I have been an occasional gamer for years and learned that a good headset significantly impacts the gaming experience. So, I got the HyperX Cloud headset after friends highly recommended the brand.
Unfortunately, the mic would not work after using the headsets for a few months. A quick Google search revealed this is a significant issue for HyperX Cloud headset users.
Below are solutions that got my mic working and more that other users suggested.
Key Takeaways
- The mic on the HyperX can stop working because of problems with the headset or the device connected to the headset.
- For instance, the mic stops working because the headset is poorly connected or the mic is on mute.
- Rotating the HyperX Cloud Stinger mic vertically upwards mutes it.
- Outdated or faulty firmware on your device can also stop the mic from working.
- Dirt on the headset’s 3.5mm plug or your device’s female jack can also interfere with the mic
- The mic access settings could also be turned off on your device’s settings.
- The settings on the app you are using the mic with could also be denying the device access to the HyperX Cloud mic.
- Some adapters also have a mute function that can make it look like the mic on the HyperX is not working.
- The headset could also be damaged and require a professional to fix them.
- Other solutions include closing apps running in the background, checking your device for malware, and performing a system update.
Ways to Fix a Gaming Headset Microphone
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Why Is My HyperX Cloud Stinger Mic Not Working?
Some reasons why the HyperX mic is not working are:
- The microphone is muted or disabled on the device’s end.
- There is a problem with the connection between the headset and the device.
- Your device has outdated or faulty firmware.
- A dirty plug or jack.
- The audio input settings on the device are turned off or restricted.
The complete list of potential culprits is given below, and so are the solutions.
What to Do?
Once you know what the problem could be, solving it becomes easier. Proposed solutions can also help you identify the problem.
Below are solutions that will get the HyperX Cloud mic working again.
Check the Connections
The first thing you should do when you notice the mic is not working is check the connection.
If the headset’s 3.5mm plug is loosely attached to the female jack on your device, the mic will not work.
Therefore, ensure the headset’s male plug firmly connects to your device’s female jack, then test whether the mic works.
If it still does not work, check the cable running from the headset to your device. Ensure the cable is in good condition and has no breaks or bends.
If you are using the PC extension cable (Y splitter), ensure the male plugs from the Y splitter go into the correct jacks on your device.
The headset plug has green stripes and should connect to the female headset jack, usually labeled with a headset icon. The mic plug has pink stripes and should connect to a female jack with a similar color or one labeled with the mic or sound input (on some Macs) icon.
Also, disconnect and reconnect all headset connectors to ensure the connection is correctly done.
Check for loose connections
Clean the Headset
If the connection is done correctly and the mic still does not work, dirt could be the problem.
When we use gadgets for long periods without cleaning them, dirt accumulates on their surfaces and in various crevices.
It is, therefore, important to clean your gadgets regularly and adequately to ensure they last longer and work as intended.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger Headset is no different. If dirt accumulates on its 3.5mm plug or in the female jack of your device, features like the microphone will stop working.
So, rule out this possibility by cleaning the headsets and checking whether the mic starts working.
Check your mic and headphone port for dirt and clean them if necessary.
The following steps describe how you can clean the headset:
- Unplug the headset from your device.
- Get a clean microfiber cloth and put a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on it. You can also use a soft-bristled brush.
- Wipe the 3.5mm plug using the cloth and ensure that all stains and lint are removed.
- Also, clean the area between the microphone and the earcup. However, do this carefully to avoid damaging the headset.
- Consider using a compressed air can to remove dust and lint stuck in your device’s female jack and hard-to-reach places on the headset.
- Ensure the headset is dry before reconnecting it to your device.
If the microphone works, then it is malfunctioning because of dirt. Try alternative solutions discussed below if the problem persists.
How to Clean a 3.5mm Jack on a PC/Phone?
Ensure the Microphone Is Not on Mute
Sometimes, the HyperX Stinger’s mic will not work because it is put on mute.
Note that rotating the swivel vertically so it faces up will mute the microphone.
Rotating the mic upward mutes the microphone.
You can unmute it by rotating the swivel until the mic is in front of your mouth.
Alternatively, the adapter you use (if any) can mute the microphone. Some have a mute button that, when pressed, cuts audio from going to the device.
When using a USB adapter or an external sound card, make sure the mic is not muted on it.
Therefore, carefully check the buttons on your adapter to ensure the mute button is not on by accident.
Test the Headset on a Different Device
Apart from the device being the issue, the headset could also be the problem. Narrow down the real cause of the problem by testing the headsets on a different device, preferably one that uses a different operating system.
Try connecting your HyperX Cloud Stinger to different devices, preferably devices running on different operating systems.
If the microphone does not work on other devices, your HyperX Stinger headset is damaged and should be fixed.
If the microphone works when the headset is tested on a different device, it is likely a configuration issue that can be solved by trying the solutions in this article.
You can also use a USB to 3.5mm adapter to test whether your device’s jack is damaged. If the mic works with the adapter, your device’s 3.5mm female jack is the problem.
Alternatively, test another headset on your device if you do not have a separate device to test the HyperX Stinger headset on.
If the other headset works on your device, but the HyperX does not, then you can conclude that the HyperX headset is damaged.
Check the Sound Input Settings on Your Device
Another reason the HyperX Cloud Stinger mic is not working could be that your device’s mic access is turned off.
This is usually because devices enhance privacy by toggling off the mic access. On the bright side, you can access your device’s audio input settings.
Below is the process of how to do this on various operating systems:
macOS Sonoma 14
- Connect the headset to your device.
- Select the Apple Menu and navigate to the System settings option.
- Next, select the Sound option on the sidebar.
- Select the Input option that is on the right.
- Select the HyperX Cloud Stinger mic from the list of devices.
- You can also increase or decrease the audio input by moving the slider to cater for when the sound is too high or too low.
Select your HyperX Cloud Stinger microphone from your MacBook’s Sound Input settings.
Windows 11
- Select the Start option on the taskbar.
- Next, go to Settings and select Privacy & Security.
- Ensure the option next to Microphone access is turned on.
- Also, ensure the option next to Let apps access your microphone is turned on.
Enable microphone access on your Windows PC. Give apps permission to access your mic.
- Additionally, toggle on the microphone access on the individual apps that will be listed.
Make sure the apps you want to use have mic access.
The Microsoft support website has instructions on how to allow microphone access on different versions of the Windows operating systems.
You should also ensure to enable the Cloud Stinger mic through the control panel settings. Here are the steps to do this:
- Ensure the headset is connected to your device.
- Press the Windows + R keys to reveal a dialogue box on your device.
- Type Control in the dialogue box and hit enter.
- Select Sound on the control panel and wait for a new window to pop up.
- Select the Recording tab once the new window pops up.
- Right-click on any space in the recording tab and select Show Disabled devices.
- Right-click on the HyperX Cloud Stinger mic and select Enable and Set as the default device.
Set your headset as the default device.
- Then right-click on the HyperX mic, select Properties, and select the Levels tab.
- Move the slider to the maximum and click OK to close any open windows.
Make sure the mic is not muted in the Levels tab and adjust the mic volume.
Also, remember to set the HyperX Cloud Stinger microphone as your Windows device’s default audio input source. The steps to do this are Settings > System > Sound > Input. Ensure the HyperX Cloud mic is the default under the Choose your input device option.
You can also check the instructions for enabling the mic on other devices not mentioned above, like the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox, on their support websites.
Run the Audio Troubleshooter
If the mic does not work and the headset is connected to a Windows device, you can use the Troubleshooter to analyze and fix the problem.
This is an important factor since some people panic and forget to run the Troubleshooter, yet it solves cases of the external mic not working.
You can run the microphone troubleshooter on Windows 11 by following these steps:
- Select Start from the taskbar and go to Settings.
- Then select System and navigate to the Sound option.
- Next, select Troubleshoot common sound problems.
- Finally, click on Input Devices and follow the prompts that will appear on the screen.
Settings – System – Sound – Advanced – Troubleshoot Common Sound Issues (Input Devices)
In addition, you can troubleshoot recording audio. After accessing System settings, click on Troubleshoot, then select Other Troubleshooters, and scroll down until you find Recording Audio.
Run the Recording Audio troubleshooter.
Restart Your Device
System errors can also prevent your headset’s microphone from working properly. This is usually caused by random errors that are unavoidable but solvable.
One way of solving them is to power off your device and then power it back on.
Doing this will allow the device to boot up afresh, correcting any system errors that might have occurred when you first powered it on.
A restart will refresh all processes in your device, allowing it to connect to the mic on the HyperX Stinger headset properly.
Devices follow varying restart procedures, but you can find the one that applies to your device on the manufacturer’s website.
Ensure you completely power off the device and unplug it from any power outlets before powering it back on.
Update Your Device’s Operating System
An outdated operating system will not work efficiently and present issues like external microphones not working.
Such problems are usually solved by regular system updates that seek to improve the user experience.
Therefore, regularly check for system updates on your device to avoid such unnecessary problems.
You can check for system updates on your Windows device by following the steps below:
- Click on the Start menu and go to Settings.
- Then select Windows update and click on Check for updates.
- The device will state, ‘You are up to date’ if all updates have been downloaded and installed.
- It will say ‘Updates are available’ if there is an update to be downloaded and installed.
- In such cases, select Install Now to select the updates and click Install.
- Restart the device once the update is complete.
- The system update will also update any outdated drivers on your device, but you can manually update individual drivers.
Check your Windows PC for updates.
Follow the steps below to check for a system update on the macOS;
- Select the Apple menu and go to System settings
- Then click on the General option from the sidebar and select Software Update.
- Turn on the following options; ‘Check for updates,’ ‘Download new updates when available,’ and ‘Install security responses and system files’, then click Done.
- Your device will then download any available updates automatically.
- Some MacBooks must be connected to a charger to download and install the updates.
A more comprehensive system update manual can be found on the device’s manufacturer website, specifically on the customer support page.
Check for Malware on Your Device
A virus can also prevent the mic from functioning correctly. Such malware can get into your device bundled with legitimate downloads or clicking on random links, among other ways.
Hence, ensure you run your device’s antivirus to eliminate any malware that might have gotten on the System.
The mic may stop working if your device gets infected by a virus or some malware.
The built-in malware detection programs on devices like Windows security are reliable and can detect malware on your device. However, you can also use third-party antivirus programs just to be sure that your problem is not a result of malware on your device.
Check the In-App Settings
Apart from the device settings, some app settings can also affect the normal functioning of the HyperX Stinger mic.
Such apps require that app settings be updated so they can access your microphone. Obviously, if you have not done this, the HyperX Cloud Stinger mic will not be detected on the device.
Therefore, test the mic in other apps to confirm whether the issue is isolated to one app or affects all the apps on your device.
If the issue is isolated to one app, check its audio settings, especially the audio input settings, and confirm that they are enabled.
Close Apps Running in the Background
Some background apps on your device that interact with the audio input and output process can also interfere with how the HyperX mic works.
Most apps are used to equalize audio, enhance audio input, or even reduce background noise while recording.
So, rule out this possibility by closing all unnecessary secondary programs and checking if the mic works.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: Why is my HyperX headset mic not working?
- Answer: The mic could be misbehaving for a couple of reasons. They include:
- The headset is poorly connected to your device
- The headset and device connectors are dirty, thus interfering with the connection.
- The microphone is muted.
- Your device has denied the HyperX microphone access.
- The headset is faulty.
- Question: Does the HyperX cloud stinger mic work on a PC?
- Answer: Yes, the HyperX Cloud Stinger mic works on PCs.
- Question: How do I use the microphone on my HyperX cloud stinger?
- Answer: Connect the headset to your device, then ensure the mic is lowered and in front of your mouth, i.e., in a horizontal position.
- You will know it is in the correct position once you hear a click indicating the mic has been unmuted.
Conclusion
The HyperX Cloud Stinger headset is a decent product that functions as expected. However, sometimes users come across challenges like the microphone not working.
Such issues are easily solved, and if done correctly, they will not reoccur. Unfortunately, some users are unlucky, and the issue persists.
Contact HyperX’s customer support if you find yourself in such a scenario. They will likely offer more solutions or offer to replace your pair if conditions such as warrant validity allow.
Always take good care of the headsets to ensure they last long and avoid random malfunctions.
