Overall, you’re probably dealing with one of two broad issues. Either it’s about hardware issues or wrong PS4 settings.
Why is my PS4 Mic Not Working?
Here’re the possible reasons why your PS4 mic is not working.
Wrong audio settings: It’s a common issue when using a headset or monaural mic with the PS4. In particular, you’d have to check mic gain, mic level, and party chat options.Outdated PS4 firmware: The PS4 may lose its network capabilities if you don’t update it often. Moreover, you may find issues if you’re using a modded console or a modded game;. The voice chat features come from the official PlayStation Network service. Broken hardware: Your PS4 mic has various components that can easily break. These include plugs, cables, ports, and built-in audio chips. Scan your device and see if there’re signs of damage, like dirt, rust, and loose parts. NAT issues: If you can hear your friends, but they can’t hear you back, it’s a NAT issue. NAT is a set of security rules that may limit your PS4’s community features. You’d have to change the NAT type of your console. We’re leaving NAT configurations for last, as it’s the most advanced solution.
How to Fix PS4 Mic Not Working?
You can follow our solutions, one by one until you find the one that works for you. Otherwise, you can check the reasons below and try to identify the problem, so you can go straight to the fix you need.
Fix the PS4 audio settings
Your PS4 could have incorrect sound settings. If it’s the first time you’re using a headset or mic with the console, check the configurations: The setting Headset Connected to Controller is only present when connecting a headset to the Dualshock 4 controller. If you’re using wireless or USB devices, you’ll see the relevant options. Yet, the process is the same.Lastly, the PS4 cannot input voice chat and game audio to both the TV and the Headset.
Adjust the mic volume on the PS4
If your mic is working, you’ll see its Input Volume bar on the Adjust Microphone level setting. If it doesn’t respond, you may want to try a different headset. In that case, we’d advise you to return the mic to the retailer.
Prioritize Party Chat
Another common fix is to enable the audio on party chat:
Update the PS4 firmware
Your PS4 may lose its PSN features if you don’t update it often. To put your console up to date, here’re the steps:
Check your PS4 mic sound levels on PC
If you’re using the PS4 mic on your Windows PC and it doesn’t work, you may want to check its sound levels. Moreover, you can check if it’s working by verifying if your PC recognizes the mic. Additionally, you can turn on its volume via the computer’s OS, which could help the PS4 identify the hardware.
Test the PS4 mic on Windows
There’s an easier way to test your mic functionality on Windows 10. It will help you pinpoint the problem.
Check your PS4 mic status
You should make sure the PS4 fully recognizes your Headset or monaural mic. Even if you can hear people, the PS4 may not be detecting the mic part of your device.Here, you’re going to see the “Chat Audio” option. If the option is Gray, the console is not identifying the hardware. You can double-check the cord or change the cable to get a proper connection.
Reconnect your 3.5mm PS4 mic
This is an unofficial solution I’ve found in several forums and queries. It’s a specific solution for PS4 headsets or mics you plug into the controller via the 3.5 mm jack. The “buzz” means the mic and the controller made a proper connection.
Troubleshoot the devices
There are two official headsets for the PS4, the PS4 Monaural Headset (3.5mm connection) and the PS4 Wireless Headset (BlueTooth).According to PlayStation, here’re the most common ways to fix PS4 mic not working:
Make sure your headset monaural mic switch is “On.”Reconnect the deviceConnect it to another controllerTurn on the volume of the headset mic via the PS4 settings. You may see a purple light coming from the device, which indicates the PlayStation mic is on mute.Adjust the volume by using the Sound or Chat buttons on the wireless headset.
Check the PS4 mic hardware
If the PS4 is not recognizing the device, as I explained in the step below, you need to check the hardware.
Try to use it on another device (like your smartphone or PC) and scan for signs of damage.If you see any damages to the cable, swap the cable if possible. It’s a recommendation for both USB and 3.5mm connectionsIf you’re using a wireless Bluetooth headset, check if you’re having BlueTooth issues instead. If the mic boom is loose, disconnect it and put it back in.If you’re using a USB connection, try to use another USB port on your PS4 and see if it fixes the issue.Make sure there’re no obstacles or dust inside the ports. You can use an air compressor to clean it. Check if your PS4 is having connectivity issues. Ultimately, replace the mic boom with a new one.
If you don’t see any problem, the issue relies on the PS4 settings or the NAT Type.
Reset the controller and the PS4
If all else fails, try restarting your PS4 and the controller. Do this while the mic is connected to the controller.
Change the NAT type for the PS4
NAT means “Network Address Translation.” It represents the level at which a public IP address can translate information to a private IP address and vice versa. On your PS4, it means how difficult or easy it is to connect to other consoles. If you’re suffering from high ping rates, frequent disconnections, and non-functioning mics, changing the NAT setting could help.The NAT type comes with the router, and there’re three:
NAT Type 1 – OpenNAT Type 2 – ModerateNAT Type 3 – Strict
In essence, your PS4 may be working under the Strict category, and Type 3 limits your party chat options. You want to change the NAT to Type 2. “Open” is not ideal, as you would be giving away network security in return for a faster connection.If your mic works on some games but not on others, this may be your problem.
How to find your PS4 NAT type?
Go to Settings on your PS4, then Network, and View Connection Status. You’ll see your NAT type there.
How to change the NAT type on your router?
What is port forwarding?
Port Forwarding means telling your router to use a specific port to communicate to other devices. So, it allows your router to always accept requests from certain devices, such as changing the NAT type.
How to port forward your router?
What to do after I port forward the router?
After you forward the ports, reboot the console, and test your connection again to see the NAT Type. Now, you should see it’s running on NAT Type 2. Here’s extensive coverage on how to change Nat Type if you have further doubts.
How to find my PC’s IP address?
On Windows 10, right-click on the internet icon on the taskbar and click on Properties.Scroll down until you see the IPv4 address number. On macOS:
