PlayStation headset not working: Fix connection issues

Nothing kills the vibe faster. You’re deep in a Helldivers 2 mission, about to call in an orbital strike, and suddenly… silence. Your teammates' voices vanish. The epic soundtrack cuts out. Your PlayStation headset is not working, and the immersion is shattered. Don’t panic, soldier. Before you consider rage-quitting (or worse, throwing your headset), let’s run through some simple fixes to get you back in the game and fix your connection issues. 🎧

Logitech® G PRO X 2 Ligthtspeed Wireless Gaming Headset / 50mm Graphene Drivers / Multiple Connection Options / 981-001263

R4999.00In Stock

Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless RGB Gaming Headset - White / Lightsync RGB lighting / Fully Customizable / Blue VO!CE Technology / 40mm PRO-G Audio Drivers / DTS Headphone:X 2.0 Surround Sound / USB-C Charging Port / 20m Wireless Range / 981-000882/83

R2799.00In Stock

Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Wired RGB Headset with Kitty Ears - Black / Stream Reactive Lighting / HyperClear Cardioid Mic / Triforce 40mm Drivers / 7.1 Surround Sound / RZ04-04730100-R3M1

R2399.00In Stock

HyperX Cloud Mini Wireless Gaming Headset - Designed for gamers aged 8-12 - Up to 25-hour Battery life - Rotating Earcups - Tuck-Away Mic - Compatible with PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox — Black / 7G8F1AA

R899.00In Stock

Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless RGB Gaming Headset - Black / Lightsync RGB lighting / Fully Customizable / Blue VO!CE Technology / 40mm PRO-G Audio Drivers / DTS Headphone:X 2.0 Surround Sound / USB-C Charging Port / 20m Wireless Range / 981-000864

R1799.00In Stock

Promate Jewel HD Stereo KidSafe Wired Headset - Aqua / Safe Audio Levels / Adjustable Headband / 3.5mm Aux Connector / Audio Sharing / JEWEL.AQUA

R249.00In Stock

First Checks When Your PlayStation Headset Isn't Working

Before diving into the console’s settings, let’s start with the basics. These might seem obvious, but they solve the problem more often than you'd think. It's the classic "is it plugged in?" scenario.

Check the Physical Connections

For a classic wired headset, ensure the 3.5mm jack is pushed firmly into your DualSense or DualShock 4 controller. A loose connection is a common culprit for audio cutting out. Check the cable for any visible damage or kinks. For wireless models, make sure the USB dongle is securely plugged into the console.

Mute & Volume Levels

Is your headset accidentally muted? Most have a physical mute button or a flip-to-mute microphone. Double-check that first. Also, confirm the volume dial on the headset itself is turned up. It’s easy to knock it down by mistake.

Battery Check ⚡

If you're using a wireless headset, a dead battery is the most likely reason it's not working. Plug it in for at least 30 minutes and see if it comes back to life. A blinking red light is usually a clear sign it needs a charge.

Marvo HP1001 Office Headset / 40mm Speakers / Stereo Sound / HP1001

R299.00In Stock

MARVO Pulz 70W Wireless Gaming Headset / Stereo Sound / Detachable Microphone / Omnidirectional Microphone / Rechargeable Battery / HG9086W-BK

R349.00In Stock

Promate Panda KidSafe Kawaii Style Wireless Kids Headset - Bubblegum / 1000mAh Battery / Up to 40 hours of Playtime / AUX Support / LED Illuminated Ears / PANDA.BUBBLEGUM

R399.00In Stock

Corsair HS65 Surround Gaming Headset (Leatherette Memory Foam Ear Pads, Dolby Audio 7.1 Surround Sound On PC And Mac, SonarWorks SoundID Technology, Multi-Platform Compatibility) White / CA-9011271-AP

R999.00In Stock

Razer Kaira Pro Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox Series X/ TriForce Titanium 50mm Drivers / HyperClear Supercardioid Mic / Flowknit Memory Foam / EQ / Xbox Pairing Button / Auto-adjusting Headband / RZ04-03470100-R3M1

R3499.00In Stock

Razer Kraken Kitty V2 Pro Wired RGB Headset: Interchangeable Ears (Kitty, Bear, Bunny) - Stream Reactive Lighting - Detachable HyperClear Cardioid Mic - 50mm Drivers - 7.1 Surround Sound - Quartz Pink - RZ04-04510200-R3M1

R4499.00In Stock

Troubleshooting PS5 & PS4 Headset Connection Issues

If the basic checks didn't solve your PS5 headset connection issues, it’s time to look at the console's software settings. The fix is often just a few clicks away in the PlayStation's menu.

Verify Your Audio Output Settings

Your PlayStation might be trying to send audio somewhere else. Let's fix that.

• On PS5: Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output. Under Output Device, make sure your headset is selected. If it’s on 'HDMI Device (TV)', the sound will go to your screen instead.
• On PS4: Hold the PS button on your controller to open the Quick Menu. Go to Sound/Devices > Output to Headphones and ensure All Audio is selected, not just 'Chat Audio'.

Reset & Re-pair Your Devices

Sometimes, the connection just needs a quick refresh.

1. Turn Off Everything: Completely power down your PS5 or PS4 and unplug it for 60 seconds. Also, turn off your headset.
2. Reset Controller: Use a paperclip to press the small reset button on the back of your controller for five seconds.
3. Re-pair Wireless Headsets: If you're using a wireless headset, you may need to re-pair it. Most have a pairing process involving holding buttons on the headset and the USB dongle. Check your manufacturer's instructions.

Advanced Fixes and Final Steps

Still no sound? Let's try a couple more advanced steps. These troubleshooting principles are universal, whether you're diagnosing problems with your PlayStation gear or even Xbox headsets.

A crucial step is to test the headset on another device, like a PC or a smartphone. If it works there, the problem is likely with your PlayStation console or its settings. If it doesn't work on any device, then you've confirmed the headset itself is the issue. 🔧

Another potential fix is a system software update. Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings to ensure your console is running the latest version, as updates often include patches for peripheral compatibility.

Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless RGB Gaming Headset - White / Lightsync RGB lighting / Fully Customizable / Blue VO!CE Technology / 40mm PRO-G Audio Drivers / DTS Headphone:X 2.0 Surround Sound / USB-C Charging Port / 20m Wireless Range / 981-000882/83

R2799.00In Stock

Marvo HP1001 Office Headset / 40mm Speakers / Stereo Sound / HP1001

R299.00In Stock

MARVO HG8959 RGB Transparent Wired Gaming Headset / 50mm Speaker Size / Omnidirectional Microphone / Over-ear Design for Powerful Bass Sounds / Soft-cushioned Leather ear Cups / Self-adjustable Headband / HG8959

R299.00In Stock

Turtle Beach Recon 200 Gen 2 Gaming Headset - Black / Amplified Audio With Bass Boost / High-quality Game Sound / Superior 40mm Speakers / High-sensitivity Flip-to-Mute Mic / Memory Foam Cushions / TBS-6300-02

R1299.00In Stock

Logitech H390 Wired Headset - Black / Noise-Cancelling Microphone / USB / In-Line Controls, PC/Mac/Laptop / 981-000406

R549.00In Stock

Promate Jewel HD Stereo KidSafe Wired Headset - Aqua / Safe Audio Levels / Adjustable Headband / 3.5mm Aux Connector / Audio Sharing / JEWEL.AQUA

R249.00In Stock

Is It Time for an Upgrade?

If you've tried everything and your PlayStation headset is still not working, it might be time to accept that it has served its tour of duty. Hardware fails. Internal wires fray, batteries degrade, and connections weaken over time. If you're hearing constant crackling, one ear has gone silent, or it refuses to hold a charge, these are all signs that a replacement is on the horizon.

Thankfully, upgrading doesn't mean breaking the bank. There is a massive variety of excellent PlayStation headsets available, from budget-friendly workhorses to premium wireless models. You can browse a wide selection of general headphone & headsets to see what fits your style and budget. Keep an eye out for the best gaming headset deals to snag top-tier audio for a great price.