SteelSeries Headset Not Can’t Hear After Opening Game: Troubleshooting Tips

If you own a SteelSeries headset, you may have experienced an annoying issue where you can’t hear audio after launching your favorite game. This is a common problem that many users face, and fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve it. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks to help you get your audio back, so you can immerse yourself in your gaming experience without interruptions.

1. Check Audio Settings

The first step in diagnosing audio issues is to check your audio settings. Sometimes, the problem might be as simple as the wrong audio output being selected. Here’s how to check:

1. Right-click on the speaker icon in your system tray located in the bottom right corner of your screen.
2. Select ‘Playback devices’ from the context menu.
3. In the Playback tab, look for your SteelSeries headset (e.g., Arctis 7 Game or Arctis 7 Chat).
4. Right-click on the correct headset option and select ‘Set as Default Device’. Make sure to apply the changes.

After adjusting these settings, try launching your game again to see if the audio returns.

2. Adjust Game Sound Settings

Often, individual games have their own sound settings that might be interfering with your headset. Launch the game you’re having issues with and do the following:

1. Access the game’s audio settings from the main menu or settings menu.
2. Make sure the correct audio output device (your SteelSeries headset) is selected if that option is available.
3. Check the volume levels, ensuring they are set appropriately. Sometimes, game sounds can be muted or set too low, making it seem like there’s no audio at all.

3. Update Audio Drivers

Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can lead to numerous sound issues. To ensure your headset functions properly, follow these steps to check and update your drivers:

1. Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting ‘Device Manager’.
2. Expand the ‘Sound, video and game controllers’ category.
3. Right-click on your audio device (this may include your SteelSeries headset) and select ‘Update driver’.
4. Choose ‘Search automatically for updated driver software’ to let Windows find and install any available updates.

4. Use SteelSeries Software

SteelSeries offers software that allows for extensive customization of your headset’s features. If you haven’t already installed it, you should consider doing so:

1. Download and install SteelSeries Engine from the official SteelSeries website.
2. Once installed, open the application and ensure that your headset is recognized.
3. Check the audio settings in the software to ensure everything is set correctly.

This software may provide additional audio profiles, personalizations, and troubleshooting settings that could help restore sound.

5. Check for Conflicting Applications

Sometimes, other applications can interfere with your audio. For instance, communication applications like Discord or streaming software might take control of your audio output. To troubleshoot:

1. Exit any background applications that might use audio, such as Discord, OBS, or others.
2. Restart your game after exiting these applications and check if your audio returns.

6. Restart Your Device

A simple yet effective solution to many technical issues is a full system restart. Restarting your computer can clear temporary settings and problems that might be causing your audio issues.

7. Test with Another Device

If your headset is still not producing sound after trying all the above steps, it’s worth checking if the issue lies with the headset itself. If possible:

1. Connect your headset to another device (such as another computer or a gaming console).
2. See if you can hear audio from that device. If you can, the issue might be with your original device settings rather than the headset.

8. Contact SteelSeries Support

If none of the above solutions work, contacting SteelSeries support could be your best option. They can provide specific guidance or recognize if there were any known issues affecting your model.

Conclusion

Experiencing audio issues with your SteelSeries headset while gaming can be frustrating. However, by following the steps outlined above, you should be able to diagnose and fix the problem in no time. Remember, audio settings, driver updates, and checking for conflicts are crucial steps in resolving these issues. Enjoy your gaming and may you always have sound in your sessions!