Steam Support :: Troubleshooting Microphone Problems (2024)

FAQs

How do I fix Steam not picking up my mic? ›

Check the inputs for your microphone, headphones, speakers and other audio devices. If you are having an issue, try swapping to another available USB or audio port. If you're using any converters, extensions or other intermediary devices, bypass them temporarily to make sure they aren't contributing to the issue.

If your microphone is not picking up any sound, try these steps: Make sure you have allowed access to the microphone. Make sure you aren't muted; check the mute switch on the cord if using a headset. Make sure you speak loud enough (or turn up your microphone in your computer settings)

If you turn on your voice chat settings and continue experiencing issues, check your device's audio input, or try re-connecting your headset or microphone to ensure the device is properly connected. Also verify that your microphone isn't muted locally via a button or similar mechanism.

Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security. Then look for Microphone under App permissions and make sure Microphone access is turned on. Then, allow apps access to your microphone. In Microphone settings, go to Let apps access your microphone and make sure it's turned On.

Check all your headset connections and make sure you've updated your video drivers. Once you've done that, unplug/replug the breakaway connector to power-cycle the headset and restart SteamVR.

Try the following solutions: Make sure that the microphone or headset is connected correctly to your computer. Make sure that the microphone is positioned correctly. Increase the volume of your microphone.

Navigate to the System setting and click on Sound in the left sidebar. Next, click on Manage sound devices under the Troubleshoot button in the Input devices settings. Scroll down, locate your device under the Disabled section, and enable your microphone by clicking Enable.

Hardware problems can be caused by outdated or malfunctioning drivers. Make sure your audio driver is up to date and update it if needed. If that doesn't work, try uninstalling the audio driver (it will reinstall automatically). If that doesn't work, try using the generic audio driver that comes with Windows.

Make sure you have voice chat set to Friends Only, Friends and Teammates, or Everybody, and check whether you're using Push-to-Talk to communicate. The default options should work for input and output devices as long as your Windows settings are set to the sound device you are using.

How do I enable voice chat on Steam games? ›

The gear next to your profile name at the top of your friends list will take you to your Friends & Chat settings. From here, you can access the Voice tab to configure your devices along with other options.

Ensure That the Microphone Is Properly Plugged In

If your headset uses a two-pin cable, you'll need to plug them carefully into the microphone and speaker jacks. You may also have to select the type of device you plugged in first and second from the popups on your desktop.

To open these settings, open your Friends & Chat in the bottom right of the Steam client and selecting the gear icon in the upper right. - from here you can use the button "Start Microphone Test" to test your mic settings (expect echoes if you don't have earphones!) If it works, go ahead and test it in-game.

When the mic, speakers or laptop are glitching out, it means that your laptop's CPU is being pushed to the maximum while recording. Let's fix that quickly: Connect the mic straight into the interface, bypassing any wall sockets. Connect the interface directly into your laptop - never use USB hubs for it.

So, if your microphone isn't working, go to the application's sound settings and verify that the microphone is set as the correct input device and that the volume (if applicable) is turned up. If that doesn't work, uninstall and reinstall the application.

You can also start a voice chat in the lower right corner of any open chat window by clicking the microphone icon. - For voice chats with your favorite group, first open the group chat window by clicking the group on the left panel of your Friends List.

On your host computer, find the audio playback settings and change your playback sample rate. 44100Hz and 48000Hz playback sample rates usually work well for streaming. Some users find that switching from one to the other fixes distortion or crackling.

Review the Programs Which May Interfere With Steam and reconfigure, disable or uninstall any programs which may be preventing Steam and Valve games from connecting. Scan your computer for Spyware, Malware, Adware, or Virus Interfering with Steam.