Xbox 360: The Xbox 360 Headset does not function correctly (907595)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Xbox 360
Microsoft Xbox 360 Headset
Xbox Video Game System

SYMPTOMS

When you use the Xbox 360 Headset, you may experience one of the following symptoms:

You hear no sound from the earpiece
Other players cannot hear you
You hear a crackling noise in the earpiece when you talk
You hear an echo when other players talk
Other players hear an echo when you talk

Note We designed the Xbox 360 Headset for use with licensed Xbox 360 devices only. We did not intend for people to use the headset with any other device. The Xbox 360 console does not transmit game sounds or music through the Xbox 360 Headset.

CAUSE

You may experience one or more of these symptoms if one of following conditions exists:

There is a dirty connection port
The Xbox 360 console is not configured correctly
The Xbox 360 Headset is faulty

THINGS TO TRY

Examine and then clean the Xbox hardware. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Examine the headset, the cord, and the connector for visible defects.
2. Make sure that there is no dirt or debris on the Xbox 360 Headset connector.
  - To clean the connector, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
3. Verify that the Xbox 360 Controller operates correctly.
  - Verify that you can use the controller to turn the console on and off.
4. Firmly insert the Xbox 360 Headset connector in the expansion port under the directional pad (D-pad) and the right stick on the controller.
5. If this does not resolve the issue, go to step 2.
Test the headset. To do this, record and then listen to a new voice message. To record and then listen to a new voice message, follow these steps:
1. Press the Xbox Guide button on the Xbox 360 Controller.
2. Select Messages, and then press the A button.
3. Select Create New, and then press the A button.
4. Select Message, and then press the A button.
5. Select a gamertag, and then press the A button.
6. Select Add Voice, and then press the A button.
7. Put on the Xbox 360 Headset.
8. Select Record Message, and then press the A button to start recording a message.
9. Speak clearly into the microphone and record your voice for 5 to 15 seconds.
10. Press the A button to stop recording.
11. Select Play Message, and then press the A button.
12. Listen to your recording.
  - If you can hear the recorded message, your headset is operating correctly. If the headset still does not function correctly when you use the headset on Xbox Live, you may have to configure Family Settings. Go to step 3.
  - If you cannot hear the recorded message, your microphone may be muted, or the earpiece volume may set too low. Verify that the controls are adjusted correctly. If this does not resolve the issue, see the "More Information" section.
Configure Family Settings.

Note If you set up a profile for a child on the console, Family Settings lets the owner of the parent profile control who can communicate with the child profile on Xbox Live. In Family Settings, you can enable communication in the child's profile. The default setting for gamers who are under 17 is Friends Only.
To configure Family Settings, follow these steps:
1. In the Xbox Dashboard, select System, and then press the A button.
2. Select Family Settings, and then press the A button.
3. Select Xbox Live Controls, and then press the A button.
4. Select the child's profile, and then enter the password of the parent's profile that is associated with the child's profile.
5. Select Privacy and Friends, and then press the A button.
6. Select Communications, and then press the A button.
7. Select one of the following options:
  - Everyone
    This setting lets you communicate with anyone on Xbox Live.
  - Friends Only
    This setting lets you communicate with people who are on your friends list only.
  - Blocked
    This setting blocks all communication with the headset.
    
    Note With this setting, you can still receive new friend requests.
8. After you select the option that you want, press the B button until you return to the System section.
9. If this does not resolve the issue, see the "More Information" section.

MORE INFORMATION

You do not hear sound from the earpiece

Increase the volume of the headset. To do this, rotate the volume control on the headset cable connector.
Make sure that the volume level is set correctly or that the volume is not muted in the Personal Settings area. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press the Xbox Guide button on the Xbox 360 Controller.
2. Select Personal Settings.
3. Select Voice.
4. Make sure that the Mute option is not selected. To turn off the Mute option, select Mute, and then press the A button.
5. Increase the volume. To do this, select the volume bar, and then press the D-Pad or the left stick.
If this does not resolve the issue, replace the Xbox 360 Headset.

Other players cannot hear you

Make sure that the volume level is set correctly or that the volume is not muted in the Personal Settings area. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press the Xbox Guide button on the Xbox 360 Controller.
2. Select Personal Settings.
3. Select Voice.
4. Make sure that the Mute option is not selected. To turn off the Mute option, select Mute, and then press the A button.
5. Increase the volume. To do this, select the volume bar, and then press the D-Pad or the left stick.
Verify that the Mic switch is not set to Mute.

Note The Mic switch is located on the Xbox 360 Headset connector.
See the game manual to determine whether you must press a button to communicate with other players during gameplay.
If this does not resolve the issue, replace the Xbox 360 Headset.

Modification Type:	Minor	Last Reviewed:	6/5/2006
Keywords:	kbxbox360ext kbtshoot kbXbox360PacRimPortal kbXbox360EuropePortal kbXbox360AmericasPortal kbXboxPeripherals kbPubTypeKC KB907595

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