How Can I Stop My Bluetooth Headphones From Dying Without Warning?

Why Won’t My Bluetooth Device Show Battery Levels in Windows 11?

I’ve been using Bluetooth devices for years, and nothing’s more frustrating than when my headphones die during an important call. Let me share the methods I’ve discovered to track your Bluetooth device battery levels in Windows 11.

Why Checking Bluetooth Battery Matters

Your wireless headphones, mouse, or keyboard can shut down without warning. I learned this the hard way during a video conference when my headset died mid-presentation. Now I always monitor my device batteries to avoid these embarrassing moments.

Windows 11 gives you several ways to check battery levels. Some work better than others, depending on your device and preferences.

Method 1: Using Windows 11 Built-in Settings

This is my go-to method because it’s simple and already on your computer.

1. Press Win+I to open Settings. This keyboard shortcut saves time compared to clicking through menus.
2. Click “Bluetooth & devices” in the left sidebar. You’ll see all your connected devices here.
3. Look for battery percentages next to your connected devices. If your device supports battery reporting, you’ll see the percentage right away.
4. Click “Devices” for more details. This shows a complete list of paired devices with their battery levels.

The catch? Not all devices show battery information. Older Bluetooth devices or cheaper models might not support this feature. If you don’t see a percentage, your device probably doesn’t share battery data with Windows.

Method 2: Third-Party Apps for System Tray Display

I prefer seeing battery levels in my system tray for quick glances. Windows doesn’t do this natively, but third-party apps fill this gap perfectly.

Popular Options:

• Bluetooth Battery Level (available in Microsoft Store for about $1)
• Bluetooth Battery Monitor from Bluetooth Goodies
• BluetoothLEBatteryMonitor (free GitHub project)

Setup Process:

1. Download your chosen app from a trusted source. I recommend Bluetooth Battery Level from the Microsoft Store because it integrates seamlessly with Windows 11.
2. Install and launch the application. It automatically detects your connected Bluetooth devices.
3. Configure notification settings. Most apps let you set low battery alerts, so you get warned before your device dies.

These tools work great for people who use multiple Bluetooth devices or want constant visibility of battery levels. The paid apps usually offer better features and reliability than free alternatives.

Method 3: PowerShell Script Method

For tech-savvy users, PowerShell offers more control over battery monitoring.

1. Open PowerShell as administrator. Right-click the Start button and select “Windows Terminal (Admin).”
2. Enable script execution:

   Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope Process

3. Use this script template (replace “Your Device Name” with your actual device name):

   $BTDeviceFriendlyName = "Your Device Name"
   $BTHDevices = Get-PnpDevice -FriendlyName "*$($BTDeviceFriendlyName)*"
   if ($BTHDevices) {
   $BatteryLevels = foreach ($Device in $BTHDevices) {
   $BatteryProperty = Get-PnpDeviceProperty -InstanceId $Device.InstanceId -KeyName '{104EA319-6EE2-4701-BD47-8DDBF425BBE5} 2' |
   Where-Object { $_.Type -ne 'Empty' } |
   Select-Object -ExpandProperty Data
   if ($BatteryProperty) {
   $BatteryProperty
   }
   }
   if ($BatteryLevels) {
   Write-Host "Battery Level of $($BTDeviceFriendlyName): $BatteryLevels %"
   } else {
   Write-Host "No battery level information found for $($BTDeviceFriendlyName) devices."
   }
   } else {
   Write-Host "Bluetooth device not found."
   }

4. Run the script to see battery percentage in the console window.

This method works well for automation or custom monitoring setups, but requires PowerShell knowledge.

Device Compatibility Issues

Here’s what I’ve learned about device compatibility:

• Newer devices (2018 and later) usually support battery reporting
• Apple devices like AirPods work well with Windows battery monitoring
• Gaming headsets from major brands typically support this feature
• Older devices or budget models might not share battery data
• Proprietary protocols from some manufacturers block battery reporting

If your device doesn’t show battery levels, check for firmware updates from the manufacturer. Sometimes updates add Windows compatibility.

My Recommendations

For most people, I recommend starting with Windows Settings. It’s free, built-in, and works with many devices.

If you want system tray visibility, invest in Bluetooth Battery Level from the Microsoft Store. The $1 cost is worth the convenience and reliable performance.

PowerShell scripts work best for advanced users who want automation or custom alerts.

Troubleshooting Tips

When battery levels don’t appear:

• Disconnect and reconnect your Bluetooth device
• Check for Windows updates
• Update your device drivers
• Verify your device actually supports battery reporting
• Try a different monitoring method

Keeping track of Bluetooth battery levels prevents those awkward moments when devices die unexpectedly. Choose the method that fits your comfort level and workflow needs.