The microphone on my HyperX Cloud II headphones has been misbehaving for the last few months, which is frustrating. The worst part is that the headsets are relatively new, yet the mic has issues.
This predicament led me to search for a solution to continue using the mic. An internet search made me realize so many people encounter this issue, and they usually do not find solutions.
Therefore, I compiled all the solutions I could find to use them systematically to get my HyperX mic working. I hope these solutions also help you get the mic working, as they helped me.
Key Takeaways
- The Cloud II mic is detachable, so ensure it firmly fits in its port.
- The mic won’t work if damaged, so check for broken wires and ports.
- Ensure the mic is not on mute since the USB control box has a mute button on the side.
- The ports and plugs connecting the headset to your device and the mic should be clean and dust-free.
- Remove the USB control box and connect the headsets directly to your device. This is to rule out the possibility of a damaged USB control box.
- The control box firmware on your device could also be outdated or faulty, preventing the mic from working.
- Other apps that use the mic could be stopping the mic from working.
- An outdated OS on your device can bring about issues like the mic not working.
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Why Is My Mic Not Working?
The HyperX Cloud II mic is decent and usually gets the work done. Unfortunately, various aspects can hinder the mic’s regular operation. Some of those aspects are:
- The mic could have accidentally been put on mute.
- The wired connections may be faulty, preventing the mic from working.
- Your device’s settings could be preventing the mic from working.
- A firmware malfunction or a damaged mic could be the issue.
Mic Not Working in Windows 11 – Troubleshooting Tips
How to Get My HyperX Cloud II Mic to Work?
Now that we know what could be wrong, solving it should be easy. Here are more causes and solutions regarding the HyperX Cloud II mic not working.
Ensure All Cables Are Correctly Connected
The Cloud II headset is a wired headset and is, therefore, capable of malfunctioning because of poorly connected cables.
Therefore, you must double-check that the cables are connected to the correct ports and done correctly. It might seem trivial, but it has worked for others.
So, ensure the cable from the headset to the device/ USB control box/ splitter snuggly fits in the port. The mic should also be correctly connected to the headset.
Check the headset for loose connections.
If you use a splitter, ensure the audio input and output cables go into the correct ports on your device. The audio input port is usually marked with a microphone icon, and the output port is marked with the headphone icon.
Disconnect and reconnect the cables and the mic if you are certain the connections are correctly done, yet the mic does not work.
Also, remember to check the physical condition of the headsets, cables, and ports. The issue could be that the cable is worn out or the ports are damaged, causing the mic problems.
Is the Mic on Mute?
Another possible issue is the mic is muted; hence, it cannot pick up any audio. The USB Control box that comes with the headsets has a dedicated mute button that some users have pressed accidentally and end up thinking their headsets are damaged.
The button is on the side of the USB control box, and pressing it mutes or unmutes the mic.
Make sure the microphone is not muted.
Also, press the + button under the mic icon on the USB Control box to check for any changes.
Try increasing the mic volume.
Try other solutions suggested below if the mic still won’t work.
Turn Bluetooth Off
Another issue could be that your device is wirelessly connected to a different audio input source. This is possible if your device was previously connected to a wireless headset that is around and turned on.
Try disabling Bluetooth on your PC. If Bluetooth is enabled and your PC was previously connected to some wireless headset or mic, it may connect again to that headset/mic and set it automatically as the default device. When that happens, the mic on your HyperX Cloud II microphone will not work.
Therefore, stop this possibility by switching off Bluetooth on the device to which the HyperX Cloud 2 headset is connected. Also, power off wireless devices in the vicinity that have previously been connected to your device.
Clean the Connectors and Plugs
It is common for dirt and debris to get into the ports on your device and the mic port on the headsets.
Ensure the 3.5mm plug and the ports they enter are clean and dry.
You can use a microfiber cloth and a cotton swab to clean them if they are dirty.
Wrap a small portion of the cloth on one end of the matchstick and use it to clean hard-to-reach areas like the 3.5mm ports.
Clean the ports and plugs if they are dirty.
Also, remember to clean the USB-A connector on the USB control box.
Compressed air is also handy when the ports are too dusty and hard to clean.
You can also improvise on ways to clean the headsets; just ensure you do not damage anything else.
Use the Headset Without the USB Control Box
The HyperX Cloud II headsets have a USB control box that gives users more control over the headset and its mic.
The box can mute/unmute the mic, adjust the audio input and output, and update the headset firmware.
Sometimes, this box or its firmware can malfunction, or your device does not support the connection it establishes.
You can remove the box and connect the headset directly to your device via the 3.5mm connection.
Try using the headset without the USB box.
Also, consider using a different splitter if you were using one to connect the headset and its mic to your device. Devices that use different ports for audio input and output via the headsets need a splitter.
You can use the USB control box if you are not using it. That way, the possibility that the 3.5mm port on your device is damaged is ruled out.
Restart Your Device
A system restart usually solves minor errors that prevent devices from functioning properly.
Consider restarting the device the HyperX Cloud II headset is connected to and check if the mic starts working.
The restart works because it allows the device to shut down all processes and restart them. This clears bugs that could be preventing the mic from working.
Restarting your PC might clear the software bugs preventing the microphone from working.
Test the Headset on a Different Device
Another troubleshooting measure you can take is testing the HyperX Cloud 2 headset on a different device. This way, you can check whether the problem is the headset or your device.
Test the headset on a different device. That way, you will know whether the issue is with your device or the headset.
If the headset works on a different device and not yours, the issue is with your device. The headsets are the issue if you notice the mic is not working on any device you connect the headsets to.
You can also check if other headsets work on your device.=
Allow Apps to Access the Mic
Most devices have a privacy setting that prevents apps and browsers from accessing the mic. The setting is essential but can be troublesome to users who do not know if it exists on their device.
Go through your device’s settings, especially the audio input and output settings, and see whether there are any mic-related settings. That way, you can tell if your device can access the HyperX mic.
Below are instructions on how to grant apps mic access on Windows devices and MacBooks.
macOS Sonoma 14
- Open the Apple menu and go to System Settings.
- Select Privacy and Security.
- Next, select the microphone and enable mic access for the apps you want to access the microphone.
Select Microphone in Privacy and Security settings, and enable mic access for all apps or those you want to access your microphone.
Windows 11
- Go to Start, then Settings, or press Windows + I to access Settings.
- Select Privacy & Security, then click on Microphone on the right.
- Ensure Microphone Access and Let apps access your microphone are turned on.
Give apps permission to access the microphone.
- Also, ensure the app you want to use the mic on is among the apps that are granted mic access.
Grant access to each individual app you want to use the mic on.
Run the Troubleshooter
Your Windows device has an audio troubleshooter that can detect audio problems and suggest the solutions you should take.
The troubleshooter is handy when issues like the mic not working arise and you do not know what has caused it.
You can run the troubleshooter on your Windows device by following the instructions below;
- Go to the taskbar and select Start.
- Next, select the Settings option and go to System.
- Then click on Sound and select Troubleshoot common sound problems.
- Select the Input Devices option and let the prompts guide you.
Run the Windows troubleshooter if you can’t diagnose the problem on your own.
If you are lucky, the troubleshooter will identify the problem and fix it or suggest how you can fix it.
Run the troubleshooter more than once if the problem persists.
In addition, run the Recording Audio troubleshooter.
Update the USB Control Box Firmware
Outdated headset firmware can also result in the mic not working. The HyperX Cloud II firmware update is done through the USB control box. The steps are:
- Confirm that you have the latest firmware by inserting the control box in your PC’s USB port, then open a browser and go to the firmware update page.
- Download the latest version of the HyperX Cloud Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound Firmware Updater and open it on your device.
- The HP Inc. devices have a separate updater, but the updating procedure is the same.
- Run the HyperX Cloud Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound Firmware Updater on your device.
- Next, select the Update option to start updating the firmware.
Updating the headset might fix the microphone issue.
- Select Yes when the pop-up window asks whether you want to continue updating the firmware.
- The device will notify you once the update is complete, and you can click OK.
- Close all programs, unplug the control box from your device and plug it back in.
How to Update the HyperX Cloud II Firmware?
Change Some Audio Settings on Your Device
The settings on our device could also be interfering with the normal functioning of the HyperX Cloud II mic. The settings include setting the mic as the default and restarting the Windows Audio service.
Here are steps on how to update these settings and get the mic working:
Set the HyperX Mic as the Default
- Connect the USB Control box to your PC if you are using one.
- Press the Windows + R buttons to open a dialogue box.
- Enter mmsys.cpl in the box and press the Enter button.
- Go to the Recording tab on the new window and right-click on any space on the tab.
- Ensure the Show disabled devices option is selected.
- Ensure the HyperX mic is enabled by right-clicking on it and selecting Enable.
Set the HyperX microphone as the default recording device.
- Disable other mics, not the HyperX mic, by right-clicking on them and selecting Disable.
- Select the HyperX Cloud II mic and click on Set Default.
- Click Apply to apply and save your changes.
You can set the HyperX mic as the default on a Mac by following the steps below:
- Go to the Apple menu > System settings
- Click on Sound > Input
- Select the HyperX Cloud II mic
Select your HyperX headset microphone as the default input device.
Increase the Mic Gain
The mic gain on your device could be set too low, preventing the HyperX mic from picking audio signals. This will lead you to think the mic is not working.
Solve it by following the steps below:
- Open search, type in Control Panel, and open the Control panel app.
- Go to Sound, select it, and wait for a new window to pop up.
- Open the Recording tab on the new window.
- Right-click on the HyperX mic (or the active mic) and select Properties.
- Next, select the Levels tab on the new window.
- Raise the Microphone level to a higher value.
In the Levels tab, unmute the microphone and set the volume/gain to an acceptable level.
- You can also change the Microphone boost to different values and check if the mic starts working.
Checking the Mic Gain and Unmuting the Microphone in Windows Sound Settings
Update or Uninstall the Audio Drivers
This is essential if the problem is with the audio drivers on your PC. You can update, uninstall, or rollback the drivers by following the steps below:
- Go to search on the taskbar and enter Device Manager.
- Open the Device Manager app and go to Audio Inputs and Outputs.
- Expand the drivers list and right-click on the HyperX drivers on the list.
- Select Update > Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
Update your Microphone Drivers.
- You can also choose to disable and then enable the driver. Alternatively, uninstall it, then restart your device.
If updating doesn’t help, try uninstalling the drivers and restarting your device.
- Repeat the same procedures for the HyperX drivers under Sound, Video, and Game controllers.
Reset the Windows Audio Service
- Press Windows + R to reveal the Run dialogue box.
- Enter ‘services. msc‘, then press Enter.
- Look for the Windows Audio, Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, and Remote Procedure Call (RPC) services on the new window and see if they are running (under the status column).
- Right-click on a service.
- Select Start if the service is not running, Stop then Start if it is running, or Refresh/Restart to restart it. Do this for all the mentioned services.
- Restart the PC and check if the mic works.
Check the Audio Input Settings of the App
If the mic does not work when you open a specific app, the problem could be the app, not the mic.
Some apps have options that need to be updated so they can access the external microphone.
If this is the case, check the app’s audio input settings and ensure the app can access your headset mic.
If you have the option to select the sound input source, ensure you select the HyperX Cloud Two mic.
If the microphone is not working when using certain apps, check the in-app audio settings. Make sure the right audio input device is selected.
Close Other Apps that Use the Mic
Some apps require mic access for them to work efficiently. Some people also use third-party apps to improve their device’s audio quality.
The mic could refuse to work because of a conflict with a background program on your device. The conflict arises when multiple apps want to access the microphone simultaneously.
Prevent this by closing all unnecessary background programs, especially those with mic access.
Ensure Your Device Has the Latest OS
Devices receive OS updates occasionally to improve their functioning and solve widespread problems.
Devices that use outdated operating systems also tend to malfunction, but such problems are easy to solve.
The solution is to ensure the device’s latest OS is downloaded and installed. The steps to do this vary depending on the type of device you are using and its operating system.
Below is how to update Windows and macOS computers.
macOS
- Check whether your MacBook needs to be connected to a charger during the system update.
- Go to the Apple menu and select System settings
- Select General from the sidebar and go to Software Update.
- Ensure the Check for updates,’ ‘Download new updates when available‘ and ‘Install security responses and system files’ options are turned on
- Click Done, and your device should download and install firmware updates automatically.
Updating a macOS Device
Windows 11
- Go to Settings by clicking Start on the taskbar.
- Next, click on Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Check whether there are any available updates and if all updates have been installed.
- The ‘You are up to date’ notification means all updates have been downloaded and installed, while the ‘Updates are available’ message means updates have not been installed.
- Click Install Now, Then Install to run the updates if they are available.
- Finish by restarting your device.
Updating Windows 11 Computers – Step-by-Step Guide
Contact Customer Support
You are not always guaranteed to find a solution to the malfunctioning HyperX Cloud Two mic. Sometimes, the mic is damaged, or the problem is too advanced for users to solve independently.
In such cases, you should contact the HyperX support team and inform them about your problem and the steps you have taken to solve it.
They will offer more solutions or guide you on what step to take next.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: Why is my HyperX headset not working?
- Answer: Various issues could cause the mic not to work. They include:
- A poor connection between the headset, its mic, and your device.
- Outdated firmware. Either the headset’s or your device’s firmware.
- A damaged headset.
- Settings on your device can stop it from accessing the HyperX mic.
- Other apps could be hoarding access to the mic.
- Your device could be connected to a wireless mic/headset.
- Question: How do I fix my microphone on HyperX Cloud 2?
- Answer: You can do the following to fix your HyperX Cloud II mic not working:
- Ensure the mic is appropriately connected to the headset and the headset is correctly connected to your device.
- Check that the mic is not muted.
- Update your device’s OS and the HyperX firmware.
- Ensure the plugs and ports on the mic and your devices are clean and in good condition.
- Restart your device.
- Question: How do I unmute my HyperX Cloud 2 mic?
- Answer: The mic mute button on the HyperX headsets is on the side of the USB control box. Pressing this button mutes or unmutes the mic.
Conclusion
The mics on our headsets are bound to malfunction occasionally, whether we use them or not. It is essential to handle them appropriately when they malfunction so as not to worsen the situation.
Also, take good care of the headsets when storing or using them so that they can last longer and malfunction less often.
