Pop! OS - No Output to Line Out When Other Audio Output Devices Connected

Pop! OS is a popular Linux distribution that offers a user-friendly interface and a seamless experience for both beginners and advanced users. However, some users have reported an issue where there is no output to the Line Out audio port when other audio output devices are connected. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this problem and provide some solutions to help you resolve it.

1. Check the audio settings

The first step in troubleshooting this issue is to check the audio settings on your Pop! OS system. Follow these steps:

1. Click on the volume icon located on the top right corner of the screen.
2. Select "Sound Settings" from the dropdown menu.
3. Under the "Output" tab, make sure that the correct audio device is selected as the default output device.
4. If the Line Out option is available, select it as the default output device. If it's not available, proceed to the next step.

2. Update your system

Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues, including audio problems. To ensure that your system is up to date, follow these steps:

1. Open the "Settings" application from the Applications menu.
2. Click on "Software & Updates".
3. Under the "Updates" tab, click on "Check for Updates".
4. If updates are available, click on "Install Now" to update your system.
5. After the update is complete, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

3. Install additional audio drivers

In some cases, the default audio drivers may not be compatible with your hardware, causing the Line Out issue. To install additional audio drivers, follow these steps:

1. Open the Terminal application by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard.
2. Enter the following command to update the package lists: sudo apt update
3. After the update is complete, enter the following command to install additional audio drivers: sudo apt install pavucontrol
4. Once the installation is finished, launch the PulseAudio Volume Control application by searching for "PulseAudio Volume Control" in the Applications menu.
5. Under the "Output Devices" tab, check if the Line Out option is available. If it's available, select it as the default output device. If it's not available, proceed to the next step.

4. Disable automatic audio device switching

Pop! OS has a feature that automatically switches the audio output device based on the connected hardware. This feature may cause conflicts and result in the Line Out issue. To disable automatic audio device switching, follow these steps:

1. Open the Terminal application by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard.
2. Enter the following command to open the PulseAudio configuration file: sudo nano /etc/pulse/default.pa
3. Find the line that starts with load-module module-switch-on-connect and add a # at the beginning of the line to comment it out.
4. Press Ctrl + X to exit the file, then press Y to save the changes.
5. Restart your computer and check if the Line Out issue is resolved.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of no output to the Line Out audio port when other audio output devices are connected in Pop! OS. If the problem persists, it's recommended to seek further assistance from the Pop! OS community forums or consult a technical expert.

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