If you play a lot of games, you might be familiar with the phenomenon—everything’s going well. You’re neck-deep in battle when suddenly your teammates start commenting that they can’t hear you. The next thing you know, someone started a voting process to kick you from the game, and only then do you realize that your headset got cut out.
Gaming headsets cut out because of connection issues, driver problems, faulty battery, being too far away from your console or PC, interference from other wireless devices, or using the wrong headsets for your console.
This article will discuss why your gaming headsets cut out, how to fix cut-out headsets and how to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Keep reading to keep your gaming sessions free from trouble.
Why Your Gaming Headset Cuts Out
If you’re one of the many people who have bought gaming headsets, there’s a chance they’ve cut out at some point while you were playing a game. Knowing why the reasons behind this frustrating issue will let you put an end to it quickly and return to your usual gaming.
Connection Issues
If your headset is constantly cutting out or not working at all, there’s a good chance the connection is causing the problem. If you notice your headset doesn’t work across more than one device, the issue is likely on your end.
There are two types of gaming headsets: wired and wireless. Wired headsets connect to your console or PC via a cable. If the cable is damaged or not properly connected to either end, it might cause your headset to cut out.
Wireless headsets don’t require a physical connection between the headset and the console. Instead, they communicate directly through Bluetooth.
Although you won’t have to worry about cables, there’s still a chance that your headset suddenly connects to another Bluetooth device without warning.
Driver Problems
While there are many possible causes of this issue, the most common are driver-related problems. Computers rely on drivers to connect different types of hardware to your operating system.
The good news is that if you run into this problem, there’s often an easy fix: update your driver.
Without working drivers, your computer can’t communicate with your device and may not even recognize it at all. If your headset uses the same USB port as other peripherals—like keyboards or mice—the computer may stop sending signals to your driver when it detects those other devices.
Drivers can become corrupted or outdated over time for various reasons. Updating your driver replaces any corrupted files with new versions and restores lost connections between hardware and software.
Battery Issues
Wireless headsets have a battery built into them, which can wear down over time. A faulty battery may appear to be at over half the charge and suddenly drop down to minimum levels, cutting you out without a warning.
Of course, it could also be that you simply forgot to charge your battery. In that case, you’ll have to connect it to your PC or console and use it as a wired headset while it charges.
If the problem is with your battery, you’ll have to replace it, buy a new headset, or resign yourself to gaming with a wired headset.
Headset Is Too Far From the Source
Your gaming headset can cut out because its wireless transmitter is having poor reception. This happens when your headset is far away from the source—be it a PC or a console— or when objects are between the headset and source.
Before you decide there’s something wrong with the headset, try moving your wireless transmitter closer to the sound source and making sure there aren’t any obstacles in its way.
If this doesn’t work or you’re already close to you the source, there might be something wrong with your headset. In that case, you’ll have to either send it to a technician or buy a new one.
Using the Wrong Headset for Your Console
Make sure you’re using the right headset for your console. Some of the most popular headsets are designed for a specific console, so a PlayStation headset may not work with an Xbox.
Most models are universal and will work with any system. If you have a universal headset, you can use it on any system by simply changing the audio mode on the headset, usually with a switch located on the side of the headset.
Recommended article: 10 Best Budget Headsets for Gaming (Under 200 Dollars)
Interference
Since wireless headsets use radio waves, the most common sources of interference are other radio signals.
Here are some of the most common sources of interference and how to deal with them:
- Microwave ovens. Some headsets have special shielding, but most don’t. If you find that your headset cuts out whenever someone uses the microwave, try moving away from it.
- Phones. Phones can emit radio signals that interfere with wireless headsets, as they usually use the same 2.4GHz frequency band. Avoid placing phones too close to your headset.
- Baby monitors. These devices operate at low power and often don’t cause too much trouble for headsets and other wireless gadgets, but it’s still worth checking if you’re having problems with interference. Most baby monitors use the 2.4GHz band, so keep them clear of your headset.
- Wireless routers: Your router could also cause interference, especially if it’s old or low-quality. Place the router at least three feet away from your headset.
How To Fix Gaming a Headset Cutting Out
Cutting out can make the audio come out tinny, unclear, or even block it completely. Here some are troubleshooting steps you can take to fix it.
Check Your Connection
If you are using a wired headset, try using a different audio cable. If you are using a USB headset, try using the headphone and microphone jacks on the front or back of your computer.
If you use a wireless headset, try using a different USB charging cable. Also, if your wireless headset is connected to multiple devices, such as your PC and smartphone, through Bluetooth, try disconnecting it from the devices you’re not using.
Restart Your Device
If your gaming headset is cutting out, try restarting it to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue persists, try restarting your PC or console. Sometimes connection issues can come from a temporary glitch, be it in your headphones or your computer.
Update Your Drivers
Outdated drivers are a common cause of many headset issues. When you plug a new piece of hardware into your computer, Windows will automatically check for updates and install any available ones.
However, if Windows doesn’t find the updates, you’ll need to manually download them from the manufacturer’s website.
Switch to Bluetooth
If you’re tired of faulty audio cables, you can always buy an adapter to add Bluetooth connectivity to your PC or console. This adapter will plug into a USB port or 3.5mm jack. You’ll need to use a headset that supports Bluetooth, but most current gaming headsets do.
USB connections are easily broken by user error (hitting the wrong button or moving the cord). Bluetooth doesn’t have this problem if physical barriers don’t block your signal.
Try Re-Wiring
Most often, cut-outs happen because of a faulty cable, not a faulty headset. There are three main reasons for this:
- The wire is frayed or damaged.
- The wire is too thin and cannot handle the power needed by your headset
- The wire is cheap and has poor conductivity.
This can be easily remedied by buying a new audio cable.
Conclusion
There are many reasons for a headset cutting out. By simply staying being up to date with software updates, charging your headset regularly, and removing any interferences, there’s no reason why your favorite game has to be put on hold.
