Your Xbox One Headset Is Not Working? Here’s how to fix it

Last Updated on May 1, 2024 by Daniel Lawrence

There are times when your Xbox One headset is not working properly. If you’re having a problem with your Xbox One headset, you need to know what you need to do to fix it.

The Xbox One headset has a lot of different components to it. If one of those components malfunctions, the headset won’t work properly. Some of the components that are essential for the headset to work properly: are the main headband, the earbuds, and the battery.

Why Isn’t My Xbox One Headset Working?

When an Xbox One headset stops working, it could be due to a hardware issue, a controller issue, or an issue with the Xbox One settings. Wrinkled cords and damaged wires, bent headphone plugs, and loose headphone jacks are all common problems.

How to Repair a Non-Working Xbox One Headset

In most circumstances, you can repair a broken Xbox One headset yourself. Follow the troubleshooting steps in order to figure out what the problem is and how to repair it. Check to verify if your headset works after attempting each fix.

Because of the complexity of mending a headset and the low cost of replacing one, you’re usually better off buying a new one if it’s broken.

Make sure your controller is turned on and linked to your Xbox One before continuing.

• Disconnect the headset before firmly plugging it in: The most typical cause of this problem is a poorly positioned headset plug. There could be a problem with the headphone jack if the headset works after plugging it back in but stops working later.

Note: By firmly grasping the connector, you can plug and unplug the headset. Pulling on the cord may cause harm to the headset or the controller port.

• Carefully rotate the plug back and forth with the headset plugged in: If the connector wiggles back and forth when firmly inserted into the controller, you’re dealing with a faulty Xbox One controller headphone jack.
• Make sure the headset is not muted:  Check the headset adapter’s mute button or the inbuilt volume control. Flip it and try again if it’s muted.
• Attempt to use the headset with a different controller or device:  This eliminates your headset as the source of the issue. If it works with a different controller or device, you may be confident that the headset isn’t defective.
• With your controller, try using a different headset: This eliminates the controller as the source of the issue. If the headset does not function with another controller, there is most likely a problem with the headset.
• Look for evidence of damage or debris on the headset cord and plug:  Repair or replace the headset if the cord is damaged or the plug is bent.

Note: If the connector becomes clogged with debris such as dirt or food, wipe it using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Before plugging it back in, make sure the connector is dry.

• Increase the volume on the headset: If the headset volume is turned down or muted, you won’t be able to hear anyone, but others will. If you have a 3.5mm chat headset, use the inbuilt volume dial or the buttons on the connector that’s plugged into the controller’s expansion port to boost the audio.

• Check the privacy settings on your Xbox One: When playing games on the Xbox network, these settings allow you to choose who you may hear, therefore improper settings can prohibit you from hearing anyone.

Go to Settings > Account > Privacy & online safety > Check these settings.

View and change the details >

Everyone can communicate via voice and text.

Note: This setting is not changeable in child profiles. Log in with the corresponding parent profile to alter this setting for a child.

• Look into the Chat Mixer:  This setting changes the noises you hear depending on whether or not other people are talking, which can cause the headset to act strangely.

Go to Settings > Display & Sound > Volume > Chat mixer to rule this out.

Then choose Don’t do anything.

• Change the output of your party chat:  You can choose whether party talk comes through your headset, your TV speakers, or both using this setting. Your chat settings are correct if you modify it to come through your speakers and you can hear your party.

Select Speakers from Settings > Display & Sound > Volume > Party chat output to rule this out.

Change this setting from Speakers to Headset if it was initially set to Speakers.

• Adjust the sound balance of the game chat: The Xbox One headset adapter comes with a built-in mixer. It will appear that your headset isn’t working if this mixer is set to offer 100% game sound and 0% chat. You will be heard by everyone, yet no one else will be able to hear you.

Check if the headset works by pressing the person symbol.

The chat volume is increased by pressing the person icon, and the game volume is increased by pushing the controller icon.

• Replace the controller’s batteries:  The headset may not work properly if the batteries are low. Check to see whether the headset starts operating using brand new batteries or freshly charged batteries.
• Update the firmware on your Xbox One controller:  Microsoft upgrades the firmware on Xbox One controllers on a regular basis. A firmware upgrade can sometimes break headset performance.
• Restart your Xbox One: A problem with your Xbox One can occasionally cause the headset to malfunction. Power cycle the console to rule this out.

Note: To power cycle, an Xbox One, press and hold the power button until the LED turns off, then wait several minutes. Turn the controller off or remove the batteries to turn it off immediately while you wait.

After a few moments, press the Xbox One power button once again. It will startup, and the boot-up animation should appear on your screen.

Conclusion

If your headset or controller is still not working, it could be broken.

Try a different controller with another headset, and vice versa, even if you have to borrow additional to conduct the test. This test will help you determine whether you have a defective controller or headset. For more information, see these tips for when your Xbox One mic stops working.