How to fix audio delay on Bluetooth headphones (Android & Windows)

⚡ Fast fix

• Restart your phone or PC—it fixes more than you think.
• Forget the headphones in Bluetooth, then pair them again fresh.
• Update your system and drivers if you’ve been putting it off.
• Get closer and cut the clutter—other wireless devices can mess things up.

---

Nothing ruins a movie, game, or video faster than the sound in your wireless headphones falling out of sync with what’s happening on your screen. A one- or even half-second audio delay is noticeable and pretty annoying.

But don’t worry. Asurion Experts offer tech support and share tips to help people tackle everyday tech issues. From how to get Bluetooth on any PC to how to connect Bluetooth devices to a phone or computer, we’ve got you covered. This guide explains how to resolve audio delay issues on Bluetooth headphones for Android and Windows devices.

Understanding what causes Bluetooth audio delay

Bluetooth audio delay (latency) occurs when actions in a video happen first, and the audio arrives slightly later on your wireless headphones, causing a mismatch.

One cause is codec mismatches—a codec is a method that computers and smartphones use to transmit audio to Bluetooth devices. If your phone or PC uses a different codec than your headphones, audio processing takes longer, resulting in a lag.

The delay may also occur because of wireless interference. For example, other Bluetooth devices or nearby Wi-Fi networks can disrupt your headphones’ Bluetooth connection and slow audio transmission.

Sometimes, the problem isn't the Bluetooth connection but the app or device settings you’re using. Some video apps take extra time to process sound. Certain device settings can introduce a slight Bluetooth audio delay.

Fixing audio delay on Android devices

Wondering how to fix the audio delay on Bluetooth headphones on Android devices? The following troubleshooting tips may help resolve the issue:

Update your phone’s operating system (OS)

An outdated OS can cause Bluetooth lag on Android. Installing the latest version may resolve the audio sync problem. Open Settings and look for an option to update your phone.

Unpair and re-pair your headphones’ Bluetooth connection to your phone

Go to Settings > Bluetooth > [Name of the headphone you want to unpair]. Find an option to Unpair or Forget the device. To reconnect it, turn on your headphones and select its name from the list of available Bluetooth devices on your phone. The reset may help fix audio lag.

Change Bluetooth codec settings on your Android device

Open Settings and search for Developer options. If it’s not available, tap your phone’s Build number several times under About phone or My phone to activate it. Next, go to Bluetooth audio codec and select AAC or Qualcomm® aptX™ audio, which may help reduce audio latency.

Disable battery saver

Battery saver can slow down background processes in your phone, which may cause audio delay on Bluetooth headphones. If it’s on, swipe down from the top of your screen, look for Battery saver in the quick settings panel, and tap it to turn it off.

Fixing audio delay on Windows

Here’s how to fix audio delay on Bluetooth headphones on PCs:

Update Bluetooth and audio drivers

To update Bluetooth drivers, first make sure your laptop is connected to the internet. After that:

1. Search for Device Manager in the search bar at the bottom left or center of your Windows Home screen. Click Open.
2. Under Bluetooth, click the small arrow on the left to expand the section and then right-click the name of your Bluetooth driver. Next, click Update driver.

To update your audio drivers, follow the first step above, then click the small arrow to the left of Audio inputs and outputs. Right-click Speakers / Headphones and select Update driver.

Choose the correct output device

Go to Settings > System > Sound. Under Choose where to play sound, select Speakers / Headphones. This ensures Windows sends sound directly to the headphones instead of switching between outputs in the background.

Disable sound effects

Disabling audio enhancements may help fix Bluetooth audio delay on headphones. Open Settings, then go to System > Sound > Speakers / Headphones. Choose a suitable audio format (like 16-bit, 48000 Hz). Under Advanced settings, click Device Default Effects > Off.

Keep your headphones close to the PC

Bluetooth signals weaken with distance. The closer you are, the faster your computer can transmit audio to your headphones. This may help sync audio and video.

Run the built-in Bluetooth troubleshooter

Open Settings. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Under Bluetooth, click Run, then follow the on-screen prompts.

The built-in troubleshooter is a reliable way to fix Bluetooth connection issues that might be causing the audio sync problem. Trying to address sound lag using third-party apps isn’t recommended.

Reducing interference and improving sync

Reduce wireless interference and improve audio-video sync with these simple tips:

• Move away from crowded Wi-Fi or other wireless devices.
• Restart both your headphones and phone (or computer).
• Test your headphones on another device to confirm whether the lag is device-specific.
• Make sure your device is sufficiently charged—a low battery can affect signal quality.

---

FAQ

Why is there a delay between video and audio on my Bluetooth headphones?

Bluetooth latency often happens because of codec mismatches, wireless interference, outdated drivers, or background processing delays.

Does Bluetooth always have audio delay?

Some latency is normal with Bluetooth, but it should be minimal. Large or noticeable delays usually mean there’s a connection or configuration issue.

Can changing the Bluetooth codec reduce lag?

Yes. On Android devices, switching to codecs like AAC or aptX can reduce latency if your headphones support them.

Why is Bluetooth audio delay worse on Windows?

Driver issues, sound enhancements, or incorrect output settings can introduce extra latency. Updating drivers and disabling sound effects often helps.