How to Unmute a Game on PS5

Few things are more frustrating than launching a game on your PS5, only to find that there’s no sound. Whether you’re missing in-game audio, struggling with voice chat, or dealing with a muted microphone, these sound issues can quickly ruin the gaming experience.

Luckily, resolving audio problems on the PlayStation 5 is usually straightforward—if you know where to look. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to unmute a game on PS5, troubleshoot audio problems, and fix common issues with game chat and microphone settings. You’ll learn step-by-step methods for adjusting PS5 audio settings, checking connections, and ensuring your system is configured for the best sound performance.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a complete solution for restoring your PS5 audio, whether you’re using headphones, a TV, or a sound system. Let’s get started!

Understanding PS5 Audio Issues

Before we jump into fixes, it’s important to understand why your PS5 might be muted or experiencing audio problems. There are several reasons why sound issues occur, and identifying the root cause will make troubleshooting much easier.

Common Causes of PS5 Audio Issues

1. Muted or Low Volume Settings
   • Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the correct one. If your PS5’s volume is too low or muted in the system settings, you won’t hear any sound.
2. DualSense Controller Mute Button Is On
   • The DualSense controller has a built-in mute button that, when activated, can mute both the microphone and system audio. If this button is lit up, your audio might be muted.
3. Incorrect Audio Output Settings
   • If your PS5 is set to output sound to a different device (such as a headset when you’re using a TV), you won’t hear anything.
4. Faulty or Loose HDMI Connection
   • A bad HDMI cable or loose connection can prevent sound from reaching your TV or monitor.
5. Game or System Bugs
   • Sometimes, in-game settings or system updates can cause unexpected audio issues.
6. Outdated System Software
   • If your PS5 is running outdated firmware, it may cause compatibility issues with certain games or audio devices.
7. Headphones or Sound System Problems
   • If you’re using headphones, a soundbar, or external speakers, the issue might not be with the PS5 but with the audio device itself.

How to Identify the Problem

To determine what’s causing the audio issue, ask yourself:

• Is the sound missing in all games or just one specific game?
• Does audio work through your TV but not through headphones?
• Is your controller’s mute button on?
• Did the issue start after a recent system update?

By answering these questions, you can narrow down the issue and move on to the appropriate fix.

How to Unmute a Game on PS5

If a specific game is muted on your PS5, follow these steps to restore the sound.

1. Check the In-Game Audio Settings

Some games have separate volume controls for music, dialogue, and sound effects. If you accidentally muted or lowered any of these settings, you might not hear anything.

How to fix it:

• Open the game that has no sound.
• Go to Settings > Audio (or Sound Settings, depending on the game).
• Make sure the Master Volume and all other sound settings are turned up.
• If the game has a Mute Audio When Minimized option, ensure it’s turned off.

2. Unmute the DualSense Controller

The DualSense controller has a mute button just below the PlayStation (PS) button. If it’s activated, it may mute game audio.

How to check:

• Look at the mute button on your DualSense controller.
• If it’s glowing orange, that means the microphone (and sometimes the system audio) is muted.
• Press the button to unmute it. The light should turn off.

3. Adjust PS5 System Audio Settings

If your game is still muted, it could be due to incorrect system settings.

To check and fix:

1. Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
2. Ensure Output Device is set correctly (e.g., TV, soundbar, or headset).
3. Adjust Volume and make sure it’s not too low or muted.
4. If using a headset, go to Microphone Settings and check if Mute Output When Mic Is Off is enabled. If so, turn it off.

4. Restart the Game and PS5

If the game is still muted, try restarting the game or rebooting your console.

Steps to restart:

1. Close the game by pressing the PS button, selecting the game, and choosing Close Game.
2. Relaunch the game and check the sound.
3. If that doesn’t work, restart your PS5 by going to Settings > System > Power > Restart PS5.

How to Fix No Sound on PS5

If your PS5 has no sound at all—whether it’s for games, the system menu, or streaming apps—there are several potential fixes.

1. Check Your TV or Monitor’s Volume

Before adjusting PS5 settings, make sure the issue isn’t with your TV or monitor.

Steps to check:

• Increase the TV volume using its remote or built-in controls.
• Ensure the TV isn’t muted.
• If using external speakers or a soundbar, verify that they are powered on and set to the correct input.
• Try playing audio from another device (like a streaming app or another console) to confirm the issue is with the PS5.

2. Check HDMI Connection and Ports

A loose or faulty HDMI cable can prevent audio from reaching your TV.

How to fix it:

1. Unplug and reconnect the HDMI cable at both ends (PS5 and TV).
2. Try using a different HDMI port on your TV.
3. If possible, test with another HDMI cable.
4. Use the HDMI 2.1 port if available (it provides better audio and video quality).
5. Ensure HDMI Device Link is enabled on your PS5 (Settings > System > HDMI > Enable HDMI Device Link).

If your TV supports HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), ensure it is enabled on both your PS5 and TV, as this can sometimes affect audio output. (Settings > System > HDMI > Enable HDMI Device Link)

3. Change Audio Output Settings on PS5

If your PS5 is outputting sound to the wrong device, adjusting the settings can help.

Steps to adjust:

1. Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
2. Under Output Device, select the correct option (TV, Soundbar, or Headphones).
3. Set HDMI Device Type to AV Amplifier if using an external sound system.
4. Under Audio Format (Priority), try changing from Linear PCM to Dolby Audio or DTS.

4. Disable 3D Audio (If Using a Headset)

Some headsets may not support 3D Audio, leading to sound issues.

To turn off 3D Audio:

1. Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
2. Scroll down to Enable 3D Audio for Headphones and turn it off.

5. Restart Your PS5 and TV

A simple restart can sometimes resolve sound issues.

Steps:

• Turn off your PS5 completely (not Rest Mode).
• Unplug the power cable for 30 seconds and then plug it back in.
• Restart your TV and any audio devices connected to it.

Fixing No Sound When Using a Headset on PS5

If your PS5 has no sound when using a headset, the issue could be with the headset itself, the controller, or the audio settings. Here’s how to fix it.

1. Check Headset Connection and Volume

Before adjusting settings, make sure your headset is properly connected.

Steps to check:

• If using a wired headset, ensure the 3.5mm jack is fully plugged into the controller.
• If using a wireless headset, check if it’s properly paired and charged.
• Increase the volume using the headset controls (some have built-in volume dials).
• If using the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset, press the CHAT/AUDIO balance button to ensure it’s not set to chat-only.

2. Adjust PS5 Audio Output Settings

Sometimes, the PS5 doesn’t automatically switch audio to your headset.

How to fix it:

1. Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
2. Under Output Device, select Controller Headphone Jack (for wired) or Wireless Headset (if using Bluetooth or a dongle).
3. Set Output to Headphones to All Audio instead of Chat Audio.
4. Increase the Headphone Volume slider if it’s too low.

3. Check Your Controller’s Audio Settings

Your DualSense controller has its own mute function that can affect headset audio.

Fix it by:

• Pressing the mute button (below the PS button) to toggle mute off.
• If the light is orange, your mic is muted—press it again to unmute.
• Holding the mute button for 3 seconds to reset all audio settings.

4. Test With a Different Headset or Controller

• If possible, try using another headset to see if the issue is with your current one.
• Test your headset on another device (like a phone or PC) to ensure it works properly.
• If using a second DualSense controller, connect your headset to it and see if the issue persists.

5. Restart Your PS5 and Controller

A quick restart can resolve temporary sound issues.

Steps:

1. Turn off the PS5 completely (not Rest Mode).
2. Unplug the controller, wait 30 seconds, then reconnect it.
3. Restart your PS5 and check if the headset audio is working.

Fixing Audio Delay and Sound Cutting Out on PS5 Headsets

If you’re experiencing audio lag or sound randomly cutting out on your PS5 headset, it could be due to interference, software issues, or hardware problems. Here’s how to fix it.

1. Check for Wireless Interference (For Wireless Headsets)

If your wireless headset is cutting out or lagging, interference from other devices might be the cause.

Fix it by:

• Moving the wireless dongle closer to your PS5 (use a USB extension if needed).
• Keeping your headset away from Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, or microwaves.
• Turning off other Bluetooth devices near your PS5 to reduce interference.

2. Reset and Reconnect Your Headset

Resetting your headset can refresh its connection.

Steps to reset:

1. Turn off your headset.
2. Unplug the wireless dongle from the PS5.
3. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
4. Turn your headset back on and reconnect.

For wired headsets, unplug the 3.5mm jack and reinsert it firmly into the controller.

3. Check Audio Format Settings

Sometimes, the PS5’s audio settings may not be optimized for your headset.

To adjust audio format:

1. Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
2. Under Audio Format (Priority), switch to Linear PCM instead of Dolby or DTS (if available).
3. If using Tempest 3D Audio, toggle it off and then back on to see if it helps.

4. Update Your Headset Firmware

Some headsets (like the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset) may have firmware updates available.

How to check:

• If you’re using a Sony Pulse 3D headset, update it through the PS5 Accessories settings.
• For third-party headsets, check the manufacturer’s website for firmware updates.

5. Adjust Mic Monitoring and Sidetone Settings

If the audio lag happens when using voice chat, adjusting sidetone (mic monitoring) might help.

To adjust:

1. Go to Settings > Sound > Microphone > Sidetone Volume.
2. Lower it or turn it off to see if the delay improves.

6. Try a Different USB Port (For Wireless Headsets)

If you’re using a USB dongle for your wireless headset, try plugging it into a different port:

• Use one of the front USB ports instead of the back.
• If using a USB hub, plug the dongle directly into the PS5.

7. Restart and Rebuild PS5 Database (If the Issue Persists)

If none of the above fixes work, rebuilding the PS5 database can help.

How to rebuild the database:

1. Turn off your PS5 completely.
2. Hold the power button for about 7 seconds until you hear a second beep.
3. Connect your controller via USB and press the PS button.
4. Select Rebuild Database from the menu.

This process won’t delete your data, but it can fix underlying software issues causing sound problems.

Fixing Mic Issues on PS5 Headsets

If your mic isn’t working, sounds muffled, or others can’t hear you in voice chat, don’t worry—there are several ways to fix it.

1. Check If Your Mic Is Muted

It sounds simple, but the DualSense controller has a mute button that could be the issue.

• If the orange light on the controller is ON, your mic is muted.
• Press the mute button (below the PS button) to unmute.

If using a Pulse 3D headset, press the mute button on the headset to ensure it’s not muted.

2. Adjust Mic Input Settings

If your mic is too quiet or not working, adjust the input volume.

To do this:

1. Go to Settings > Sound > Microphone.
2. Under Input Device, make sure the correct mic is selected (either controller mic or headset mic).
3. Adjust Microphone Level to increase sensitivity.

3. Test Your Mic with the PS5’s Built-in Tool

To check if your mic is working at all:

1. Go to Settings > Sound > Microphone.
2. Select Adjust Microphone Level.
3. Speak into the mic—you should see blue bars moving.
   • If there’s no movement, your mic may not be detected.

4. Check Party Chat Settings

If you can’t be heard in voice chat, but your mic works elsewhere, it could be your chat settings.

Fix it by:

1. Opening the party chat menu.
2. Making sure Voice Chat is Enabled.
3. Checking if Push to Talk is enabled (if so, hold the required button to talk).
4. Ensuring you’re not muted by other players.

5. Reset and Reconnect Your Headset

For wireless headsets:

• Turn off your headset, unplug the USB dongle, and wait 30 seconds.
• Plug it back in and power on the headset.

For wired headsets:

• Unplug the 3.5mm jack and firmly reinsert it into the controller.
• If using an adapter, try plugging the headset directly into the controller.

6. Check for Mic Blockage or Damage

If your headset’s mic sounds muffled or quiet, check for:

• Dirt or dust blocking the mic hole—clean it gently with a dry cloth.
• A bent or damaged cable if using a wired headset.

7. Update Your Headset Firmware

Certain headsets have known mic issues that can often be resolved with firmware updates. For example:

• Pulse 3D Wireless Headset: Requires updates via Settings > Accessories on the PS5.
• SteelSeries Arctis 7P+: May need updates via the SteelSeries Engine software on PC.
• Razer BlackShark V2 Pro: Firmware updates are available through Razer Synapse on a computer.
• Astro A50: Uses the Astro Command Center for firmware updates to fix connectivity or mic detection issues.

If your headset isn’t working properly, check the manufacturer’s website for firmware updates or use their dedicated software to ensure you’re running the latest version.

8. Restart and Rebuild Database (If Mic Still Doesn’t Work)

If your mic still isn’t detected, rebuilding the database might help.

To do this:

1. Turn off your PS5.
2. Hold the power button for 7 seconds (until you hear a second beep).
3. Connect your controller via USB and press the PS button.
4. Select Rebuild Database.

This won’t delete your data but may resolve software issues.

Fixing Audio Issues in Party Chat on PS5

If you can’t hear your friends in party chat, or they can’t hear you, the problem is likely related to voice chat settings, network issues, or headset configuration. Here’s how to fix it.

1. Check If Voice Chat Is Enabled

Sometimes, voice chat is accidentally disabled in party settings.

To enable voice chat:

1. Press the PS button to open the Control Center.
2. Select Game Base > Parties.
3. Open your party and make sure Voice Chat is enabled.

If voice chat is off, turn it on and check if you can hear others.

2. Adjust In-Game Chat vs. Party Chat Balance

Some games automatically prioritize game chat over party chat, causing you to not hear teammates.

Fix it by:

1. Go to Settings > Sound > Voice Chat Balance.
2. Move the slider towards Party Chat if you want to hear friends more clearly.

3. Unmute Yourself and Other Players

• If you see a red speaker icon next to a player’s name, they are muted.
• If there’s a crossed-out mic icon next to your name, your mic is muted.

To unmute:

1. Open the party chat menu.
2. Select the player’s name (or your own) and choose Unmute.

4. Adjust Microphone and Output Settings

If others can’t hear you or your chat volume is too low:

For Microphone:

1. Go to Settings > Sound > Microphone.
2. Set Input Device to your headset or DualSense mic.
3. Adjust Microphone Level to increase sensitivity.

For Audio Output:

1. Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
2. Set Output to Headphones to All Audio instead of Chat Audio.
3. Increase the Headphones Volume slider.

5. Check NAT Type for Network Issues

If party chat isn’t working, a strict NAT type might be blocking voice communication.

To check your NAT type:

1. Go to Settings > Network > Connection Status.
2. Select View Connection Status.
3. Look for NAT Type:
   • Type 1 (Open) – Best for voice chat.
   • Type 2 (Moderate) – Usually works but may have occasional issues.
   • Type 3 (Strict) – Can block party chat.

If you have NAT Type 3, you might need to enable UPnP in your router settings or manually forward ports for PS5 voice chat. A Strict NAT type blocks direct connections between your PS5 and other players.

Since voice chat relies on a direct, stable connection, a Strict NAT can cause one-way audio, dropped calls, or an inability to join parties. It essentially acts like a firewall, limiting who you can communicate with online.

To fix this, enabling UPnP, port forwarding, or DMZ mode on your router can help open up connections and improve voice chat quality.

6. Restart Your PS5 and Router

A quick restart can often resolve temporary voice chat issues.

Steps:

1. Restart your PS5 by going to Settings > System > Power > Restart PS5.
2. Restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

7. Check for PSN or Game Server Issues

If party chat was working before but suddenly stopped, PlayStation Network (PSN) or a game’s servers might be down.

To check PSN status:

• Visit PlayStation Network Service Status to see if voice chat services are down.

If PSN is down, you’ll need to wait for Sony to fix the issue.

8. Use a Different Controller (If Mic Is Still Not Working)

If your controller’s mic input is faulty, try using a different DualSense controller to see if the issue is resolved.

Conclusion

Audio issues on the PS5 can be incredibly frustrating, especially when they disrupt your gaming experience. Whether your game is muted, your microphone isn’t working, or you’re struggling with party chat, the good news is that most audio problems have straightforward solutions.

We’ve covered everything from unmuting a game using the DualSense controller and adjusting PS5 audio settings to troubleshooting game chat and microphone issues. We also explored advanced fixes like checking HDMI connections, updating system software, and resetting audio settings to ensure optimal sound quality.

By following these steps, you can quickly resolve most audio-related issues on the PS5 and get back to an immersive gaming experience. If problems persist, consider checking for hardware faults or contacting PlayStation Support for further assistance.

With the right approach, you can enjoy crystal-clear game audio and smooth communication with friends—no more silent cutscenes or broken voice chat! Keep these troubleshooting steps handy, and game on without interruptions.

If none of these solutions work, there might be a hardware issue with your controller, headset, or console.

You can contact PlayStation Support at: https://www.playstation.com/support/