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How to Change Your Mic Input in Overwatch 2: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting your microphone input set up correctly in Overwatch 2 is crucial for effective team communication and an immersive gaming experience. If your teammates can’t hear you, or you’re accidentally broadcasting through the wrong mic, it can be frustrating. This guide will walk you through all the steps needed to ensure your voice is heard loud and clear within the game.

In-Game Settings: Your First Stop

The most direct way to adjust your mic input is through Overwatch 2’s in-game settings. This method allows you to quickly select the desired microphone without exiting the game.

Accessing the Audio Menu

Open Overwatch 2: Launch the game and log in to your account.
Navigate to the Options Menu: Once in the main menu, press the “ESC” key (or the equivalent on your console) to bring up the menu.
Select “Options”: From the list, click on the “Options” button to open the game settings panel.
Click on “Sound”: In the Options menu, you’ll see several tabs along the top; click on the “Sound” tab.
Find “Voice Chat”: Within the Sound settings, look for the “Voice Chat” section. This is where you’ll manage all microphone-related settings.

Adjusting Your Microphone Input

Input Device: In the Voice Chat settings, you will find a drop-down menu labeled “Input Device”. Click this menu and select the microphone you want to use from the list of available devices. Make sure the correct mic is selected.
Microphone Volume: Adjust the “Microphone Volume” slider to ensure your voice is at a good level. You can test the volume by talking into your mic; the audio bar next to the slider will show the input level.
Other Voice Chat Options: You can also manage other options here, like voice chat mode (push-to-talk or open mic) and output device (where you hear other players’ voices).

PC Settings: Setting Your Default Input Device

If you’re still having issues or want to ensure your preferred microphone is always used by Overwatch 2 (and other applications), you need to set your default input device at the operating system level.

How to Set Your Default Microphone in Windows

Exit Overwatch 2: Close the game before changing system settings.
Access Sound Settings:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on “System” then select “Sound”.
- Alternatively, right-click on the speaker icon in your system tray and select “Open Sound Settings”.
Choose Your Input Device: Under the “Input” section, look for a drop-down menu labeled “Choose your input device”. Select the microphone you wish to use from the list. This sets it as your system’s default device.
Manage Sound Devices: You can further refine your settings.
- Click on “Manage sound devices”
- Under the “Input Devices” section, disable the microphones you don’t want to use by selecting them and clicking “Disable”. This prevents them from accidentally being used.
Test Your Microphone: To make sure the correct mic is enabled, click on the “Start test” button, and speak. Check if the input level bar shows that the right mic is capturing your audio.

Important Notes for System Settings

Driver Updates: Make sure your microphone drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can sometimes lead to issues.
Exclusive Control: Some applications might be allowed to take “exclusive control” of your microphone, which could change your settings. If you experience problems, check for these settings in the “Manage sound devices” menu under each microphone and uncheck the “Allow applications to take exclusive control” option.
Restart: Sometimes a system restart is required for changes to take full effect.

Troubleshooting Microphone Issues

If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing issues, consider the following troubleshooting points:

Physical Connections: Ensure your microphone is securely connected to your computer or console.
Mute Buttons: Double-check that your microphone or headset isn’t muted. Some headsets have a physical mute switch.
Overwatch 2 Updates: Make sure your game is up to date. Updates can contain fixes for voice chat related bugs.
Parental Controls: If you have parental controls enabled, verify that voice chat hasn’t been disabled within the Battle.net settings.
Battle.net Settings: Check Battle.net settings to make sure the correct microphone is set and that voice chat is enabled in its app settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know if my microphone is working in Overwatch 2?

In the Voice Chat settings within the game, there’s an input volume meter that visually shows your mic input when you talk. If the meter moves as you speak, it means the game is picking up audio from your mic. You can also have a friend join voice chat and confirm they can hear you.

2. Why is my microphone not being detected in Overwatch 2?

The game might not be detecting your microphone if:

It’s not set as the default input device in Windows.
The correct input device isn’t selected in Overwatch 2’s audio settings.
Your microphone drivers are outdated or corrupt.
Another program is using the mic exclusively.
There is a problem with the physical connection.

3. How do I change from push-to-talk to open mic?

Within the Voice Chat settings, you will find an option labeled “Voice Chat Mode”. Click the dropdown menu and choose between “Push to Talk” and “Open Mic”.

4. Can I use different microphones in different games?

Yes, you can choose a different microphone for each game by setting the default input in each game’s settings. The game’s specific settings override the system’s default setting.

5. What is the best microphone volume setting for Overwatch 2?

The ideal volume will depend on your microphone and voice levels. Adjust it so the meter in Voice Chat shows your voice at a good level. Your voice should be easily heard by teammates without being too loud or quiet. Start at 75% and adjust as needed.

6. What does “squelch chat” do?

Squelch Chat mutes a player’s text chat. You will not see any text messages from them. It’s different from “Mute Voice,” which silences only their voice chat.

7. How do I mute players in Overwatch 2?

Click the speaker icon next to a player’s name in the in-game scoreboard to mute/unmute them. You can also mute yourself by clicking the microphone icon by your name.

8. What does “unbound” mean in Overwatch 2’s controls?

“Unbound” means a specific action or channel (such as a voice chat channel) is not assigned to any button or key. You will have to bind it manually if you want to use it.

9. Why is my voice chat so quiet in Overwatch 2?

The microphone volume might be set too low within Overwatch 2’s Voice Chat settings or your system’s settings. Also, check if your microphone is physically muted or if other programs are interfering with your audio.

10. Can you use a mic in Overwatch 2 on consoles?

Yes, you can use a mic on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. The microphone setup is similar, through the game and the console settings.

11. How do I fix my mic if it’s muffled in Overwatch 2?

Make sure the correct microphone is selected, adjust mic volume, disable exclusive control settings and ensure that your mic is not covered, or too close to your mouth. The hardware is also likely a factor.

12. Why does my default microphone keep changing on Windows?

Applications with exclusive control of your microphone may change the default. To prevent this, go into the advanced sound settings and uncheck the “Allow applications to take exclusive control” option.

13. Do people use mics in Overwatch 2?

While not everyone uses voice chat, many players find it beneficial. Team communication can dramatically improve gameplay. Joining voice chat can provide tactical advantages.

14. How do I join voice chat in Overwatch 2?

You are in the Team Chat by default when you start the game. You can switch to Group or Match Chat using the unbound “Access Channels” setting. To join voice chat you have to go to the Voice Channel and set your voice chat settings to On in the same window.

15. Can I adjust voice chat volume for specific players in Overwatch 2?

Overwatch 2 does not offer individual volume control for voice chat; you can only control the master voice chat volume in the sound settings and use the mute player function.

How do I change my mic input in overwatch?