How to Configure Audio Output and Input on a Chromebook

Access ChromeOS audio controls

ChromeOS puts the most common audio settings one click away. At the bottom right of the screen, the status area shows the time and your Wi-Fi connection. Select it to open the quick settings panel. Here you'll find a volume slider and a mute button. You can also click the speaker icon to cycle through output devices if more than one is available.

For more detailed controls, open the Settings app. You can get to it from the quick settings gear icon, or by pressing the Search key and typing "Settings." In Settings, go to 'Device' and then 'Audio.' This screen lists all output and input devices connected to your Chromebook and lets you adjust their individual levels. If you are new to ChromeOS, you might also want to read about Chromebook speakers and audio to understand the hardware options.

Select an audio output device

Your Chromebook can send sound to built-in speakers, a wired headphone jack, a USB-C headset, or Bluetooth headphones. To switch output, open the quick settings panel and click the current output name. A list appears with all available devices. Select the one you want. If you have a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, they must be paired first. See how to pair Bluetooth devices on a Chromebook for steps.

The Settings > Device > Audio screen also shows a drop-down for output. If you plug in a 3.5mm headphone, ChromeOS often switches automatically, but you can override it there. Note that some Chromebooks rely on a single USB-C port for audio, so you may need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. Learn more about the headphone jack on Chromebooks and how it affects your choices.

Adjust volume and mute

The quick settings volume slider controls the overall output level. You can also use the keyboard keys with speaker symbols to raise or lower volume. To mute, press the mute key or click the speaker icon in the quick settings. Some Chromebooks have a separate function key for mute.

In Settings > Device > Audio, you can set the volume for each output device separately. This is useful if you keep headphones at a different level than the built-in speakers. ChromeOS remembers the last level for each device type, so you do not need to readjust every time you switch. For deeper info on volume and audio technology, see Chromebook audio codecs to understand what affects sound quality.

Set microphone input levels

To choose which microphone your Chromebook uses, open Settings > Device > Audio. Under 'Input,' you'll see the active mic, usually the built-in one. If you connect an external USB microphone or a headset with a mic, it appears in the list. Select it to make it your default.

The input volume slider controls how loud the mic records. You can test it by speaking and watching the level indicator move. If the audio is too quiet or too loud, adjust the slider. For Chromebook Plus models, advanced noise canceling is available to reduce background hum. This feature is on by default on compatible devices. See Chromebook microphone quality for more on how to get the best input sound. For tips on call quality, review the webcam and mic article in our Learn hub.

Manage audio on Bluetooth and USB devices

Bluetooth audio devices can be used for both output and input. When you pair a Bluetooth headset, ChromeOS may show separate entries for the headphone and the microphone, or combine them into a single device. For the best call quality, choose the headset profile with a microphone. Note that Bluetooth can introduce a small delay, which may matter for video editing or gaming. Learn about Bluetooth audio lag on Chromebooks to see if it affects you.

USB-C audio devices, such as digital-to-analog converters or headsets, are usually plug-and-play. If you use an external monitor with a headphone jack, you may need to select the monitor as the output device from the quick settings.

Troubleshoot common audio problems

If your Chromebook has no sound, first check that the volume is turned up and not muted. Then try connecting a different pair of headphones to see if the built-in speakers are the issue. If not, restart your Chromebook. ChromeOS updates frequently include audio driver improvements, so make sure your OS is up to date. You can check by going to Settings > About ChromeOS and selecting 'Check for updates.' See our troubleshooting guide for speakers for detailed steps.

For microphone issues, confirm that the correct mic is selected in Settings > Device > Audio. If you're using a USB mic, unplug and reconnect it. Also, if you use Linux on your Chromebook, you may need to enable microphone access for Linux apps. Go to Settings > Linux and toggle on 'Allow Linux to access your microphone.' Learn more in our microphone troubleshooting guide and the headphone jack troubleshooting page if wired audio is not recognized.

What to pick for your use

Questions

How do I switch audio output on a Chromebook?

Open the quick settings panel by clicking the clock area at the bottom right. Click on the current audio output name, then choose a different device from the list. You can also go to Settings > Device > Audio to select the default output.

Why is my microphone not working?

Check that the correct microphone is selected in Settings > Device > Audio. Ensure the input volume is not set to zero. If you are using Linux apps, enable microphone access under Settings > Linux. Restart your Chromebook if the issue persists, and see our microphone troubleshooting guide for more steps.

Can I use Bluetooth headphones with a Chromebook?

Yes. Pair the headphones from Settings > Bluetooth, then select them as the output device from the quick settings panel. For detailed steps, read our Bluetooth pairing guide. Note that some headsets may have separate profiles for audio and calls.

How do I adjust the input volume for an external microphone?

Go to Settings > Device > Audio. Under 'Input,' select your external microphone from the list. Use the input volume slider to raise or lower the level. Test by speaking and watching the level indicator.

Does ChromeOS support multiple audio outputs at once?

ChromeOS typically routes audio to one output device at a time. Use the quick settings to select your preferred device. Some apps may allow separate output, but this varies. There is no built-in mixer for multiple simultaneous outputs in most configurations.