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PS4 Not Recognizing USB Headset: A Complete Solution

Without a properly functioning headset, you won’t be able to use your ps4 properly. It might even cost you your rank. Streaming or music playing will also be hampered due to this. 

Worried about how to troubleshoot your ps4 not recognizing USB headset?

Firstly, you need to detect the problematic device. Secondly, check their hardware conditions and update them if needed. Be it your ps4 or the headset, you need to configure the settings. Update the software afterward. Finally, replacing the devices if none of the methods work. 

We’ve got all the necessary information for you. So, spare us some time and give it a read. We can vouch that you won’t regret it. 

Let’s move on to our next part-

Let’s Know About The Headset Types 

USB headsets are a combination of microphones and headphones. But they’re connected to the device via a USB port.  So, they can be used as both input and output devices.

Two types of USB headsets are available. 

One is wired and the other is wireless. The wired one needs to be connected through the USB port. The wireless one has a separate controller which has to connect through the USB port. 

Let’s Talk About The Problem

PS4 failing to detect the headset can hamper the smoothness of your work. Be it streaming movies or listening to your podcast. 

As a gamer, you’ll have this serious urge to solve this. Because a headset has no alternative while playing games. As a primary step of troubleshooting, you need to detect the epicenter of the problem. 

How to detect the problem?

Try connecting your headset with other PlayStations or your pc. If it doesn’t work there, you can be sure the headset is having some problems.

If the headset works on some other device, bad luck for you. This means that your PS4 is the main culprit here. If your PC fails to detect the headset as well, you need to troubleshoot the headset. 

Ultimately, you can solve something only if you know the problem.  

Let’s Discuss The Solutions 

Now that you know which device needs the troubleshooting. You can easily execute your plans. 

Firstly, you need to check the hardware condition. It’s better to try this way before taking any serious measure drastically. 

Checking the Hardware 

Turn off the PS4 and disconnect it from the monitor. Then unplug the HDMI cable. Clear the plugs and corresponding ports. 

Make sure you’ve checked the plug-ins properly. Unplug everything, clean them and give them a rest for some time. Now, re-plug them and restart your device.

If it doesn’t work, then try the next method.

Check It On Another Controller 

Try your headset by plugging it into another controller. If it works fine, you need to replace your controller. 

In case, the other controller fails to detect your device as well. Then it needs troubleshooting. 

Let’s move straight to the part of the categorized solution. Here it goes- 

How To Troubleshoot PlayStation4 

If your ps4 is problematic, you can try these methods. They are-

Updating the Driver 

Your ps4 needs up-to-date driver software to function properly. This software manages the audio input and output. So, outdated software can create the problem of not recognizing the headset. 

You need to check your driver software to make sure it’s updated. If it’s not, then you must update it.  You’ll have to connect the headset again.  

Just a small tip, you can use apps to keep track of your software. They’ll automatically update the device when needed. 

Try this and check if this solves the problem or not. If not, don’t worry, we’ve another method for you. 

Configuring Device Setting

You must check the device setting as an inevitable part of troubleshooting. Here are two steps of setting your PS4 properly.

  1. Setting> Devices> Audio Devices> Output to Headphones> All Audio
  2. Setting> Sound and Screen> Audio Output Setting> Primary Output Port> mark all the boxes that your device supports

Trying using these steps. If they can’t solve your problem, you might need to take expert advice. But if your headset is problematic, follow other methods to solve this.

Wired USB Headsets 

Using wired headphones can be a bit of a hassle. The wire can get tangled and pulled on at any moment. So, obviously, you need to be extra careful.

Here’s what you can follow to troubleshoot your headset- 

Update The Latest Version 

Check if any new updates are available for your ps4. A number of issues can arise if your device isn’t updated timely. 

Here is a step by step process of updating ps4- 

  1. Setting> System Software Update
  2. If any update is available then download and install it.  

If none of these methods work for you, then you might need to replace the headset. Here are some of our best choices of wired headsets for you –

Product 1
Product 2

Don’t delay, anymore. Just grab your new headset and get back to your gaming world. 

Another suggestion, while choosing headsets or mics, you should consider your voice type. Obviously, different types of mics are available for nasal voice and smooth voice. 

Wireless USB Headset

Now, wireless headsets can have multiple problems. Most are tough ones. But some can be easily solved. If you’re in the same boat, then here’s what to do-

Examine The Battery

The controller of your wireless headset keeps the device alive. If it’s not charged or running low, charge it again and check. 

Wireless devices can’t function properly while running out of life. Plug it into its charger and notice when the light indicates a recharged battery.  Then try detecting your headset. 

If this doesn’t solve your problem, move on to the next one. 

Check The Updates 

The checking for an update is the same for both wired and wireless headsets. Just follow the process that we’ve mentioned above. 

Resync With The PlayStation 

Wireless devices have this annoying tendency of suddenly getting disconnected. You didn’t change anything but it’ll still need a resync. 

Go through the pairing process again. Resync the headset with your ps4. 

If none of these work for you, replace the headset with a new one. 

FAQs

Question: How do you fix USB headset not recognized?
Answer: Firstly, unplug the headset. Then shut down your pc and then open it again. Don’t restart, give it time to close all the running software. This can help the device to clear the USB memories.

Question: How do I connect my PS4 to my computer with sound?
Answer: You need a stereo extension cable from your audio output of ps4. Then plug it into your PC’s jack. Finally, enable line-in volume control application or the sound card application. 

Question: Can I use a USB headset on PC?
Answer: Obviously you can. Just make sure that you’re setting the headset as your default device. You have to select the default device under both the sound recorder and playback option on your pc. 

Bottom Line

This is all you need to know! Now jump into the troubleshoot of ps4 not recognizing USB headset.  

Best of luck with this, buddy! Hopefully, you’ll have a smooth troubleshooting experience.