I love my SteelSeries Arctis 7. I’ve been using it almost every day for more than two and a half years. Other than the issue with the headset not powering on, which I fixed by soldering the damaged wire inside the left cup, I had no major problems with it.
A week ago, my SteelSeries Arctis 7 stopped charging. Consequently, it wouldn’t power on, so my first thought was that the same wire inside the left cup got damaged again. But that wasn’t the problem. In fact, it was the battery.
Batteries tend to lose their charge as they get older, and they eventually die. Luckily, the battery inside the SteelSeries Arctis 7 is easily replaceable. You just have to open the right cup, unsolder three wires, and remove the old battery. Then, insert a new one, solder the wires onto the PCB, and put the earcup back together.
While a dead battery is the most common reason why your SteelSeries Arctis 7 is not charging, it is not the only one. Many things can cause this issue.
In this post, I will list all the potential causes and guide you through the troubleshooting process. Try the provided tips, and you will hopefully fix your headset.
Key Takeaways
- When charging, the power button on your SteelSeries Arctis 7 will pulse red, yellow, or green as the headset’s battery is reaching 100%. When the battery is fully charged, the power button LED will turn off. Also, the LED on the microphone will pulse red while the headset is charging.
- If the LEDs don’t light up when you connect the charging cable, leave the headset charging for a while, then check the LEDs again. If the battery is extremely discharged, it might take some time for the LEDs to light up.
- If the LED on the power button doesn’t light up after an hour of charging, check the charging cable and adapter (charging source). If the charging cable is damaged, try using a different cable and a different charging source. Switch between a charging adapter and your PC’s USB port. Try using a different USB port on your PC. Don’t use a USB hub to charge the headset. You could even try using a powerbank to charge the headset’s battery.
- If the LED on the power button doesn’t light up after an hour of charging, and the headset still doesn’t have any charge, try resetting your Arctis 7. Then, update its firmware.
- If the charging port on your headset is dirty, you need to clean it before trying to charge the headset again. If the port is damaged or flimsy, you will have to open your headset and fix or replace the charging port. Alternatively, you can replace the entire PCB.
- If the charging port seems fine and the cable is undamaged, the most probable cause of your charging issue is a dead battery. Replace it, and your headset will be good as new.
- Other hardware issues that could cause your SteelSeries Arctis 7 to refuse to charge include damaged wiring inside the headset and damaged/fried PCBs in either the left or right earcup. Fixing damaged wires or replacing the PCBs will fix the issue.
Recommended Reading :
SteelSeries Headset Not Charging – Official Troubleshooting Guide
How to Charge SteelSeries Arctis 7?
SteelSeries Arctis 7 comes with a SteelSeries-branded charging cable (USB-A to micro USB). The adapter is not included. You are supposed to charge the headset using one of the USB ports on your PC. You can use a regular 5V charger (not a fast charger).
So, the part of the cable with a USB-A connector goes into your PC’s USB port, while the micro USB connector goes into your headset. The power button LED will light up and will slowly flash while the headset is charging.
The color of the power button LED will tell you your battery percentage. Rapidly flashing red LED indicates the battery is critically low (1-9%). Slowly flashing red LED indicates the battery is between 10 and 19%. Slowly flashing yellow LED indicates the battery is between 20 and 49%. When the LED turns green, your battery is between 50 and 100%. When the headset is fully charged, the LED will turn off.
The color of the power button LED indicates your battery/charging status.
If the headset is turned on and connected to your PC, the SteelSeries GG software will also tell you the battery status. However, you won’t be able to see the exact percentage.
Another indication that the headset is charging is a slowly pulsing LED on the microphone.
The mic LED will slowly pulse red when the headset is connected to a charging source and the battery is charging.
Why Is Your SteelSeries Arctis 7 Not Charging?
Several things could cause your SteelSeries Arctis 7 to stop charging. While a dead battery is the most common reason, it’s not the only one. So, don’t open the headset immediately after noticing the issue.
Firmware glitches and bugs are the best-case scenario because they are easy to deal with. You just need to restart, reset, or update your headset.
Another thing that could cause charging issues but can be easily fixed is damaged or incompatible charging equipment. So, a damaged charging cable, an incompatible charger, or a USB port that doesn’t supply enough power could also cause your Arctis 7 not to charge.
Hardware issues that could result in the headset not charging, besides the battery, include damaged wires inside the headset, damaged charging port, and damaged/fried PCBs in either left or right earcups.
SteelSeries Arctis 7 Can’t Be Charged – Common Causes
Ways to Fix SteelSeries Arctis 7 that Won’t Charge
As always, you should start with simple fixes. There’s no need to examine the internal components the moment you experience a charging issue.
The headset may refuse to charge because of a firmware bug or incompatible/damaged charging equipment. So, let’s try a few simple fixes before opening the headset.
Restart the Headset
It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book, and it often works. Turn off your Arctis 7 by pressing the power button for about 3 seconds. Then, turn it back on.
Powering your Arctis 7 on and off can fix minor bugs. In the process, the headset might start charging again.
Unplug the Receiver
I honestly don’t know how the receiver that comes with the headset is related to the headset’s charging system, but I found this video on YouTube, and the guy in the video claims that disconnecting the wireless receiver from the PC actually helped his headset start charging. The LEDs that indicate charging lit up the moment he unplugged the receiver.
I couldn’t figure out how or why this simple procedure can fix the charging issue, but you should still try it. It will take a second.
Unplugging the receiver that came with the headset might fix the charging issue.
Check Your Charging Equipment
For the headset to charge, your charging equipment must be fully functional and compatible with the headset.
It would be best to use the included SteelSeries charging cable. If the cable or connectors are damaged, try using a different cable.
Ideally, you will use the original charging cable to charge your Arctis 7. If the original cable is damaged, use a third-party charging cable.
Furthermore, you’re supposed to use your PC’s USB port to charge the headset, but you can also use a standard 5V charger. When charging the headset, your PC shouldn’t be powered off or in sleep mode.
If one charging method doesn’t work, you could try shifting between different charging sources – use different USB ports on your PC, charging adapter, or even a powerbank.
Try using different charging methods if one doesn’t work. Also, try connecting the headset to different ports on your PC, and don’t use a USB hub.
Leave the Headset Connected to a Charger for a Few Hours
If the battery is extremely discharged, it may take some time for the LEDs to turn on and indicate charging. So, before going any further, leave the headset connected to a charger for at least an hour. Then, check the LEDs again.
Leave your Arctis 7 charging for at least 1 hour – the LEDs might light up at some point, especially if the battery is extremely discharged.
Uninstall SteelSeries GG
There’s a slim chance that miscommunication between the headset and the SteelSeries GG software is causing your charging issue. Uninstalling the software and restarting the headset might fix the issue, and your headset might start charging again.
If the charging problem is caused by a miscommunication between the headset and the SteelSeries GG software, uninstalling the software and restarting the headset might fix the issue.
Reset Your SteelSeries Arctis 7
If your headset refuses to charge because of a firmware glitch, resetting it will clear all the bugs and glitches, making your headset good as new.
To reset your Arctis 7, remove the earpad from the left cup (the one with the microphone) and locate the reset pinhole. Use a paperclip to press it. Press and hold for 3-5 seconds. Try charging the headset after that.
Pressing the button inside the reset pinhole for 3-5 seconds will reset your Arctis 7 headset and clear all the bugs that might be causing the charging issue. The reset button is found on the left cup (the one with the microphone).
Update Your SteelSeries Arctis 7
Updating the headset is another way of dealing with firmware bugs. To do this, you need to install the SteelSeries GG software on your PC. Then, connect your headset and the receiver to the PC. Open the SteelSeries GG, click on the Engine tab, and you should see a message right below your headset’s name informing you that there’s an update available. Click on the message and follow the on-screen instructions.
Updating your Arctis 7 might fix the charging issue by eliminating known firmware bugs.
Leave the Headset On to Drain the Battery – Charge It After the Battery Is Fully Drained
If your Arctis 7 is not charging and not even resetting can fix the issue, leave the headset on until the battery is completely drained. This is particularly effective if the headset is turned on and cannot be turned off (if the power button is unresponsive).
Leave the headset on until the battery is completely drained. Then, try charging it.
Check the Charging Port for Dirt and Damage
We have almost run out of fixes that don’t require you to open the headset and check the internal components for damage. The last thing you should check is the charging port on your headset.
First, check if it’s dirty. You might be able to deal with this issue without opening the headset. You could try using a soft brush or canned air to clean the charging port.
Check the charging port for dirt. Clean it if it’s dirty.
If, during the charging port inspection, you notice that the pins inside the charging port are damaged or corroded, or if the charging port is not firm, you will have to open your headset and try to fix the charging port or replace it.
Dealing with Hardware Issues
Hardware issues, primarily dead battery, are the most common reason why a SteelSeries Arctis 7 headset may refuse to charge. You can’t be certain which part is causing the issue until you open the earcups and check everything. So, let’s open both cups and inspect the components.
To open the left cup, you will need a Torx screwdriver, while the screws on the right cup are regular Philips screws. I don’t know the reason behind the use of different screws for the left and right cups, but you should be aware of it.
Inside the right cup, you have the battery and the power board. On the other side, there’s the main PCB with all the ports and microphone.
SteelSeries Arctis 7 – Components Inside Left and Right Cups
Damaged or Loose Charging Port
Even though the battery is usually the first suspect, buying a new battery without inspecting the headset first is not a good idea. It’s not always the battery.
If you notice something wrong about the charging port during visual inspection, the port becomes your first suspect. If the port wiggles, if it’s pushed all the way in, or if it’s completely detached from the PCB and you hear rattling inside the cup, you need to open the right cup and do something about it.
Depending on the type of damage, you may be able to use the same charging port. If the pins inside the micro USB port and the pins used to solder the port onto the PCB are not damaged, you can use the same port. You just have to clean all the contacts on the PCB and pins on the port, and then solder the port onto the PCB. Watch the video below for detailed instructions.
Replacing the micro USB charging port on a SteelSeries Arctis 7 is not an easy job, but it can be done.
Fixing a Charging Port on SteelSeries Arctis 7 – Detailed Guide with Explanations
An alternative (and slightly easier) option would be to replace the entire PCB, not just the charging port. Since SteelSeries doesn’t sell spare PCBs, you will have to buy a used/damaged Arctis 7 with a functional PCB and charging port on eBay.
Installing a New Micro USB Charging Port on SteelSeries Arctis 7
Damaged Wiring
Assuming that your charging port doesn’t seem damaged and it sits firmly in place, the primary suspect, again, becomes the battery. But don’t go and buy it yet. You need to check one last thing. Open both cups and check the wiring inside. Observe every wire inside carefully. Look for a damaged/broken or unsoldered wire.
Damaged wiring could also cause a SteelSeries Arctis 7 headset to stop charging. Luckily, fixing a broken or unsoldered wire is much easier than fixing or replacing a damaged charging port.
Fixing a Damaged Wire on a SteelSeries Arctis 7 Gaming Headset
Dead Battery
Finally, if the charging port is fine and the wiring is undamaged, it’s time to replace the battery. The battery is located inside the right cup and has three wires (black, white, and red) soldered onto the power board.
To remove the battery, you need to unsolder three wires connecting the battery to the power board and pull the battery out. The battery is held in place with double-sided tape, so you may have to apply a little bit of force to remove it.
When you get the new battery, solder the wires in the same order and apply double-sided tape to attach it to the earcup. You can order a new battery compatible with your Arctis 7 from Amazon. Look for a battery with a rated voltage of 3.7V.
Replacing a Battery on a SteelSeries Arctis 7 Gaming Headset
If not even replacing the battery helps, replace the entire PCB (left cup) and power board (right cup). Or simply buy a new headset.
Contact SteelSeries
If your headset is under warranty, and even if it’s not, you should create a ticket on the SteelSeries website to speak with one of the support agents. If the headset is under warranty and there’s no visible physical damage on it, you may get a replacement or they may ask you to send the headset for repair.
SteelSeries chatbot will guide you through the standard troubleshooting steps. When it runs out of options, it will allow you to create a ticket and talk with an actual support agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: How do I know if my SteelSeries Arctis 7 is charging?
- Answer: The power button LED light will flash when the Arctis 7 headset is charging. The color of the LED will change as the battery is reaching 100%. It will go from rapidly flashing red (1-9%) to slowly flashing red (10-19%), then slowly flashing yellow (20-49%), and finally slowly flashing green (50-100%). When the battery reaches 100%, the power button LED will turn off. Also, the mic LED will slowly flash red while the headset is charging.
- Question: Why won’t my SteelSeries headset battery charge?
- Answer: Your SteelSeries headset may refuse to charge because of firmware bugs, damaged or incompatible charging equipment, a dead battery, a damaged/loose charging port, damaged wiring, or a damaged/fried PCB.
- Question: Can I use my Arctis 7 while charging?
- Answer: Yes, you can. It’s safe to use your Arctis 7 while charging. Naturally, the headset will take longer to charge if you are using it.
- Question: How long does the Arctis 7 take to charge?
- Answer: Depending on the charging source, Arctis 7 takes 3-4 hours to charge from 0-100%.
- Question: How long does the Arctis 7 battery last?
- Answer: The Arctis 7 battery can last for up to 24 hours.
- Question: How do I reset my Arctis 7?
- Answer: The reset button is located on the right earcup (the one with the microphone), beneath the earpad. It’s hidden inside a tiny pinhole. To reset the headset, remove the earpad and use a paperclip to press the reset button for 3-5 seconds.
- Question: How do I check the battery life on Arctis 7?
- Answer: You can check the battery life on Arctis 7 by observing the color of the LED on the power button. Slowly flashing green means your battery is between 50 and 100%. Slowly flashing yellow indicates the battery level is between 20 and 49%. When the battery level is between 10 and 19%, the LED will slowly flash red . Rapidly blinking red LED indicates the battery is critically low (1-9%). You can also check the battery level using the SteelSeries GG software.
- Question: Does the Arctis 7 have a removable battery?
- Answer: It depends on what you mean by removable. You can’t switch the battery in seconds, but you can replace it.
- Question: Can you replace the battery on the SteelSeries Arctis 7 headset?
- Answer: Yes, the battery on SteelSeries Arctis 7 is replaceable. Open the right cup by removing three Philips screws. The battery will be there. Then, you need to unsolder three wires connecting the battery to the power board and pull out the old battery. Then, install the new battery.
Conclusion
Headsets tend to malfunction when you need them the most. I know how frustrating that can be. Charging issues, along with powering issues, are one of the most common problems users have with SteelSeries Arctis 7.
I hope this guide helped you figure out why your Arctis 7 is refusing to charge and find the solution for the charging issue.
If there’s a fix I forgot to mention, write a comment and share it with fellow readers.
