How to Fix Unbalanced Headphones on PC/Android

Last update: 04/10/2024
How to fix unbalanced headphones

In this article we will show you how repair unbalanced headphones on PC or device AndroidHeadphone imbalance can have a number of causes, but they are extremely easy to fix by making a few simple adjustments. Have you ever used your headphones and noticed that one side is either slightly louder or much louder than the other?

If you've tried adjusting the audio jack, rotating it, or unplugging and plugging it back in but to no avail, you're probably feeling a little frustrated; noticing that the two sides of an earphone can't balance out is an annoying experience that makes us want to throw the device away. But calm down! Don't do it! Many times it's not necessary.

The good news? Balancing the sound of your headphones It's often a simple fix, regardless of whether you're using a PC or an Android. Check out this simple guide to learn how to restore balance to your uneven headphones.

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What causes headphones to be unbalanced?

When a channel is overused or underused, sounds are split between the channels. This causes the music to be a bit unbalanced. Unbalanced audio channels can be caused by the following reasons:

  • This can be caused by the changing the equalizer (EQ) settingsWhen more current is directed to one side than the other, the frequencies are compromised and the audio appears seemingly unbalanced.
  • Computers come with highly specialized sound effects, which are programmed to alter the perception of the music coming from the sound card. The effects can be found in the Control panel and accentuate a mono or stereo sound effect.
  • The headphones are plugged into the wrong place. This can cause an imbalance in the channels and sound. This problem is less common these days as most commercial audio devices are adaptable and can detect input devices.

If you're curious to know if your headphones are in sync with your device's channels, use the handy stereo test Left Right to check your sound balance.

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How to fix unbalanced headphones on a PC

On a PC, you can check how audio channels are used via the 'Sound' section in the Control Panel. You'll just need to make a few minor adjustments and you'll be able to change the way your headset produces sound:

1. Check that your speakers are equally balanced

If the sound from your headphones is different, it may be the result of poor balance. 'Left'/'Right'. That is, either the left or right side of the earbud sounds louder than the other. To check and fix this, do the following:

  • Step 1: go to 'Control Panel' and open it.

Repair unbalanced headphones

  • Step 2: look for the option 'Sound' and click on it.

Repair unbalanced headphones

  • Step 3: Right click on the headphones and then select the option 'Properties'.

Repair unbalanced headphones

  • Step 4: press the option 'Levels'.

Repair unbalanced headphones

  • Step 5: push the button 'Balance' which is located just to the right of your device.

Repair unbalanced headphones

  • Step 6: restore the balance to equal, or adjust it so your speakers sound the same.

This simple solution is very effective at altering the left/right balance of most headphones. However, it often doesn't change because it's a bit difficult to find.

2. Disable special sound effects

Computers with Windows, have special peculiarities for sound enhancement. These qualities often affect the normal playback of headphones, so they could cause an altered sound perception. To solve this and fix unbalanced headphones, you can disable the special sound effects so that the audio is restored to normal. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Step 1: go to 'Control Panel'.
  • Step 2: look for the option 'Sound' and click on it.
  • Step 3: Right click on the headphones and then press the option 'Properties'.
  • Step 4: look for the option 'Improvements' and click on it.

Disable special sound effects

  • Step 5: go to the 'checkbox' which is labeled as 'Disable all sound effects'.

Disable special sound effects

Disabling sound effects removes the different playback sounds. This allows mono audio to maintain similar channels. The '3D' effect on the sound is removed, but the balance of the headphone audio can be easily restored by allocating the sound to both channels equally.

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3. Check that your headphones are not connected to a 'mono' jack

Headphone imbalance can happen if the wrong connector is used. If you only hear from the left earpiece speaker, you may be using an audio device with a mono output capability or a 'mono' connector. To resolve this and repair unbalanced headphones, try the following:

Make sure your headphones are plugged into a port designed for headphones.

The port designed for headphones will be marked as “auriculares«There may also be a headphone icon or engraving for identification. If properly connected, your headphones will have stereo sound, with both sides sounding the same.

Make sure you don't plug your headphones into a 'headphone' jack

Headphones must be plugged into a headphone jack, as plugging them into this type of jack will only create sound in the left earpiece.

You may want to know: How To Connect Headphones To A Samsung Tv Without Audio Output

How to balance the sound in headphones on an Android device

If one earbud is louder than the other on your Android device, the Accessibility settings could be the culprit. It happens something similar to what happens on Windows devices; it maps audio across mono or stereo channels for improved listening. To see whether or not the settings have been enabled, try Adjusting the headphone balance or enabling 'Mono Audio'. These are the steps to follow:

  • Step 1: go to the option 'Setting'. Go to 'Setting'.

Balance the sound in headphones on an Android device

  • Step 2: select option 'Accessibility'.

Balance the sound in headphones on an Android device

  • Step 3: There, you'll find a slider that you can use to shift the balance of the speakers to where you want it (hand o right).
  • Step 4: If this doesn't work for you, you can check the function 'Mono Audio'. This will make the sound through both channels sound the same. The stereo effect will be eliminated but the playback will be similar.

Balance the sound in headphones on an Android device

How to balance headphone sound on Samsung smartphones?

If you want to adjust the headphone sound balance on any Samsung phone, you need to follow the steps below:

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Nota: You can adjust the option Sound balance only when the headphones are connected to the mobile.

Follow the steps below to fix unbalanced headphones on Samsung smartphones:

  • Step 1: Swipe up to open the apps screen or tap the option Applications.

How to balance the sound of headphones on Samsung

  • Step 2: go to the option Configuration.

How to balance the sound of headphones on Samsung

  • Step 3: scroll down and press the option Accessibility.

How to balance the sound of headphones on Samsung

  • Step 4: press the option Hearing (or select Hearing improvements).

How to balance the sound of headphones on Samsung

  • Step 5: It's time to adjust the sound balance; you can do that now.

How to balance the sound of headphones on Samsung

Take a look at: My Headphones Are Not Working On Windows. 10 Solutions

Final thoughts

There you go, by now you should know how to fix unbalanced headphones on any of the above mentioned devices. We hope that is the case, and you find yourself watching your movies, listening to your audiobooks or your favorite songs. Are your headphones balanced right now? Have you managed to find the causes of your problem? Did you make a few or a lot of changes? You can reply via the comments section.