Why does your gaming headset occasionally cut out?

If you play a lot of video games, you're probably familiar with the phenomenon everything's fine. You're neck-deep in combat when your teammates begin to complain that they can't hear you. The next thing you know, someone has begun a voting procedure to remove you from the game, and it is only then that you notice your headset has been disconnected.

Gaming headphones disconnect due to connectivity problems, driver issues, broken batteries, being too far away from your console or PC, interference from other wireless devices, or using the incorrect headsets for your console. This article will discuss why your gaming headsets cut out, and how to fix cut-out headsets.

If you're one of the many people who have purchased gaming headsets, it's possible that they cut out while you were playing a game. Understanding the causes of this vexing problem will allow you to put an end to it quickly and get back to your usual play.

Connectivity Problems

If your headset is continuously cutting off or not working at all, the connection is most likely to blame. If you discover that your headset does not work on more than one device, the problem is most likely on your end.

Gaming headsets are classified into two types: wired and wireless. Wired headphones need a cable to connect to your console or PC. If the cable is damaged or improperly attached at either end, your headset may cut out.

A physical connection between the headset and the console is not required with wireless headphones. Instead, they connect wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Although you won't have to deal with cords, there's still a potential that your headset can connect to another Bluetooth device unexpectedly.

Driving Issues

While there are numerous probable explanations for this problem, the most common are driver-related issues. Drivers are used by computers to link various types of hardware to your operating system.

The good news is that if you run into this issue, it's usually a simple fix: update your driver.

Without proper drivers, your computer will be unable to interface with your device and may fail to identify it entirely. If your headset shares a USB port with other peripherals, such as keyboards or mice, the computer may stop delivering signals to your driver when those other devices are detected.

Drivers might get corrupted or outdated over time due to a variety of factors. Updating your driver restores lost connections between hardware and software by replacing corrupted files with new copies.

Battery Problems

Wireless headphones contain a built-in battery that might deplete over time. A faulty battery may appear to be more than half charged before abruptly dropping to minimum levels and cutting you off without notice.

Of course, you could have merely forgotten to charge your battery. In that case, attach it to your computer or console and use it as a wired headset while it charges.

If the issue is with your battery, you'll need to repair it, purchase a new headset, or settle for gaming with a wired headset.

The headset is too far away from the source

Because of weak wireless transmitter reception, your gameplay headset may disconnect. This occurs when your headset is too far away from the source—whether it's a PC or a console—or when objects are in the way.

Before you assume the headset is defective, try moving your wireless transmitter closer to the sound source and making sure there are no obstructions in its path.

If this doesn't work or you're already near the source, there could be a problem with your headset. In that situation, you'll need to send it to a technician or purchase a new one.

Using the Incorrect Console Headphone

Check that you're using the correct headset for your device. Some of the most popular headsets are console-specific, so a PlayStation headset may not function with an Xbox.

The majority of versions are universal and can be used with any system. If you have a universal headset, you can use it on any system by simply changing the audio mode on the headset, which is typically done with a switch on the side.