've probably forgotten to list

I am at my wits end. I have tried everything possible, and I am still having the exact same issue. Should I just exchange the laptop? I think it must be a hardware malfunction at this point. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @JessScribbles 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for sharing the detailed background. We acknowledge the Bluetooth audio issue you are experiencing on your HP OmniBook 7. Since you have already tried several corrective measures, let’s go through a structured set of recommended steps that can help stabilize Bluetooth audio playback:

Run HP Diagnose & Fix

• Open the HP App on your laptop.
• Go to Support Tools and select Diagnose & Fix.
• Allow the tool to scan for Bluetooth and audio driver conflicts.
• Apply any corrections it suggests.

Verify Bluetooth Audio Profile

• Right‑click the Speaker icon in the taskbar.
• Select Sound settings.
• Under Output, ensure your earbuds are listed as “Headphones” and not “Headset.”
• If they appear as “Headset,” switch to “Headphones” for proper audio playback.

Update Drivers via HP App

• In the HP App, go to Updates.
• Install all pending driver and BIOS updates.
• Restart the laptop after updates.

Reset Bluetooth Services

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Locate Bluetooth Support Service.
• Right‑click > Restart.
• Ensure the Startup type is set to Automatic.

Clear Temporary Hardware States

• Shut down the laptop.
• Disconnect the power adapter.
• Hold the Power button for 15 seconds.
• Reconnect power and restart.
• This helps reset hardware states that may interfere with Bluetooth audio.

Re‑pair After Reset

• Remove the earbuds from Bluetooth & devices.
• Restart the laptop.
• Pair the earbuds again through Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
• Confirm they connect under the “Headphones” profile.

These steps are designed to ensure Bluetooth audio remains consistent after reconnecting. Please begin with Diagnose & Fix in the HP App, then proceed through the sequence. If the issue persists even after these measures, it would indicate a deeper hardware‑level concern, and at that point, considering a replacement may be appropriate.

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye