Windows 10: Phone Link Audio Quality

Hello, Before I start, I have already tried everything in MS knowledge and forums...Just got a new Dell XPS 8960 w/Windows 11 Home/23H2. All updates Windows and drivers applied. I am trying to setup the Phone Link with my Google Pixel 6a Android Phone running on the Google Fi network. I already have researched the internet for everything posted out there and did everything suggested. Specifically, I have installed/reinstalled all software/updates on PC and Phone. I have gone through all setup instructions with no error/warning messages displayed during setups on either the phone and W

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Garbled Audio Using Phone Link Blue-toothed to Vizio Soundbar

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

It appears that you're encountering audio issues when using Phone Link for phone calls with your new Pixel 7, specifically when connected to your Vizio soundbar or the laptop speakers. This issue seems isolated to Phone Link, as other audio sources work fine with both your soundbar and laptop speakers. Let's explore some troubleshooting steps to help address this problem:

1. Check Phone Link Settings:

• On your laptop, open Phone Link settings and ensure that the audio settings are correctly configured for the soundbar. Confirm that the soundbar is selected as the audio output device for Phone Link.
  

2. Check Sound Settings on Pixel 7:

• On your Pixel 7, navigate to the Bluetooth settings and locate the paired connection with your laptop. Check if there are any specific settings related to call audio routing. Ensure it's set to use the soundbar.
  

3. Update Drivers and Software:

• On your laptop, ensure that your Bluetooth drivers and Phone Link software are up to date. Visit the laptop manufacturer's website and the Phone Link software provider's website to download the latest updates if necessary.
  

4. Test with Other Bluetooth Devices:

• To further isolate the issue, try connecting your Pixel 7 to other Bluetooth audio devices (e.g., headphones, another speaker) and make phone calls to see if the garbled audio issue persists. This can help determine whether the problem is specific to Phone Link or the soundbar.
  

5. Test with a Different Phone:

• If possible, try connecting a different phone to your laptop and soundbar via Phone Link. This can help determine if the issue is indeed related to your Pixel 7 or if it persists across multiple devices.
  

6. Compatibility issue:

• It's possible that there is an incompatibility between the Phone Link feature on your Pixel 7 and the Vizio soundbar. Different devices and software versions can sometimes have compatibility issues, leading to audio problems. In this case, it may be worth checking if there are any firmware updates available for your soundbar or if there are any known compatibility issues between your phone and the soundbar.
  

7. Signal interference:

• Bluetooth signals can be susceptible to interference from other devices or objects. This interference can cause audio quality issues, including garbled sound. Try moving your phone closer to the soundbar or eliminating any potential sources of interference, such as other Bluetooth devices or physical obstructions.
  

8. Bandwidth limitations:

• Bluetooth connections have limited bandwidth, which means they can struggle to handle high-quality audio streams, especially during phone calls. This limitation can result in audio distortion or garbled sound. You can try adjusting the audio quality settings on your phone or soundbar to see if it makes a difference.
  

Please let me know if you need any further assistance. Thank you.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Phone Link vs Samsung Flow vs Samsung Dex?

I found out about the problem when I ran games on the phone using Phone Link. Assuming that the PC is connected to the phone with Phone link On the phone if you look at the Bluetooth settings you will see that:

• Calls = Enabled
• Audio = Not available

However, on the PC if you run Bluetooth Audio Receiver and open a connection to the phone then On the phone if you look at the Bluetooth settings you will see that:

• Calls = Enabled
• Audio = Enabled

 

Poor audio quality after upgrading to Windows 10

Hi Eugene,

As you are facing issues with sound quality after upgrading to Windows 10, do not worry we will help you with this issue.

Provide us additional information to assist you better:

• What is the make and model of your computer?
• Are you referring to sound quality from the computer/ speakers/ headphones?
• Have you installed all the pending updates and drivers updates after upgrading to Windows 10?
• What are the troubleshooting steps you have tried to resolve the issue?

This issue might have occurred due to outdated/ corrupted audio drivers. Let us try the below troubleshooting steps if not yet tried and check if it helps.

Method 1: I suggest you to run the Audio troubleshooter and check if it helps.

try the audio troubleshooter.

Method 2: I suggest you to change the properties of Windows Audio services and check if it helps.

Steps:

• 
  Click Start, type
  Services.msc in the Start Search box.
  
• 
  Scroll down the list of services, right-click
  Windows Audio and select Start.
  
• 
  Select Properties for
  Windows Audio and set its Startup Type to
  Automatic.
  

If the Windows Audio service does not start and you get the error
Error 1068: The dependency service or group failed to start, then make sure that the following services are started and their
Startup Type is set to Automatic.

Method 3: I recommend you to install all the pending updates on your device and check if it helps.

Steps:

• Connect to the internet.
• Press Windows key and type updates.
• Click on Check for updates.
• Under Windows Updates, click on Check for updates.
• Try to install the updates being shown.

Hope it helps. Try the above and update us the status of accessing sound after upgrading to Windows 10 for further assistance.

Thank you.