Why is my mic not working on PS4?
PS4 microphone is usually purchased separately and contains one too many functions. Therefore, when you see that the mic not working on PS4, then it’s better to first look at what could be the reason behind it.
Here are the causes for your mic to stop working on PS4:
- Check the audio settings: This issue is more common than you think. You’ll have to go over the party chat, mic gain, and the mic level options to ensure your ps4 microphone not working problem is not because of using the monoaural mic or headset.
- Check the PS4 firmware: Have you missed out on any PS4 updates? Sometimes, this causes your console to lose network capabilities. In the case that you use a modded console or game, you may find issues with it.
- Check your hardware: Your PS4 mic needs constant care, especially since its components – such as the ports, plugs, cables, and built-in audio chips – are prone to breaking. You’ll need to scan your mic and check signs of damage, including loose parts, dirt, and rust.
- Check the NAT issues: Let’s say you’re in the middle of a game, and you realize your PS4 mic is not working, but you can hear your friends. This may be because of NAT issues. NAT is mainly a set of rules limiting your community features on your PS4.
How to fix PS4 mic not working?
Now that you know the potential problems that could lead to your PS4 mic not working, it’ll be easier to find a solution.
Here are the steps to fix your PS4 microphone not working:
1. Check the hardware
PS4 microphone not working could be the fault of your hardware. In order to troubleshoot, you would need to check:
Your Headset
Once you are sure your headset’s ports and cables are in order, you can plug the cables into the right ports and ensure that there are no obstacles or dust inside the ports to cause obstruction.
Your Mic Boom
Troubleshoot your device through the following steps:
- Ensure that your mic boom is not loose. You can first unplug the headset from your controller and then the mic boom by pulling it out of the headset. Now re-plug your headset back into your controller.
- Test out your PS4 mic and headset with another device. If it works fine, then move on to more solutions.
- Chances are that your mic boom may be the problem which means that you’ll need a replacement. You can also try to:
- First, connect your headset and mic to the PS4 controller.
- Then, unplug your microphone from your controller but not all the way. Plug it back until you hear the buzzing.
- Test out your PS4 mic once again.
2. Check sound card driver
If you fail to update the sound card driver, your PC and your mic may have trouble with communication resulting in your Ps4 mic not working. You can update your driver manually by:
- Open the mic manufacturer’s website.
- Now search for the latest sound driver which is appropriate for your device.
- Install it.
3. PS4 mic settings
If your mic boom and headset are both working fine, you can move on to checking the PS4 configuration to ensure that isn’t the reason behind your PS4 mic not working. Here are the steps you can take:
- Open PS4 Settings, then go to the tab named Devices.
- In that tab, select Audio Devices. You can now click on Input Device.
- Here, an option will open up named headset connected to the controller. Click it.
- Now, open the Output Device and select the headset connected to the controller.
- You can now press Volume Control (Headphones) and set the volume level to maximum.
- Click on the Output to headphones and select All Audio.
- Select Adjust Microphone Level and allow the wizard to calibrate your microphone.
Note that if the Adjust Microphone Level shows the mic, then it means your headset and mic are working fine.
4. PC audio settings
The first thing you have to do is plug your microphone into another computer and see if it works properly. If your PS4 mic is not working, then here are the steps you can follow:
- In your PC’s microphone jack, plug in your PS4 mic.
- Right-click your Speaker Icon present on the bottom right of your desktop.
- In the tab that opens up, select Sound or Recording Devices.
- Now, click on the recording tab present in the Sound pane and set your mic as default by clicking on the Set Default.
- Save the changes by clicking on OK.
- Head over to the Sound pane and click on the Recording tab
- First, select the default mic, then click on the Properties button.
- Head over to the Levels tab and slide the microphone along with the Microphone Boost to either high or medium. This will unmute your mic.
- Click on OK to save the changes.
5. Party chat settings
Another reason your PS4 microphone is not working could be because of the party chat. You can check this by:
- Head on to the Party option and select Party Settings.
- Click on the Chat Audio.
- Here, you can select Prioritize Party Chat or Prioritize Game Chat.
6. PS4 firmware update
If you don’t update your PS4 often, it tends to lose the PSN features. You can update it by:
- Go to Settings and select the System Software Update.
- Select the option named Update Now.
- If an update is available, press Next, then click on Accept.
- The process will take a few hours, and once it’s complete, restart your PS4 console and check the mic.
7. Checking mic settings
If your PS4 mic not working, you can check the settings on your PS4. You can do this by:
- Go to Settings and select Sound and Screen.
- Move to the tab named Audio output Settings.
- You’ll also find Chat Audio which would be Gray if the console doesn’t identify the mic.
- Double-check the cord to get a better connection.
8. Nat settings
The NAT or Network Address Translation represents the level of the public IP address that translates the information onto a private IP. In the case of your PS4, it will represent the difficulty of your PS4 to connect to other consoles.
Your NAT setting could change the disconnections, ping rates, and also non-functioning mics. There are essentially three NAT types that come with the router, and it’s best to gain a good understanding of it before you proceed.
9. Reset your PS4 and controller
When all else fails, you can try resetting your PS4 to fix your PS4 microphone not working problem. Reset your controller first because it is connected to your headphones. If the problem persists, then reset your console. You can also try muting and unmuting your music to check if your PS4 mic is still not working.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I activate voice chat on PS4?
- On your controller, press the PS4 button.
- Select Game Base from the control center.
- Select your party from the list.
- When the menu opens at the bottom, scroll to the sound icon.
- Either increase the Voice Chat by moving the bar to the left or the Game Chat Audio by moving it to the right.
Why is my PS4 mic not working but I can hear?
PS4 mic not working could be due to several reasons, and a few of them include outdated PS4 firmware, incorrect audio settings, NAT issues, or even broken hardware.
How to fix the mic not working on PS4?
- Unplug the headset from your controller to check the mic boom.
- Pull out the mic boom from your headset.
- Re-plug your mic boom.
- Re-plug your PS4 controller
Conclusion
Often, these steps will help fix your PS4 mic not working, but if the problem persists, you should purchase a new mic for your console.