How To Test Your Microphone On Xbox One And Xbox Series X/S


How To Test Your Microphone On Xbox One And Xbox Series X/S

If you want to know how to test your microphone on Xbox One and the Xbox Series X/S consoles, we've got you covered!

A quality headset is a vital component of online gaming. After all, gaming is a social experience - one that relies on free-flowing, two-way communication between you and your teammates, at least in theory.

As such, it’s probably a good idea to test your microphone before settling down for a mammoth multiplayer sesh. Otherwise, you could find yourself screaming into the void during a crucial Fortnite battle or Warzone fight.

Luckily, if you’re playing on an Xbox One or next-gen Xbox, there’s an easy way to check that your microphone is in good working order before you enter the digital fray. So, here is everything you need to know to be able to test your mic on your Xbox One. All together now: “Check one, two…”

How To Test Your Mic On Xbox One

It’s pretty simple to check that your headset’s microphone is working via your Xbox One – just follow the steps below…

  • Log in to your Xbox Live account on your Xbox One console.
  • Press the Xbox menu button on your controller to open the guide.
  • Scroll across to the Party menu option (the three-person icon).
  • Click on the Start a party button(you don’t have to invite anyone).
  • Make sure your microphone is not muted – you can mute and unmute it by pressing the Y button on your controller. 
  • Speak into the microphone – if it’s working, you’ll see the ring around your profile pic glow.
  • If the ring doesn’t light up, make sure the mic isn’t muted on the headset itself.

If your mic works here but not when you speak in multiplayer, then your issue is likely with privacy settings. You'll want to go to Profile & system > Settings > Account Privacy & online safety >  Xbox Live Safety > View details and customise > Communications & multiplayer to change these settings.

How To Test Your Mic On Xbox Series X/S

Testing your microphone on the shiny new Xbox consoles is pretty much the same as on the Xbox One, given the seamless transition Xbox wanted between the two generations.

If you enter an Xbox Party chat, make sure your microphone is not muted, before speaking into the microphone. If it's working, the ring around your profile picture should light up. If it doesn't and you're unmuted, the chances are that there might be some issues with your microphone or headset.

If this is the case, we'd recommend testing out your mic on another device, such as your phone, to see if the same issues arise.

What Does This Mean For Gaming?

How To Test Your Microphone On Xbox One And Xbox Series X/S
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Xbox

When it comes to online gaming, as with any task, failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

It’s worth checking your microphone before a gaming session to avoid any annoying conversation cut-outs during play. In the heat of battle, a broken mic might not be as immediately obvious as a broken speaker, but it can still cause major problems.

It's an especially good idea to make sure that your mic’s working if you’re using a new headset for the first time. That way, if you’re having trouble from the outset, you can immediately take it back to the shop whence it came for a refund or replacement.

For more articles like this, take a look at our How To page.