Bluetooth Headphones Error Code 401 Fix: Turning It Off and On Again, but Funnier

We’ve all been there—ready to hit play on our favorite playlist, and suddenly our Bluetooth headphones throw error code 401 at us. The fastest way to fix Bluetooth headphone error code 401? Just reset your headphones, remove them from your device’s Bluetooth list, and pair them again.

It sounds almost too easy, but honestly, it works for most of us who’ve tangled with this annoying glitch.

If we got a dollar every time error code 401 popped up, we’d probably have enough to buy headphones that fix themselves.

It’s frustrating when things refuse to connect. We want music, not error codes and beeps. Stick around—let’s walk through the steps to get your tunes back and maybe keep our sanity, too.

Understanding Bluetooth Headphones Error Code 401

When our Bluetooth headphones decide they don’t want to connect and flash a 401 error, it feels like they joined some secret club and left us outside.

To get back in and listen to our music, we need to figure out what this code means and why it’s showing up.

What Is Error Code 401?

Error code 401 isn’t trying to be mysterious. It’s just saying, “You’re unauthorized.” Something’s blocking our Bluetooth headphones from connecting to our device.

Technically, 401 is an HTTP error for “not authorized,” but in Bluetooth land, it’s still about being denied access.

Our headphones aren’t plotting against us—they’re just following the rules. They act like strict hall monitors, keeping us out until everything checks out.

No secret password? No music. That’s error 401 in a nutshell.

Common Causes of Error Code 401

Pretty much everyone with Bluetooth headphones runs into error 401 at some point. The usual suspects look something like this:

• Old or corrupt Bluetooth drivers—our device might just need an update.
• Device pairing problems—sometimes headphones try to connect to the wrong device or get stuck in pairing mode.
• Outdated software—that update we’ve been ignoring could be the fix we need.
• Permission issues—sometimes our device blocks the headphones because permissions are turned off.

If we think a driver or update is the problem, updating drivers and software often clears the way.

How Error 401 Impacts Bluetooth Connectivity

When error code 401 shows up, it blocks us—completely. Our headphones won’t play music, and they usually refuse to connect at all.

Sometimes the device keeps trying and failing to pair. We might see repeated disconnects, a never-ending “connecting” message, or just a blunt error telling us to try again.

Other times, our device pretends the headphones don’t even exist. It’s like shouting into the Bluetooth void.

And it’s not just music—calls, video chats, even basic audio controls stop working until we sort out Bluetooth connection problems. Our fancy wireless headphones suddenly turn into earmuffs.

Initial Troubleshooting for Error Code 401

Before we blame the universe for our Bluetooth issues, let’s try a few simple things. A quick reset or checking a setting often scares error code 401 away.

Try Turning Bluetooth Off and On Again

Sometimes our devices just need a quick refresh. Turning Bluetooth off and then on again can clear up small glitches faster than you’d expect.

Here’s what we do:

• Open Bluetooth settings on your phone or computer.
• Switch Bluetooth off. Wait for about ten seconds—counting out loud is optional but adds a bit of drama.
• Turn Bluetooth back on and see if our headphones show up.

If error code 401 is still hanging around, restart the device itself. That often wipes out any weird problems hiding in the background.

Some Bluetooth stacks are just stubborn. If nothing changes, delete the headphones from the list of paired devices and add them again. It’s like hitting reset on an awkward first meeting.

Verify Headphones Are in Pairing Mode

Let’s not forget—our headphones need to be in pairing mode to connect. If they aren’t, our device won’t even see them.

To check this:

• Make sure the headphones are powered on.
• Look for the blinking light—usually blue, sometimes red, sometimes both (hey, style matters).
• If the lights start looking like Morse code, check the manual for our model.

Some headphones want us to hold the power button or press a Bluetooth button for a few seconds. Get the timing right, and they’ll show up in our available devices.

Missing this step is a classic mistake. If the headphones aren’t in pairing mode, they’ll stay invisible—and error 401 becomes almost inevitable.

Advanced Bluetooth Connection Fixes

Let’s roll up our sleeves and tackle Bluetooth headphones error code 401 head-on. Sometimes we just want our headphones to work, but technology has other plans.

Remove and Re-Pair Your Device

Sometimes, our Bluetooth devices just need a clean slate. Remove the headphones from your device list and add them back—it’s like a breakup and a reunion, hopefully minus the drama.

Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices on Windows. Find your headphones, click them, and choose Remove device. Turn the headphones off and back on.

Now let’s reconnect. Use “Add Bluetooth or other device” and pair them again. This can reset weird settings or clear up connection hiccups.

Honestly, we’ve found this removal and re-pairing method works more often than not.

Check for Interference and Airplane Mode

Bluetooth can be a little sensitive. If something’s blocking the signal, our headphones might just refuse to pair.

Check for interference—move the headphones and adapter away from other electronics. Keep them close, like best friends at a party.

Double-check that Airplane Mode isn’t on. Airplane mode blocks Bluetooth instantly.

On Windows, open the Action Center and make sure Airplane Mode is off. It’s easy to forget, especially when we’re in a rush.

Cutting down interference and checking airplane mode can make a world of difference. Sometimes it feels like magic, but it’s just good troubleshooting.

Update and Repair Bluetooth Drivers

Bluetooth drivers love to remind us they exist—usually when things break. If error 401 pops up, let’s get hands-on and update, repair, or reinstall the driver.

Update Bluetooth Driver in Windows 11

Let’s start by updating the Bluetooth driver in Windows 11.

1. Right-click the Start button and pick Device Manager.
2. Find Bluetooth in the list and click the arrow to open it.
3. Right-click your Bluetooth device and pick Update driver.

A new window appears. Choose “Search automatically for drivers.” Windows will search online for the latest version.

If Windows says you’re up to date, check the manufacturer’s website. They sometimes post updates before Windows notices. If updating doesn’t help, don’t worry—we still have a few tricks left. Microsoft’s guide on fixing Bluetooth problems in Windows has more details if you need them.

Update Bluetooth Drivers on Windows 10

Updating Bluetooth drivers in Windows 10 is pretty similar, but the menus sometimes like to hide.

• Click the Start menu, type Device Manager, and hit Enter.
• Open the Bluetooth section.
• Right-click your Bluetooth adapter (names vary—maybe “Intel Wireless Bluetooth” or “Realtek Bluetooth Adapter”) and select Update driver.

Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.” Cross your fingers. If nothing happens, check the manufacturer’s site for the right driver for Windows 10.

Downloading the wrong one is like trying to fit a square peg in a round headphone jack. (We’ve all been there.)

Uninstall and Reinstall Bluetooth Adapter

If updating doesn’t work, maybe it’s time for a fresh start. Uninstall and reinstall the Bluetooth adapter.

In Device Manager, right-click your Bluetooth adapter and choose Uninstall device. If it asks to delete the driver, check the box to be thorough.

Restart your computer. Windows should notice the missing adapter and reinstall the basic driver on its own.

Sometimes it really is that simple. Other times, you’ll need to grab the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website. If things are still stuck, at least we’ve given our computer a little wake-up call. For more step-by-step advice, check out this Reddit thread about Bluetooth driver troubleshooting.

Bluetooth Troubleshooting Tools

Bluetooth problems can be more stubborn than a cat refusing to leave your keyboard. When those pesky error codes pop up, two tools usually come to the rescue: the Bluetooth Troubleshooter and Bluetooth Support Services.

These options live inside Windows and often fix headphone connection issues without us having to lose our minds.

Use the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

The Bluetooth Troubleshooter acts like a detective for our wireless gear. It checks settings, hunts for bad drivers, and tries to squash common errors—like that infamous error code 401.

To use the Bluetooth Troubleshooter on Windows, just:

1. Go to Settings
2. Pick System -> Troubleshoot
3. Click Other troubleshooters
4. Hit Run next to Bluetooth

Windows then pokes around for hidden issues and lets us know if it finds anything odd, like interference or driver glitches.

Sometimes, we just follow the steps, click ‘Next’ a few times, and hope for the best—problem solved, maybe.

You don’t have to be a tech wizard here. The Troubleshooter guides us, points out glitches, and suggests basic solutions we can handle, like re-pairing headphones or updating drivers.

If you want to dig deeper, check out the official Microsoft Bluetooth problems guide.

Restart Bluetooth Support Services

If the Troubleshooter throws up its hands, it’s time to nudge the Bluetooth Support Service—the unsung hero in the background.

Sometimes, it just needs a good old-fashioned restart, kind of like us before that first coffee.

Here’s what we do:

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
• Scroll to Bluetooth Support Service (sometimes called Bluetooth User Support Service or just Bluetooth Support).
• Right-click and choose Restart.

This reboot clears out the cobwebs and usually gets things moving again. If you want to be thorough, set the Startup type to Automatic so it runs every time the computer boots up.

Double-check that it’s started—if it’s off, Bluetooth will just refuse to work, and nobody wants that.

It’s fast, painless, and doesn’t require a PhD in computer science. These steps are classic fixes for Bluetooth connection problems in Windows and get us back to music without wires (or meltdowns).

Resolving Audio Gateway and Support Service Issues

Fixing error code 401 isn’t magic, but it can feel like it sometimes. The problem often lurks with our Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service or Bluetooth User Support Service.

Sometimes, Windows just likes to play hide and seek with these services, making us think our headphones are toast.

Fix Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service

Let’s check the Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service first. This service sends our audio to Bluetooth headsets.

If it stops, our music or calls disappear faster than socks in the dryer.

If sound keeps vanishing, restart this service. Here’s how:

1. Press Win + R and type services.msc.
2. Find Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service.
3. Right-click and hit Restart.

Sometimes, you might need to do this more than once, especially after updates or crashes.

Setting the startup type to “Automatic” in service properties can help keep it running. If it’s still acting up, Microsoft shares advice for fixing Bluetooth audio issues on Windows 10.

Check Bluetooth User Support Service

Now, the Bluetooth User Support Service deserves a look. Think of it as the backstage crew—without it, the headset might connect but stay silent.

To check if it’s napping:

• Open the Services list the same way.
• Find Bluetooth User Support Service.
• If it’s not running, right-click and hit Start. If it keeps stopping, set it to Automatic.

If things still aren’t working, try restarting both Bluetooth Support Service and Bluetooth User Support Service. Reinstalling Bluetooth drivers or re-pairing the device can also help, as explained in this guide to Bluetooth audio problems on Windows 11.

Who knew headphones could be so needy?

Identifying Potential Hardware Issues

Before blaming the internet or the cat, let’s check if the problem is closer to home—a glitchy pair of headphones or a stubborn Bluetooth adapter.

Sometimes, even our favorite gadgets need a checkup.

Test Headphones with Another Device

Let’s see if our Bluetooth headphones are just being difficult. Try pairing them with another device—a friend’s phone, a tablet, or that old laptop gathering dust.

• If they work elsewhere, our original device is probably to blame.
• If they refuse to connect to anything, we’ve found the troublemaker.

Make sure Bluetooth is actually on (we’ve all forgotten), and confirm the headphones are charged and in pairing mode. Otherwise, they’ll just ignore us, like a cat at bath time.

If the headphones work with one device but not another, something in the settings or drivers might be tripping us up.

Sometimes, “forget” the device and re-pair from scratch. As a last resort, try a factory reset—just remember, that clears all pairings.

Examine the Bluetooth Adapter for Faults

If you’re using a computer, especially a desktop, the Bluetooth adapter might be the hidden villain. Some PCs have built-in adapters, but others rely on a tiny USB stick that’s easy to overlook (or accidentally unplug).

Check that the adapter is plugged in tightly. Sometimes, just reseating the USB adapter does the trick.

If it’s built in, make sure it’s enabled in device settings. A quick peek at the device manager will show if it’s working or if Windows has marked it with a grumpy yellow triangle.

Try the adapter in a different USB port or on another computer to rule out hardware failure. If it still won’t cooperate, you might need a replacement.

Some folks have fixed their Bluetooth issues by swapping to a new Nano adapter, and suddenly everything works—no magic wand required.

Preventing Future Bluetooth Headphone Errors

We all want our Bluetooth headphones to work every time we hit play. To keep errors away, let’s focus on what really helps: keeping our drivers up to date and using the best Bluetooth settings.

Maintain Updated Drivers and Software

Outdated Bluetooth drivers ruin a good playlist faster than you’d think. Updates aren’t just annoying pop-ups—they’re actually important.

Think of them as “vitamins” for our headphones; they keep everything running smoothly.

For Windows users, open Device Manager, find your Bluetooth device, and select Update Driver. Many headphone brands also offer apps or websites for firmware updates.

Fresh software tackles bugs, boosts performance, and helps prevent errors like code 401 from wrecking your jam session. You’ll find more tips in this guide to fixing Bluetooth headphone problems.

Let’s be real—nobody loves updating drivers. But the alternative? Living with random disconnects and “Bluetooth headset not found” messages. Nobody wants that.

Use Recommended Bluetooth Settings

Picking good Bluetooth settings matters almost as much as picking your playlist. Most devices let you toggle things like “Allow Bluetooth devices to connect” or “Show notifications to connect using Swift Pair,” which can make connecting smoother.

Try turning off power-saving modes—they love to boot headphones offline just to squeeze out a bit more battery. Staying close to your device helps too. Honestly, Bluetooth hates long-distance relationships.

If you ever reset your headphones or pair them again, just follow the manufacturer’s steps. It usually saves a lot of hassle. Tweaking these settings can really dodge the usual headaches, as you’ll see in this advice for troubleshooting Bluetooth headphones.

Treat Bluetooth settings like those instructions on instant noodles—easy to skim, but wow, things go better if you actually check them.