Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePair the speaker with your phone, place or answer the call, then choose the speaker from the call screen’s Audio or Sound menu. For a true two-way speakerphone, the speaker must have a built-in microphone. A speaker without a microphone can play the other person’s voice, but your phone’s microphone must capture what you say.
Can any Bluetooth speaker handle phone calls?
No. Bluetooth music playback and hands-free calling are separate capabilities. A speaker can receive audio from a phone while lacking the microphone and call-control features needed for a conventional speakerphone.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Logitech’s support documentation for the X300 identifies its built-in microphone as the reason it can function as a speakerphone. By contrast, PreSonus says its Ceres BT can play phone audio but has no microphone, so the phone remains the microphone. Your speaker’s manual or specifications should explicitly mention a built-in microphone, speakerphone mode, or phone-call support.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute| Speaker capability | What you hear | What captures your voice | Two-way speakerphone? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth playback only | Caller’s voice through the speaker | Phone microphone | Yes, but it is a mixed setup; the speaker itself is not the microphone |
| Bluetooth speaker with a microphone | Caller’s voice through the speaker | Speaker microphone, when selected by the call app | Usually, provided the phone and app support the call profile |
| Speaker with call buttons | Caller’s voice through the speaker | Speaker microphone | Often, but answer/end controls depend on the phone |
Do not assume that a speaker’s ability to play music proves that it supports calls. The Bluetooth connection can carry output to the speaker while leaving microphone input on the phone.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What you need before pairing
- A charged Bluetooth speaker that is powered on.
- A phone, tablet, or computer with Bluetooth enabled.
- A calling app that can route call audio to an external Bluetooth device.
- A quiet enough location for the microphone to pick up speech clearly.
- If you want the speaker itself to capture your voice, a model whose documentation confirms a built-in microphone and phone-call support.
Pairing button sequences differ by model. Use the speaker’s manual to enter pairing mode rather than assuming that holding one particular button will work. Keep the speaker close enough for the initial pairing and disconnect it from another phone if it is already connected elsewhere.
Pair the speaker and route a call to it
- Charge and switch on the speaker. Put it into Bluetooth pairing mode using the model-specific instructions.
- Open Bluetooth settings on the phone. Select the speaker from the list of available devices and confirm pairing.
- Start or answer a call. The speaker may become the call output automatically, but automatic routing is not guaranteed.
- Open the in-call audio control. Look for Audio, Sound, a speaker icon, or a device selector on the call screen.
- Select the Bluetooth speaker. If the speaker has a microphone, this selection should route both playback and, when supported, microphone input. If it lacks a microphone, select it for playback and continue speaking toward the phone’s microphone.
- Test both directions. Ask the other person whether they can hear you, then confirm that you can hear them through the speaker. Adjust volume on the phone or speaker as needed.
- End the call from the phone if necessary. Physical answer and end buttons on a speaker are not universally supported.
Keep the phone’s microphone out of the speaker’s direct output path when the phone is still providing microphone input. This reduces the chance that the phone will recapture the caller’s voice and create an echo.
Using an iPhone or iPad
Regular phone and FaceTime calls
After pairing, answer or place the call and use the call screen’s audio-routing control to choose the Bluetooth speaker. The exact icon and label can vary between Phone, FaceTime, and iOS versions, so look for the control that lists the iPhone, speaker, or other connected audio devices.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
If the speaker is listed but the other person cannot hear you, check whether the model has a microphone. A playback-only speaker cannot become the microphone merely because it is paired; leave the iPhone microphone unobstructed and speak toward it.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Google Voice on iPhone or iPad
Google Voice lists Bluetooth among its supported audio-device types. During a call, tap Sound and select the connected external device. Google says a connected external device may be selected automatically, but verify the selection instead of assuming that every call will use it.
Using an Android phone
Pair the speaker through Android’s Bluetooth settings, then select it from the in-call audio menu. Google’s Android help for Google Voice also documents Bluetooth audio and choosing the device during a call. Menu names and locations can vary by manufacturer and app version; the relevant control is usually labeled Audio, Speaker, or Bluetooth.
Some Android phones show a separate Bluetooth device button only after a call is connected. If you do not see the speaker before answering, answer first and inspect the active-call controls. If it is still absent, disconnect and reconnect the speaker, then reopen the call’s audio selector.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Making calls from a Windows PC with Phone Link
Microsoft Phone Link can make and receive calls on a Windows PC through a paired Android or iOS phone over Bluetooth. This is different from pairing the speaker directly with the phone: the PC and phone must maintain their own Bluetooth connection, and the PC must have a suitable audio output and microphone route.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Pair the phone with Windows through Phone Link. Follow the pairing and permission prompts in Phone Link.
- Enable Bluetooth on both the phone and PC. Microsoft states that PC calling will not work when Bluetooth is unavailable or turned off.
- Grant requested permissions. Android calling requires the permissions requested by Phone Link; without them, calls may fail or call audio may be unavailable.
- Pair the Bluetooth speaker with the PC. In Windows Bluetooth settings, add the speaker as an audio device.
- Place or answer the call in Phone Link. In Windows sound controls, choose the Bluetooth speaker for output and the appropriate microphone for input.
- Check both routes. If the speaker has no microphone, select the PC’s or phone’s microphone instead. If the speaker has a microphone, confirm that Windows exposes it as an available input device.
Phone Link depends on the phone model, operating-system permissions, Bluetooth state, and the selected Windows audio devices. A speaker that works directly with the phone may not work until Windows assigns its output and input correctly.
Apple HomePod is a separate call-routing feature
HomePod call routing should not be treated as generic Bluetooth-speaker behavior. Apple’s documented feature requires the iPhone and HomePod to use the same Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth to be enabled, and Transfer to HomePod to be turned on. During a Phone or FaceTime call, choose HomePod from the audio menu.
This workflow uses Apple’s HomePod integration rather than ordinary Bluetooth pairing. A standard Bluetooth speaker does not gain HomePod’s transfer behavior simply by being connected to an iPhone.
How microphone and speaker routing actually work
A speaker with a microphone
A supported speakerphone presents both an output path for the caller’s voice and an input path for your voice. The call app must select those paths. If it selects only the speaker output, you may hear the caller while the phone continues using its own microphone.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
A speaker without a microphone
The phone remains the input device. Place the phone where its microphone can hear you, but avoid putting it directly in front of the speaker. Loud output can be picked up by the phone and sent back to the caller as echo or feedback. PreSonus specifically notes that its Ceres BT has no microphone and that its inputs do not transmit audio to the Bluetooth connection.
Speaker buttons and call control
Buttons labeled answer, end, or multifunction are not guaranteed to work with every handset. Logitech notes that some mobile devices do not support call control from the speaker. If a button does nothing, use the phone’s on-screen controls; this does not necessarily mean that the speaker’s audio path is broken.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting common failures
The caller cannot hear you
- Confirm that the speaker has a built-in microphone and explicit phone-call support.
- Open the in-call audio menu and select the speaker rather than only pairing it in system Bluetooth settings.
- If the speaker has no microphone, switch input to the phone or another microphone device and speak toward it.
- Check that the calling app has microphone permission.
- Move away from loud background noise and avoid covering the phone or speaker microphone.
You can hear the caller only through the phone
- Open Audio or Sound during the active call and choose the connected speaker.
- If it is not listed, turn the speaker off and on, reconnect it in Bluetooth settings, and check the call menu again.
- End other calls or media sessions that may be holding the Bluetooth audio connection.
- Do not assume automatic selection; Google Voice may select an external device automatically, but other apps may leave audio on the phone.
The speaker is paired but the call still uses the phone microphone
Pairing establishes a device relationship; it does not always determine the active call input. Inspect the call screen’s audio selector and choose the speaker explicitly. If the speaker has no microphone, using the phone microphone is expected behavior rather than a fault.
There is echo or feedback
- Move the phone out of the speaker’s direct output path when the phone microphone is in use.
- Lower speaker volume until the phone no longer recaptures the caller’s voice.
- Place the speaker and phone farther apart, while keeping the phone close enough for clear speech pickup.
- Use a speaker with built-in echo control if you need reliable room calling; verify that feature in the model’s documentation rather than assuming it.
The speaker’s answer or end button does nothing
Call-control compatibility is handset-dependent. Answer and end the call from the phone, and continue using the speaker for audio if that route works.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Phone Link calls fail on Windows
- Verify Bluetooth is enabled on both the PC and phone.
- Confirm that Phone Link has the Android permissions it requested.
- Check that the phone remains connected to the PC, not merely to the speaker.
- In Windows sound settings, choose the intended Bluetooth speaker as output and a valid microphone as input.
How to improve clarity during a speakerphone call
- Put the speaker on a stable surface with its microphone openings unobstructed.
- Speak toward the microphone from a consistent distance instead of moving around the room.
- Keep music, videos, and notification sounds paused while calling.
- Use the lowest volume that still lets everyone hear the conversation; excessive volume increases the chance of echo when the phone supplies the microphone.
- For a group call, position the speaker near the participants rather than beside a wall or inside a cabinet.
- Test with a short call before relying on the setup for an important conversation.
What to look for when buying a speaker for calls
If your existing speaker lacks a microphone, search for a Bluetooth speakerphone or a Bluetooth speaker with a built-in microphone and explicit phone-call support. Compare the following capabilities instead of judging by music specifications alone.
| Feature | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone presence | Determines whether the speaker can capture your voice | The manual or specifications should state that a microphone is built in |
| Call compatibility | Music playback does not guarantee call support | Look for speakerphone, hands-free calling, or phone-call support |
| Microphone pickup | Affects how clearly people hear you | Check the documented pickup design or coverage; do not infer a distance from speaker size |
| App and phone compatibility | Some apps expose different audio controls | Confirm support for your phone, operating system, and calling app |
| In-call routing | Determines whether output and input can be selected separately | Verify that the call screen can select the device |
| Answer/end controls | Convenient, but not universal | Check compatibility notes for your handset |
Logitech’s X300 is a documented example of a speaker with a built-in microphone that can function as a speakerphone; its documentation does not establish that it is the best or most current choice. For room-scale business calls, a conference speakerphone may be more appropriate, but microphone coverage, pricing, and availability vary by model and should be verified before purchase. Google says it has partnered with manufacturers to test and certify headsets and speakerphones for Google Voice.
When the phone microphone is the better choice
Use the phone microphone when the speaker is playback-only, when the speaker’s microphone sounds worse, or when the call app does not expose the speaker’s input. Keep the phone close enough for clear speech, turn down speaker volume if you hear echo, and avoid placing the phone directly in front of the speaker.
For private calls, a headset may prevent room audio from being overheard. For a group conversation, a purpose-built speakerphone with documented microphone and call support is generally more predictable than trying to make a music-only speaker handle two-way audio.
Quick Recap
Quick decision checklist
- Need only louder caller audio? Pair any compatible Bluetooth speaker and select it in the call’s audio menu.
- Need hands-free two-way conversation? Choose a speaker with a built-in microphone and explicit speakerphone support.
- Caller cannot hear you? Check the active input device, not just the Bluetooth pairing status.
- Buttons do not answer calls? Use the phone; call-control support varies by handset.
- Calling from Windows? Keep the phone-to-PC Phone Link Bluetooth connection active and assign the speaker and microphone in Windows.
- Using HomePod? Follow Apple’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Transfer to HomePod requirements rather than treating it as ordinary Bluetooth routing.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
