Why is audio not playing through the correct device?

If you’re unable to hear instructions, alerts, or audio playback during your Talview test, your audio output may be routed to the wrong device. This commonly happens when headphones, Bluetooth devices, or external monitors are connected. Misrouted audio can affect audio- or video-based questions and disrupt your test flow.

In this article, you’ll learn why this happens and how to fix it quickly.

✅ Common Causes and Fixes

What Might Be Wrong	What You Can Do
Audio is playing through a different device	Check and set the correct output device in your system settings
Bluetooth device is connected but inactive	Turn Bluetooth off temporarily or reconnect the headphones properly
HDMI monitor with no speakers is selected	Switch output from the monitor to internal speakers or headset
Output device was unplugged mid-test	Replug your headset or speakers and reselect them in the output list
Browser or OS audio settings are misconfigured	Restart your browser and verify permissions for sound output

🛠 How to Check Output Settings

On Windows:

1. Click the 🔊 Sound icon in the taskbar
2. Click the arrow next to the volume slider
3. Select your preferred output device (e.g., Headphones, Speakers)

On Mac:

1. Go to System Settings → Sound
2. Under Output, select your desired device (e.g., MacBook Speakers, USB Headphones)
3. Adjust the volume slider if

🌐 Final Check: Audio Working?

Once your device is selected:

• Play any sound or system audio to verify it’s working
• Rejoin your Talview test link and check if the test audio plays
• Make sure your volume is not muted

Additional Tips

• Disconnect all extra audio devices (Bluetooth, HDMI) and use only one output device
• Refresh the Talview test page after switching audio devices
• Avoid using screen-sharing apps or conferencing tools during the test — they can interfere with audio routes