My AirPods sound distorted only when connected to my Chromebook

[Collin24]

My AirPods sound distorted only when connected to my Chromebook 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Collin24 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

If your AirPods sound distorted when connected to your HP Chromebook, it could be due to Bluetooth settings, interference, or compatibility issues. 

Here are steps to troubleshoot:

1. Check Bluetooth Connectivity

Forget and Reconnect the AirPods:

• Open your Chromebook's Settings > Bluetooth.
• Click on your AirPods in the list of connected devices and select Forget.
• Re-pair the AirPods by placing them in pairing mode and reconnecting.

Minimize Bluetooth Interference:

• Ensure no other Bluetooth devices are connected to your Chromebook or nearby that might interfere with the connection.

2. Adjust Audio Settings

• Go to Settings > Audio and confirm your AirPods are selected as the output device.
• Adjust the volume on both the Chromebook and AirPods. Sometimes, mismatched volume levels can cause distortion.

3. Update Chromebook Software

• Ensure your Chromebook is running the latest version of Chrome OS:
  • Go to Settings > About Chrome OS > Check for Updates.
  • Install any available updates and restart your Chromebook.

4. Reset AirPods

• Place the AirPods in their charging case and hold the setup button on the back until the light flashes amber, then white.
• Reconnect them to the Chromebook after resetting.

5. Test the AirPods on Another Device

• Connect your AirPods to a smartphone or another device. If they sound fine, the issue may be specific to the Chromebook.
• If the problem persists across devices, your AirPods might need repair or servicing.

6. Check for Bluetooth Codec Issues

• AirPods use advanced codecs like AAC, which might not be fully optimized for Chromebooks.
• Unfortunately, Chromebooks may default to a lower-quality codec that causes sound distortion. To resolve this, you might need a third-party audio app that supports better codec handling.

7. Restart Your Chromebook

• Restarting can clear minor system glitches affecting Bluetooth performance.

If this solution hits the spot, please come back and click "Accepted Solution" to help others find the answer. And if you'd like to say thanks, select "Yes" on the bottom left of the public post, as that would make our day! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye