How to Fix a Gaming Headset Mic

Communication with other players is vital in many gaming sessions, so you need to know how to fix a gaming headset mic if yours stops working. The best gaming headsets feature a built-in microphone that is mutable and easily connected to your device.

However, some of these models can have connection, compatibility, and device selection issues. Read on to find out how to fix some of these problems. Also, if you want to adjust the audio you hear, you can check out how to equalize a gaming headset.

Ways To Fix A Microphone On A Gaming Headset

First, make sure your headset microphone is not muted. This setting often gets turned on and forgotten, causing people to believe they’re experiencing microphone issues. Next, ensure your wire or USB dongle is fully inserted into the USB or audio port. Finally, check for an update for your computer, console, or headset drivers.

If you are still experiencing problems with others hearing you through your microphone, check out some solutions below. Also, if you are having trouble with your gaming headset’s battery, learn how to fix the charging port for gaming headset wireless.

Method 1: Compatibility with a Cable

• Time to Complete: 3 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Tools Needed:
  • Computer, laptop, or phone
  • Controller (if you play on console)
  • Gaming headset cable

STEP 1

Google your gaming device or computer.

STEP 2

Find information regarding the audio jack. This will tell you whether you have a three- or four-pin jack, determining how the headset handles sound. Many older model computers feature a three-pin jack, while a newer product may have a four-pin one.

STEP 3

Check how many pins your mic cable includes. The manufacturer’s website is likely to have more information than the user’s guide for your headset, so this option would be better. However, you might also find the number of pins on your cable in a product description. Also, you might be able to tell from the number of lines or insets on your headset’s cable.

STEP 4

Compare your headphone jack to the number of pins on your cable. If the two do not match, you may need a headset adapter that converts three-pin to four-pin or vice versa.

Method 2: Input Device on Console

• Time to Complete: 3 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Tools Needed:
  • PlayStation or Xbox console
  • Controller
  • Gaming headset cable or USB dongle

STEP 1

Connect your gaming headset using the USB dongle or the audio cable.

STEP 2

Open your home screen or console menu.

STEP 3

Select “Settings” and find the “Audio Devices” option. If you are using an Xbox, you will find this under “Profile & system,” “Settings,” and “General.”

STEP 4

Select your headset for both your output and input default device.

STEP 5

Make sure you are not muted. If you have a PlayStation, you will see a symbol that shows a microphone with a line through it. For both consoles, you should be able to tell if you’re muted from the settings menu. In addition, the PlayStation 5 controller has a mute button for easy access while you game. So if you see an orange light on your DualShock 5, you are muted and can unmute by pressing this button.

STEP 6

Test your microphone. If you can’t hear yourself, try moving the bar to the right to increase the microphone sensitivity and volume. You may have a faulty cable or headphone jack if you still can’t hear yourself after these solutions.

Method 3: Windows Microphone Access

• Time to Complete: 3 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Tools Needed:
  • Gaming headset with the connection method
  • Mouse (optional if you have a trackpad)
  • Windows computer or laptop

STEP 1

Go into your “Start” menu by clicking on the Windows icon.

STEP 2

Search for “Settings” or “Control Panel.” You can either find these options in the applications menu or simply type the words.

STEP 3

Select “Privacy & Security” and “Microphone.” This button will open your microphone settings, and you should see the apps that have access to your microphone.

STEP 4

Turn on “Allow apps to access your microphone.” If you recently updated your computer or laptop, this setting may have been added without your knowledge. However, this step will only adjust the access for non-desktop apps.

STEP 5

For desktop apps, turn on “Let desktop apps access your microphone.” Note: You cannot turn off access for specific desktop apps. If your teammates still cannot hear you, make sure you aren’t muted.

STEP 6

Go to “Sound” in the settings menu or control panel. You should see more sound-related functionality settings here that do not provide microphone access.

STEP 7

Right-click on your device in the “Recording” tab and ensure it is the default recording device. To suit your voice, you may need to adjust the microphone volume under the levels tab under the “Properties” option.

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