Headset or microphone not working on console

Two separate problems — no sound, and no voice — with different causes. Work out which you have first.

No sound in the headset

1. Check the output device setting. The console does not always switch automatically. On PS5: Settings → Sound → Audio Output, and set Output Device to the headset. On Xbox: check the audio settings in the guide menu.

2. Check the volume on the headset itself — many have their own wheel, and it is easy to knock to zero.

3. Push the 3.5mm plug all the way in. A plug that is one click short produces no sound or sound in one ear only. This is the most common cause of all.

4. Try the headset on a phone to confirm the headset itself works.

5. Try another headset on the console to confirm the port works.

Sound works but the microphone does not

1. Check it is not muted. Most headsets have a physical mute switch or a mute button on the cable, and the PS5 controller has its own mute button that mutes the microphone independently.

2. Check the input device setting — the console may be listening to the controller''s built-in microphone rather than the headset.

3. Adjust the microphone level in the console sound settings, and use the test feature to confirm it is picking you up.

4. Check the game''s own chat settings. Many games have separate voice settings, and some default to push-to-talk or to team-only chat.

5. Check the boom arm is positioned correctly and, on detachable microphones, that it is fully inserted.

Sound in one ear only

Almost always the plug not fully inserted, or a damaged cable at the plug end — that is where cables fail, from being bent while plugged in. Wiggle the plug gently while audio plays; if the sound cuts in and out, the cable is the fault.

Wireless headset problems

Re-pair it, check it is charged, and confirm the USB dongle is in a console port rather than a hub. On Xbox, note that Xbox uses its own wireless protocol — a headset with a USB dongle made for PlayStation or PC will not connect wirelessly to an Xbox.

See choosing a gaming headset for which headsets work on which console.

If the port is the fault

If no headset works in the controller''s jack but headsets work elsewhere, the jack may be damaged. We repair controllers at all branches except Alexandria, usually within one to three days. Call 16280.