How to Fix It When Your Xbox Series X or S Headset Is Not Working

Check the Connections

When your Xbox Series X or S headset is not working, the first thing to check is the connections. A loose or faulty connection can prevent the headset from functioning properly. Here are the steps to take to ensure all connections are secure:

Check the headset connection: Start by examining the connection between the headset and the controller. Make sure the headset is firmly plugged into the audio jack on the controller. If it feels loose, remove and reinsert the headset to ensure a proper connection.
Inspect the controller: Check the controller itself for any possible issues. Look for any physical damage or debris that may be obstructing the connection. Clean the audio jack using a soft cloth or compressed air to remove any dirt or dust particles.
Verify the console connection: If the headset is connected wirelessly, ensure that the wireless adapter is securely attached to the console. If using a wired connection, examine the connection between the wireless adapter and the console. Again, make sure the connections are tight and secure.

By thoroughly checking the connections, you can eliminate any simple issues that might be causing your headset to malfunction. If the problem persists, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Ensure the Headset Is Fully Charged

Another common reason for a non-working Xbox Series X or S headset is insufficient battery power. If your headset is wireless or has a built-in rechargeable battery, follow these steps to ensure it is fully charged:

Connect to a power source: If your headset has a charging cable, plug it into a power source such as a USB port on your console, a wall adapter, or a computer. Make sure the connection is secure.
Check the battery indicator: Many wireless headsets have a battery indicator light or display. Check the indicator to see if the battery is low or empty. If it is, leave the headset connected to the power source until it is fully charged.
Follow charging instructions: Consult the user manual or manufacturer’s instructions to understand the recommended charging time for your headset. Some headsets may require several hours of charging before they are fully powered.

By ensuring that your headset has sufficient battery power, you can eliminate one potential cause of the problem. Once the headset is fully charged, test it to see if it is now functioning correctly. If not, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Update the Controller Firmware

Updating the firmware of your Xbox Series X or S controller can often resolve issues with headset compatibility. Firmware updates can introduce bug fixes and improved performance, ensuring a seamless connection between the controller and headset. Here’s how you can update the firmware:

Connect the controller to the console: Use a USB cable to connect the controller directly to your Xbox Series X or S console. Ensure that the cable is securely plugged into both the controller and the console.
Access the settings menu: On your console, navigate to the “Settings” menu. Select “Devices & connections” and then choose “Accessories.”
Select the controller: In the Accessories menu, locate your controller and select it. If there’s a firmware update available, you’ll see an option to update the firmware.
Start the update: Follow the on-screen instructions to start the firmware update process. Make sure the controller remains connected to the console and powered on throughout the update.
Wait for the update to complete: The update process may take several minutes. Avoid disconnecting the controller or turning off the console during the update.

Once the firmware update is complete, disconnect the controller from the console and then reconnect it. Test the headset to see if it is now functioning properly. If the issue persists, try the following troubleshooting steps.

Check the Sound Settings on Xbox

If your Xbox Series X or S headset is not working, it’s important to check the sound settings on your console. Incorrect or misconfigured settings can prevent the sound from coming through the headset. Follow these steps to ensure the sound settings are properly configured:

Access the settings menu: Power on your Xbox console and navigate to the “Settings” menu. You can find it on the home screen or by pressing the Xbox button and selecting the gear icon.
Select “Sound settings”: In the settings menu, choose the “Sound settings” option. This will allow you to adjust various audio settings on your console.
Check the audio output: Ensure that the correct audio output is selected for your headset. If your headset is connected directly to the controller, choose “Headset” or “Headset audio” as the audio output option.
Adjust volume and chat mixer: If the volume on your headset is too low or the chat mixer is not balanced, it can affect the audio experience. Adjust the volume and chat mixer settings in the sound settings menu to your preference.
Test the sound: After making any changes to the sound settings, test your headset by playing a game or listening to audio. Ensure that you can hear the sound through your headset and that the quality is satisfactory.

By verifying and adjusting the sound settings on your Xbox console, you can troubleshoot any issues related to audio output through your headset. If the problem persists, continue with the next troubleshooting steps.

Try a Different Headset or Controller

If your Xbox Series X or S headset is still not working, it’s a good idea to try using a different headset or controller to narrow down the source of the problem. There may be an issue with either the headset or the controller that is preventing them from functioning properly. Here’s what you can do:

Test with a different headset: Connect a different headset to your controller and see if it works. If the second headset functions properly, it suggests that the issue lies with the original headset.
Try a different controller: If you have access to another Xbox Series X or S controller, connect it to your console and test the headset. This will help determine if the problem is with the controller rather than the headset.
Swap components: Alternatively, you can try swapping the headset and controller between different Xbox Series X or S consoles if available. This will help identify if the issue is specific to a particular console or if it’s a compatibility problem between the headset and controller.

By testing with different headsets or controllers, you can understand if the problem is isolated to a specific device. If the alternate headset or controller works fine, it may be time to consider replacing or repairing the malfunctioning device. If the issue still persists, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Reset the Console’s Audio Settings

When troubleshooting a non-working Xbox Series X or S headset, resetting the console’s audio settings can sometimes resolve issues related to audio output. Resetting the audio settings will restore them to their default values and may help resolve any misconfigured settings. Here’s how to reset the console’s audio settings:

Access the settings menu: Power on your Xbox console and navigate to the “Settings” menu. You can find it on the home screen or by pressing the Xbox button and selecting the gear icon.
Select “General”: In the settings menu, choose the “General” option. This will open a list of general settings for your console.
Choose “Volume & audio output”: Locate and select the “Volume & audio output” option. This is where you can adjust various audio settings for your console.
Reset audio settings: Scroll down to the audio settings section and look for an option to “Reset audio settings” or “Restore defaults.” Select this option to reset the audio settings to their default values.
Test the headset: After resetting the audio settings, test your headset to see if it is now functioning properly. Play a game or listen to audio to ensure that the sound is coming through the headset as expected.

By resetting the console’s audio settings, you can eliminate any misconfigured settings that may be causing issues with your headset. If the problem persists, continue with the next troubleshooting steps.

Check for Game-Specific Audio Settings

If your Xbox Series X or S headset is not working while playing a specific game, it’s worth checking if there are any game-specific audio settings that may be affecting the headset’s functionality. Some games have their own audio settings that can override the system-level settings. Follow these steps to check for game-specific audio settings:

Launch the game: Start the game in which your headset is not working properly. Enter the game and navigate to a menu or settings screen where you can adjust audio options.
Look for audio settings: Within the game’s settings menu, search for sections related to audio or sound. Pay attention to options such as “audio output,” “headset volume,” or “chat audio.”
Adjust the settings: Review the game-specific audio settings and ensure they are configured correctly for your headset. Make changes as necessary, such as enabling headset audio or adjusting volume levels.
Test the headset: After adjusting the game-specific audio settings, test your headset to see if it is now functioning properly within the game. Play the game and pay attention to the audio output to ensure that it is coming through the headset.

Sometimes, game-specific audio settings may conflict with system-level settings and cause issues with headset functionality. By checking and adjusting these settings, you can troubleshoot game-specific audio problems. If the issue persists, try the next troubleshooting steps.

Update the Console Firmware

If your Xbox Series X or S headset is still not working, it is recommended to check and update the console’s firmware. Firmware updates can introduce bug fixes, improve system stability, and address compatibility issues, which may be causing problems with your headset. Here’s how you can update the console firmware:

Connect to the internet: Ensure that your console is connected to the internet. You can do this either through a wired or wireless connection.
Access the settings menu: Power on your Xbox console and navigate to the “Settings” menu. You can find it on the home screen or by pressing the Xbox button and selecting the gear icon.
Select “System”: In the settings menu, choose the “System” option. This will open the system settings for your console.
Check for updates: Look for an option such as “System updates” or “Console info”. Select it to check for any available updates for your console’s firmware.
Initiate the update: If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the update process. This may involve downloading and installing the update, which can take some time.
Keep the console powered on: During the update process, it is important to keep your console powered on and connected to the internet. Avoid turning it off or disconnecting it until the update is fully complete.

Updating the console’s firmware can resolve potential software issues that may be affecting your headset. Once the update is complete, test your headset to see if it is now functioning properly. If the problem persists, you may need to contact customer support for further assistance.

Contact Customer Support

If you have tried all the above troubleshooting steps and your Xbox Series X or S headset is still not working, it is advisable to contact customer support for further assistance. The support team can provide specialized guidance and help in resolving any hardware or software issues that may be causing the problem. Here’s how you can reach out to Xbox customer support:

Visit the Xbox support website: Go to the official Xbox support website (www.support.xbox.com) using a web browser on your computer or mobile device.
Explore the troubleshooting resources: Browse through the available troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and articles provided on the support website. You may find specific solutions related to your headset-related problem.
Contact Xbox support: If you cannot find a solution through the resources provided, look for the “Contact Us” or “Support” section on the website. Xbox offers various support channels, including live chat, phone support, and community forums.
Provide necessary details: When reaching out to customer support, be prepared to provide specific information about your Xbox console model, headset details, and the troubleshooting steps you have already taken. This will help the support team understand your issue better and provide more accurate assistance.
Follow the instructions given: Once in contact with customer support, carefully follow the instructions provided by the support representative. They may provide additional troubleshooting steps or options, or may assist in initiating a warranty claim or repair process.

By contacting customer support, you can receive personalized assistance and guidance tailored to your specific headset issue. Customer support can offer the necessary expertise and resources to help resolve the problem and get your Xbox Series X or S headset working again.