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Troubleshoot the Xbox One Chat Headset on Windows 10
If you can't hear sound through your Xbox One Chat Headset, make sure you're following one of the supported scenarios in the table below, and then try the troubleshooting steps on this page.
Notes
- Controllers connected via Bluetooth do not support any attachments, including chat headsets.
- To use a chat headset on your PC, connect your controller using a USB or Wireless Adapter for Windows, and connect your Xbox Chat Headset directly into your controller. See the following supported scenarios.
Number of Xbox controllers that can be simultaneously connected
Platform |
Via Xbox Wireless and USB |
Via Bluetooth |
Xbox One console |
Xbox Wireless Controller only – 8 |
Not supported |
Windows 10 |
Xbox Wireless Controller only – 8 Note Wireless connection requires Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows |
Xbox Wireless Controller only – 1 Note Requires Windows 10 Anniversary Edition and Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth |
Windows 8.1 |
Xbox Wireless Controller only - 4 Note Wireless connection requires Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows |
Not supported |
Windows 7 |
Xbox Wireless Controller only - 4 Note Wireless connection requires Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows |
Not supported |
Troubleshooting steps
- Disconnect the headset or unplug the headset cable from the bottom of the controller, and then reconnect it firmly to the controller (to the expansion port for a headset, or to the 3.5-mm port for a 3.5-mm chat headset).
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Note Never pull on the headset cable when removing it from your controller. Remove your headset from your controller by pulling on the body of the headset plug.
- Make sure the headset is not muted. To do this, check the Mute button on the headset controls.
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- Increase the audio level. If you're using a headset plugged into the 3.5-mm port, go to Settings, select Devices, select Connected devices, select your controller, and then adjust your audio options.
- Try using a different controller or headset to check for a hardware malfunction.
- Update your controller to make sure you have the latest software. See Attach an Xbox One Chat Headset to an Xbox One Wireless Controller.
If these steps didn't solve the problem, use the following troubleshooting solutions.
Note The Xbox One Chat Headset is designed for use with Xbox One controllers only. The headset is not intended to be used with any other device. The Xbox One console doesn't transmit game sounds or music through the Xbox One Chat Headset. If you're looking for an Xbox headset that provides both game and chat audio, see Xbox One Stereo Headset.
Solutions
Topics
Examine and clean your Xbox controller hardware
To do this, follow these steps:
- Examine the headset, the cord, and the connector for visible defects.
- Make sure that no dirt or debris is on the headset connectors. To clean the connectors, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Verify that your Xbox One Controller operates correctly and that you can use the controller to turn on and turn off the console. For help troubleshooting Xbox One Controller issues, see Xbox One Wireless Controller disconnects or can't connect.
- Make sure that the connector is firmly inserted into the Xbox One Chat Headset expansion port (located under the D-pad and the right stick on the controller).
Configure your privacy and online safety settings
When you set up a profile for a child on the console, the Privacy & online safety settings let the owner of the parent profile control who can communicate via chat with the child profile on Xbox Live. In the Privacy & online safety section of your account, you can enable chat communication in the child's profile. For gamers under age 17, the default setting is "Friends Only."
You hear an echo or noise during gameplay
Note If you hear an echo effect, it often originates from the person who is talking and not from the person who hears the echo. For example, if you hear an echo only when someone else talks, the problem may be with the headset connection of the person who is talking.
The following conditions may cause an echo or noise during gameplay:
- The microphone detects ambient noises. This includes voice transmission that comes from the earpiece.
- The headset plug is not fully inserted into the controller.
- You're using the Xbox One Wireless Controller, and the battery levels in the unit are low.
If you or other players hear an echo or other noise during gameplay, try the following:
- Turn the volume down on your device's audio output.
- Disconnect the headset, and then reconnect it firmly to the controller's expansion port.
Note Never pull on the headset cable when removing it from your controller. Remove the headset from your controller by pulling on the body of the headset plug. - Clean the plug on the headset cable with a clean cloth, and then reconnect the headset to the controller.
- Test the headset by connecting it to a different controller.
- If you're using an Xbox One Wireless Controller, replace the AA batteries or recharge the Xbox One rechargeable battery.
Others can't hear you
If you can hear others in a party or game but they can't hear you, try these solutions.
Solution 1: Make sure your headset is not muted
Check that the orange LED light next to the Mute button is not on.
Solution 2: Test your Xbox One Chat Headset
To test your headset, you'll need to download Skype to your Windows device:
- Turn on your Xbox One Controller and ensure your Xbox button is lit to indicate it is turned on.
- Connect your headset to your controller.
- Download Skype if you don't already have it installed.
- Select Tools, and then Options. Then, select Audio settings in the General menu to test your microphone and speakers. Make sure you have your Xbox One Chat Headset selected from the dropdown list of devices while you are testing.
Note When you first set up Skype, you'll be prompted to check your sound and video quality.
For more information on testing with Skype, see the Skype article, Solving your speaker or headphones issues.
Replace your controller
If you've followed these troubleshooting steps but your chat headset still doesn't work, it may need to be replaced. To order a replacement, go to Device Support.
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