Troubleshoot PS4 Headset Audio Issues: Solutions for No Sound and Silent Chat

Headset Audio Problems on PS4 or PS5? Let’s Solve It!

Hey, gamer. Headset issues are common. You’re set to play your favorite game or chat with friends. Suddenly, silence. Or muffled sounds from another realm. Don’t worry! Before you consider tossing your headset, check these practical steps to restore your audio. This is your audio guide for PlayStation.

1. Basic Troubleshooting & Connection Issues: The Must-Know Basics

Let’s cover the basics first. Sometimes, the answer is simple but overlooked.

Loose or Wrong Connection

• Wired Headsets: Check that headphone jack. Ensure it’s firmly plugged into your PS4 controller. This issue often causes problems.
• Wireless Headsets: Is it powered on and paired? Ensure the USB adapter is in place. Look for indicator lights that show it’s connected.

Cleaning the Headphone Jack: Gunk Happens

• Lint and dust can clog headphone jacks. Use isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab.
• Dampen the cotton swab with alcohol.
• Insert the swab gently into the headphone jack and twist. You may find some surprise debris. Repeat if needed.

Checking Cable for Damage: Possible Internal Issues

• Inspect the headset cable, especially near connectors. Look for kinks or frays.
• Even if it appears fine on the outside, internal wires might be damaged, causing audio issues.

2. PS4 Audio Settings: Diving into the Settings

Connections good? Cables intact? Time to check the PlayStation audio settings. This is where audio magic happens.

Output Device Selection: Directing Sound

• Power up your PS4. Open Settings (the toolbox icon).
• Select Devices, then Audio Devices.
• Ensure both Input Device and Output Device say “Headset Connected to Controller.” If not, audio may be misrouted.
• To confirm, go to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices > Output Devices and check it points to your headset.

“Output to Headphones” Setting: Sending Sound Correctly

• In Audio Devices, find Output to Headphones. Click it.

Volume Levels: Is it Too Quiet?

• It’s possible. Sometimes volume is just too low.
• Adjust sound settings in Settings > Sound. Crank it up to test if it helps. Check your TV volume too.

Input Device: Microphone Check

• Return to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices. Ensure Input Device identifies your headset properly. Important for chatting!

Chat Audio Settings: Differentiating Chat and Game Audio

• Hearing game audio but not chat? Annoying, isn’t it? You’re likely having pairing issues or incorrect settings.
• In Settings > Devices > Audio Devices > Output to Headphones, make sure it’s set to ‘Chat Audio’. This prevents everything from going to the headset.

Microphone Level: Getting Heard

• While in Audio Devices, find Adjust Microphone Level. Speak into the mic. Is the input level meter moving? If not, check for mute issues.

3. Headset-Specific Issues: Hardware Troubleshooting

All settings good? Let’s check the headset itself. Problems might be there.

Mute Switch: The Hidden Problem

• Many headsets have a mute switch for the mic. Ensure it’s not set to “OFF” or muted. This mistake is easy to make.
• Check for mute toggles on your headset.
• If your headset software has a mute option, ensure it’s disabled as well.

Volume Control: Is it Turned Up? Really?

• This might seem obvious, but is headset volume up? Most have volume controls on the earcup. Spin it to ensure it’s not at zero.

Headset Compatibility: Bluetooth Issues

• Bluetooh fans, listen! Bluetooth headphones often do not work directly with PlayStation VR. Use wired earbuds or headphones for VR.

Check for Physical Mute Buttons: Hidden Obstacles

• Besides the main mute switch, some headsets hide mute buttons in unexpected places. Check thoroughly for accidental mutes.

Turtle Beach Headsets: Transmission Issues

• Turtle Beach users, pay attention! If game audio works but chat doesn’t, your transmitter may be unpaired. Recheck “Chat Audio” settings. Review your manual for pairing details.

4. Software & System Issues: Investigating Deeper Problems

If hardware and settings seem okay, the issue may lie in the console software.

PS4 Firmware Updates: Keeping Your System Updated

• Outdated software can lead to audio issues. Go to Settings > System Software Update. Check for any updates needed.

Audio Drivers: Technical Glitches

• Although consoles manage drivers automatically, issues can arise. Sudden sound loss can happen due to driver problems.

System Glitches: Simple Fixes Work

• Sometimes electronics glitch. Restarting can often solve audio issues. Power down your PS4 or PS5, count to ten, then power it back up. This step can fix numerous issues.
• A simple unplug and replug of your headset may help, too.

Safe Mode: Troubleshooting Deeper Issues

• If restarts fail, try PS4 Safe Mode. This mode starts the console using only essential functions for troubleshooting. To enter Safe Mode, shut down your PS4, then hold the power button until two beeps sound (the second beep is after about 7 seconds).

Rebuilding Database: Repairing Audio Problems

• In Safe Mode, select Rebuild Database. This option repairs your system’s database. It can solve certain software-related audio issues.

Power Cycling: Reset Everything

• For a full reset, try power cycling. Completely shut down your console and unplug it for a few minutes before turning it back on. You might notice a clear improvement.
• Unplug your PS4 or PS5 from the power outlet. Also unplug your TV. Wait for 30 seconds to a minute. This clears the cache and drains power. Plug everything back in and turn on your devices. It’s like resetting your entertainment system.

5. Voice Chat Settings & Restrictions: Are You Being Silenced?

Is chatting with friends crucial? Let’s check if you’re muted or restricted.

In-Game Voice Chat Settings: Check the Game!

• Many games have their own voice chat settings separate from PlayStation. Open the game’s options menu. Look for voice chat or audio settings. Ensure voice chat is enabled. It may be disabled by default.

Party Chat vs. Game Chat: Knowing the Difference

• If you hear friends in Party Chat but not in game chat, look closely. Your PlayStation may have “Mute Game Voice Chat” enabled.
• To turn off this option, go to the Party chat menu. Press the PlayStation button during a game to access it. Turn off the Mute Game Voice Chat option, which is meant for noisy chats.

Communication Restrictions: Parental Controls?

• Seeing “You’re restricted from using communication features”? That’s frustrating. It likely relates to parental controls or console sharing settings. If your PlayStation Network account lists you as underage, parental controls can block voice chat.
• Or, if it’s a shared console, settings might interfere. Occasionally, a system glitch might prevent communication too.

Allow Friends’ Voices in PS5 Recordings

• PS5 has a specific setting for including voices in recordings. Check if “Allow to Include Your Voice in Other Players’ Broadcast and Video Clips When You’re in a Party” is enabled. If disabled, you won’t hear friends in chat during broadcasts.

6. Hardware Issues (PS4): Consider Console Problems

No audio? The PlayStation may be at fault. Let’s dig into some hardware issues.

HDMI Port Issues: The Audio Pipeline

• The HDMI port sends both video and audio to your TV. If damaged, you can experience audio problems.
• Check your PS4’s HDMI port carefully for:
  • Bent pins inside the port.
  • Pushed back pins.
  • Dust or debris.
  • Foreign objects.
• If you see damage, like bent pins, you might need a hardware repair. Replacing the HDMI port is usually necessary.

“Blue Light of Death” (BLOD)

• This is a worst-case scenario, sure to mention. The “Blue Light of Death” signals serious hardware failure. It indicates the console cannot power on correctly. Usually, it shows a pulsating blue light with no audio among other issues.
• Various causes can lead to BLOD, like a faulty power supply or corrupted hard drive. If you suspect BLOD, expect to need professional repair or possibly replace your console.

7. TV/Audio System Settings: The Bigger Picture

Sometimes the problem lies with your TV or external audio system, not your headset.

TV/Audio Device Volume and Mute

• This may seem obvious, but check if your TV or external speakers are muted. Verify volume and mute settings on all devices connected to your PS4 or PS5. Forgetting to unmute the TV is easy.

Input Source: Wrong HDMI Input?

• Confirm your TV uses the correct input source—where you plugged in your PS4 or PS5. If it’s set to the wrong HDMI, you’ll lose audio and video. Use your remote to find the right source.

Conflicting Audio Outputs

• If multiple audio sources connect to your PS4, issues may arise. Disconnect other audio devices and keep only your headset. This can help isolate and resolve your audio problem.

8. VR Headset Specifics: Real Audio Problems

For VR headset users, troubleshooting might need extra steps.

Cable Connections (VR Headset)

• VR headsets have many cables. Make sure all cables are securely connected—both to the headset and PlayStation VR processor unit. Ensure the processor unit is on, usually via an inline remote. Loose cables can lead to many issues.

VRChat Volume Sliders

• Playing VRChat? It has its volume sliders affecting audio. Open your VRChat Quick Menu by pressing the Esc key or controller button. Check the Sound tab. Make sure those sliders are up.

9. General Headphone Troubleshooting

These steps work for PlayStation headsets or any headphones.

Check Volume Levels (Again!)

• We emphasize this: Check volume everywhere—on your headset, console, and TV. Ensure nothing is muted or too low. This is a common source of issues.

Reconnect the Device

• If you’re not sure, reconnect your headset. Unplug it from the controller or console, wait a moment, then reconnect. For wireless headsets, power them off and on, then re-pair with the adapter.

Check Audio Settings on Device

• Your headset might have software or settings. Check any companion software for your headset on a PC. Look for balance or equalizer settings affecting audio output.

Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

• If you’re unsure, update or reinstall audio drivers on your PC if using a PC headset. Also test your headphones on another device—a phone or computer. If they fail on any device, the problem is likely your headset, not the PlayStation.

10. Hearing Sounds but Not Voices

Auditory Neuropathy: A Rare Condition

• This is rare but worth noting. Auditory neuropathy affects how the ear transmits sound to the brain. Sometimes, people can hear sounds but struggle with understanding speech.
• If you often can’t understand voices through your headset after troubleshooting, consider seeking medical advice, especially if you have other hearing concerns.
• professional. This is rare. This is likely not the issue for most gamers with headset problems.

11. Additional Audio Setups: Advanced Configurations

Want audio through your headset and TV? Here’s how to set that on PS4 and PS5.

PS4 Audio Through Headset and TV: Splitting the Sound

• On PS4:
  • Go to Settings > Sound and Screen.
  • Select Audio Output Settings > Primary Output Port.
  • Choose DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) for optical audio, or another option for your setup.
  • Then, go to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices.
  • Select Output to Headphones and choose “Chat Audio.” This sends chat to your headset and game audio to TV speakers.

PS5 Audio Through Headset and TV: PS5’s Simpler Approach

• On PS5:
  • Go to Settings > Sound.
  • Select Audio Output.
  • Adjust Output Device and Output to Headphones settings.
  • For audio from both headset and TV, enable an option like “Audio to both TV speakers & other device.”

Phew! That’s a lot of troubleshooting. Hopefully, you found the solution to your PlayStation headset audio woes. If not, consider if your headset is faulty, or if there’s a hardware issue with your PlayStation. Run through these steps again. Sometimes the simplest solutions are easy to miss. Happy gaming!