How to Make Your PS5 Talk: A Comprehensive Guide to Voice Commands and Chat

The PlayStation 5 offers several ways to make it “talk,” encompassing both voice commands for system control and voice chat for interacting with other players. Using voice commands allows you to navigate the interface, launch games, and control media playback with your voice. Voice chat enables you to communicate with friends and teammates during online multiplayer games and in party chats. This article will guide you through both aspects, ensuring you can fully utilize the PS5’s voice capabilities.

Enabling and Using Voice Commands on PS5

The Voice Command (Preview) feature on the PS5 allows you to control your console using your voice. Here’s how to enable and use it:

1. Enable Voice Command (Preview): Go to Settings > Voice Command (Preview) from the home screen. Turn Enable Voice Command on.
2. Using Voice Commands: Once enabled, say “Hey PlayStation” followed by a command. You can say “Hey PlayStation, Help” to see a list of available commands.
3. Requirements: Voice Command (Preview) is only available when your PS5 console is turned on and you’re signed in to PlayStation Network.
4. Microphone: The PS5 uses the built-in microphone in the DualSense controller. Ensure the controller is properly connected and charged.

Setting Up Voice Chat on PS5

To use voice chat effectively, you need to configure your audio settings properly.

1. Select Input Device: Go to Settings > Sound > Microphone. Select the appropriate input device from the options available.
2. Controller Microphone: If you want to use the DualSense controller’s built-in microphone, select it as the Input Device.
3. External Headset: For better audio quality, use a compatible headset like the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless Gaming Headset or other headsets from brands like Logitech, Razer, or HyperX. Ensure the headset is properly connected.
4. Adjust Audio Output: Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output. Select the desired Output Device and choose whether to output audio to headphones.
5. Microphone Status: After selecting Input Device make sure the status is set to On.

Troubleshooting Voice Chat Issues

If you’re experiencing problems with voice chat, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Microphone Settings: Ensure the correct microphone is selected as the input device in the PS5 settings.
2. Privacy Settings: Verify your privacy settings allow communication with everyone. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Privacy and adjust communication settings accordingly.
3. Mute Status: Make sure you haven’t accidentally muted yourself or the other players. In party chat, you can adjust the volume and mute status of each participant.
4. Game-Specific Settings: Some games have their own voice chat settings. Check the game’s audio options to ensure voice chat is enabled and configured correctly. For example, in Modern Warfare 2, you can adjust microphone settings within the game’s audio menu.
5. Party Chat Settings: Make sure you have joined the party chat from within the party window. Check party chat volume for each person in your party.
6. Network Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for voice chat. Check your Wi-Fi connection and ensure your PS5 is connected to the internet.
7. PSN Status: Check the PlayStation Network status to ensure all services are up and running. Outages can affect voice chat functionality.

Streaming with Voice on PS5

If you’re streaming your gameplay, here’s how to include voice audio:

1. Start Broadcasting: While playing a game, press the Create button on your controller, select Broadcast, and choose your streaming platform (e.g., Twitch).
2. Microphone Selection: You can use the DualSense controller microphone for broadcast audio. Ensure it’s selected as the input device in the broadcast settings.
3. Audio Levels: Adjust the microphone volume to ensure your voice is clear and balanced with the game audio.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to using voice on the PS5:

1. Why is PS5 voice chat not working? There are multiple reasons why voice chat might not be working, including incorrect audio settings, privacy settings, muted microphone, game-specific settings, and network issues.

2. How do I talk to my mic on PS5? Select the gearwheel icon in the top right corner and go to ‘Sound’ > ‘Microphone’. Select the controller microphone for ‘Input Device’. Change the status to ‘On’. From now on, you can talk to your teammates via the microphone of your controller.

3. Does PS5 have a built-in mic? Yes, the DualSense controller has a built-in microphone.

4. Is the PS5 controller microphone on by default? The PS5 controller microphone is on by default, so you may need to mute yourself when joining online games.

5. How do I get my mic to work on PS5 stream? You can select the DualSense controller mic for broadcast audio when setting up your stream via the Create button.

6. What mics work with PS5? The PS5 is compatible with a variety of headsets, including the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless Gaming Headset, Logitech G435 Wireless Gaming Headset, Razer Nari Ultimate Wireless Gaming Headset, and HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless Gaming Headset.

7. Why doesn’t game chat work on MW2? In Modern Warfare 2, check your audio settings and ensure the correct microphone or headset is selected. If it’s set to default, try changing it to your specific device.

8. How do I fix party chat? To fix party chat issues, check your privacy settings, unmute or unblock other players, adjust party chat volume, and ensure you’ve joined the party from the party window.

9. Can you connect AirPods to PS5? AirPods cannot connect natively to the PS5. You need a compatible Bluetooth adapter to connect them directly.

10. Why can’t I talk in party chat? Make sure that you’ve allowed communication with other players in your privacy settings. You can find these settings under Account > Privacy & online safety > Xbox privacy.

11. Why won’t party chat connect? If you do not have internet connection / stable internet the code will not process the party chat request.

12. Why can’t I change to party chat? If you can’t switch from in-game chat to party chat on your Xbox console, there may be a problem with either the Xbox service or your network connection.

13. Does PS5 have voice commands? Yes, the PS5 has Voice Command (Preview), which allows you to control the console with your voice.

14. How do I enable Voice Command (Preview) on PS5 consoles? From the home screen, select Settings > Voice Command (Preview). Turn on Enable Voice Command.

15. Can people see what you’re listening to on PlayStation? You can share a track you’re listening to via your PS4 profile. This feature allows friends to see and play the song directly from your profile. As gaming continues to evolve, understanding the learning aspects of play becomes increasingly important. Resources like the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, can help you dive deeper into the educational potential of gaming.