No Sound in USB Computer Headset

Plugging a headset into a computer can get you some great sound in your softphone calls and virtual meetings. When things go wrong there are a lot of things to check. Here we will break it down so you can find your issue and get it fixed quickly!

Headset not recognized by computer

• Try unplugging the headset and plugging it back in
• Try a different USB port
• If the headset still isn't showing up, unplug the headset from the USB port, shut down your computer, plug the headset back in, and restart your computer

No sound in headset

If you see your headset in your computer's sound settings but still can't hear anything, try these steps next!

For WINDOWS:

• Make sure your headset is set up as the Default Device in your sound settings
  • For Windows 7 that will be the Playback tab
  • For Windows 10 that will be the Output section
  • For Windows 11 that will be "Choose where to play sound" and then "Choose a device for speaking or recording"
  
  Unsure how to navigate your Windows settings? Give us a call at 1-800-432-3738

For MAC:

• Head to the Mac’s Output under "Sounds"
• Slide the headset’s slider all the way over to the right to max
• Slide the other output devices all the way to the left to min

For Leitner corded USB headsets, don't forget to check the compatibility buttons where the cord snaps together. Those should be set to 2 and 3.

Settings are correct, but no mic audio

For WINDOWS:

• Make sure your headset is set up as the Default Device in your sound settings
  • For Windows 7 that will be the Recording tab
  • For Windows 10 that will be the Input section
  • For Windows 11 that will be "Choose where to play sound" and then "Choose a device for speaking or recording"

Unsure how to navigate your Windows settings? Give us a call at 1-800-432-3738

For MAC:

• Head to the Mac’s Input under "Sounds"
• Slide the headset’s slider all the way over to the right to max
• Slide the other output devices all the way to the left to min

If this fails try making a quick recording on the computer to see if you can hear your voice. Here’s how:

For WINDOWS:

• In the search bar of Windows (usually found by clicking the start button, in Windows 8 and 10 found by clicking the magnifying glass) type in “Recorder”
• Select either "Sound Recorder" (Windows 7) or "Voice Recorder" (Windows 10 and 11)
• Make a quick recording and play it back to yourself to test the headset’s microphone (and speakers)

For MAC:

• Open up QuickTime
• Under file select “New Audio Recording” and make a quick recording and play it back to yourself to test the headset's microphone (and speakers)
• Make a quick recording and play it back to themselves to test the headset’s microphone and speakers

If your headset is still not working after all this, please give us a call at 1-800-432-3738. We'll be happy to continue to help!

Time for a new Computer USB headset?

Many PC and Mac users have switched to the Leitner LH470! Looking for a wired headset, then the LH250 (available in both USB-A and USB-C) will work great!