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Why Won’t My Mic Work on Fortnite PS4? A Comprehensive Guide

Experiencing mic issues in Fortnite on your PS4 can be incredibly frustrating, especially when trying to coordinate with your squad or simply enjoy the game’s social aspect. There are a multitude of reasons why your mic might not be working, ranging from simple settings glitches to more complex hardware problems. The root cause often falls into one of several categories: incorrect audio settings within the PS4 system or Fortnite itself, conflicting chat settings, hardware malfunctions, or connectivity issues. Understanding these potential problems is the first step to getting your voice back in the game.

Let’s break down the most common culprits:

PS4 Audio Settings: The most frequent issue lies within the PS4’s audio settings. If your headset isn’t properly selected as the input or output device, or the wrong output option is selected, your mic won’t work.
In-Game Fortnite Audio Settings: Even if your PS4 settings are correct, Fortnite has its own set of audio controls. Incorrect voice chat settings or muting options within Fortnite can silence your microphone.
Party Chat Conflicts: If you’re in a PlayStation Party Chat, the mic audio is often diverted to the party and not to the game. Even if no one else is in the party, being in one will prevent your in-game voice chat from functioning.
Hardware Problems: Your headset, microphone, or controller jack could be faulty. This includes loose connections, damaged cables, or even issues with the microphone itself.
Mute Settings: You might have accidentally muted your microphone in the game or through system settings without realizing it.
Push-to-Talk Settings: You might have “push to talk” enabled but be unaware of the button that activates your mic. This prevents your mic from working unless you press the correct button.
Software and Firmware: Outdated firmware on your PS4 or issues with the Headset Companion app could also be a factor.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the troubleshooting process.

Troubleshooting Your Fortnite Mic on PS4

Checking Your PS4 Audio Settings

Access Audio Devices: From your PS4 dashboard, go to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices.
Input Device: Make sure your headset or microphone is selected as the input device. If you have multiple options, select the correct one.
Output Device: Verify that your headset is chosen as the output device and select either “Chat Audio” or “All Audio” depending on your preference. “All Audio” will play all game sound through the headset, while “Chat Audio” will primarily emphasize communication and other game sound will be lowered in volume.
Adjust Volume: Ensure the microphone level is adequately set. There’s an option in the Audio Devices settings where you can check if your microphone is working. Look for the blue bar that rises and falls when you speak. If you don’t see this, try raising the input volume, make sure the mic is not muted or the connection is secure.
Confirm Device: Go to the Output to Headphones section and choose “All Audio” if you want both game audio and voice chat through your headset, or “Chat Audio” for a focus on voice chat.

Verifying In-Game Fortnite Audio Settings

Access Fortnite Settings: Launch Fortnite and go to the in-game settings menu.
Audio Settings: Navigate to the audio settings tab.
Voice Chat Options: Ensure “Voice Chat” is set to “On” or “Enabled.” Make sure that you don’t have your voice chat setting set to “Nobody” as this will completely disable voice chat.
Mute Settings: Make sure that you do not have the option “Mute Game Voice Chat” selected, as this option is easily missed, yet will mute your mic. Check also if you have the “Mute All Microphones” option enabled as this will prevent the mic from working.
Push-to-Talk: Check if “Push to Talk” is enabled. If it is, you need to find the key binding, usually the left arrow on the D-pad for default configurations on PS4. You have to press this button to activate the mic.

Exiting PlayStation Party Chat

Leave the Party: If you are in a party, leave the party. Press the PS button to open the control center and select “Party.” From there, you can select “Leave Party.”
Restart the Game: After exiting the party, restart Fortnite to make sure that the in-game audio settings take priority.

Addressing Hardware and Connection Issues

Check Connections: Make sure your headset is securely plugged into your controller or the PS4 if applicable. Check for loose connections or damaged cables.
Test with Another Device: Try your headset on another device (like a phone or another console) to see if the microphone works. This helps determine if the issue is with your headset or the PS4.
Try Another Headset: Similarly, try a different headset on your PS4 to see if the problem lies with your specific headset or your PS4.
Controller Port: If using a headset plugged into your controller, try a different controller. Sometimes the issue lies with the audio jack of the controller.

Unmute Your Microphone

Options Button: Highlight your username on the PS4 and press the Options button to see if you have muted your mic.
Double Check Mute: Make sure that you also do not have the “Mute Game Voice Chat” or “Mute All Microphones” options enabled as mentioned previously.

Update Software and Firmware

PS4 System Update: Ensure your PS4 system software is up-to-date. Go to Settings > System > System Software > Update.
Headset Companion App: If you are using a wireless headset, check the Headset Companion app for any necessary updates.

Reset Controller

Power Off Console Turn off your PlayStation 4 console completely.
Locate Reset Button: On the back of your DualShock 4 controller, find the tiny hole near the left shoulder button (L2).
Use Pin: Straighten a paperclip or use a pin and gently push it into the hole.
Hold for 5 Seconds: Hold the reset button down for about 5 seconds.
Turn Console Back On Turn the console back on and re-sync the controller to see if this resolves the mic issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does my microphone work in other games but not in Fortnite?

This usually points to a specific setting within Fortnite’s audio options being incorrectly configured. Make sure voice chat is enabled in the game settings, and that “Mute Game Voice Chat” is disabled. Also ensure that you are not in a PlayStation Party Chat.

2. Why can’t my friends hear me in Fortnite?

The primary reason is often incorrect voice chat settings, a muted microphone, push to talk being enabled without the correct button being used, or you are in a PS Party. Verify these options in both the PS4 and in-game settings.

3. What is the “Push-to-Talk” button on PS4 for Fortnite?

The default “push-to-talk” button is usually the left arrow on the D-pad. If you are using “builder pro” controls, these button mapping may be different. You should verify your key bindings within the Fortnite controller settings.

4. Can I use a microphone without a headset on PS4?

Yes, you can use the microphones on the PlayStation®Camera or use any earbuds or other wired headset that has a 3.5mm jack plugged directly into the controller. The DualShock 4 controller itself doesn’t have a built-in mic.

5. How do I unmute my microphone on PS4?

Highlight your username and press the OPTIONS button, then select un-mute if needed, but also verify in-game audio options, as the mute settings here will mute your microphone as well. Also ensure that “Mute All Microphones” option is disabled.

6. Where are the headset settings on PS4?

Go to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices to configure your headset’s input and output.

7. What should my “Output to Headphones” setting be on PS4?

Select “All Audio” to hear all game audio and voice chat through your headset, or “Chat Audio” to prioritize voice communication and lower the volume of other game sound.

8. Does the PS4 controller have a built-in microphone?

No, the PS4 controller does not have a built-in microphone. You need a headset with a mic or use a PS camera.

9. Why is my game audio not coming through my headset on PS4?

Make sure the “Output to Headphones” setting is set to either “Chat Audio” or “All Audio”, and the output device is set to your headset.

10. How do I test if my microphone is working on PS4?

In the Audio Devices settings, look for the blue bar that rises and falls when you speak into the microphone. If the bar isn’t moving, the microphone may not be working.

11. Can a faulty controller cause microphone issues?

Yes, a damaged controller audio jack or its internal connection can prevent a headset mic from working. Try using a different controller to see if that fixes the issue.

12. How do I reset my PS4 controller?

Locate the small hole near the left shoulder button on the back of the controller, insert a paperclip, hold for 5 seconds, and then turn the controller back on.

13. Can third-party apps interfere with my PS4 microphone?

While less common, third-party apps running in the background can sometimes conflict with the audio settings, so try closing any apps that are unnecessary and try again.

14. Why does my mic keep muting itself?

This is often due to incorrect settings, an unstable connection, or a faulty headset or controller. Check the mute settings, connections, and test with another headset if possible.

15. Can outdated software cause microphone issues on PS4?

Yes, outdated PS4 system software or Headset Companion app software can create problems. Make sure you update to the latest version if there is an update available.

By carefully working through each of these steps, you should be able to identify and fix the issue with your microphone on Fortnite PS4, allowing you to communicate effectively with your team. Remember to check all audio settings, hardware connections, and consider software issues if problems persist.

Why won t my mic work on Fortnite PS4?