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Fortnite players are excited to dive into the game’s chapter 3 update. Voice chat issues are undoubtedly the last thing you want to experience when you and your mates are trying to enjoy the game. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for mic problems to appear after a big patch.
It would be best if you didn’t miss out on any of the fun because your mic is not working on Fortnite. Therefore, we’ve compiled some useful solutions to get you back to chatting.
Check Your Mic
A mic can break down with extended use. Therefore, consider getting a better replacement if you’re using an old or low-quality headset.
Also, check that you haven’t muted the mic.
Double-Check Game Settings
Voice chat should be enabled. And ensure that you haven’t activated ‘Push-To-Talk.’
Check that the proper audio Input, Output, or Playback is selected. The reason you’re having communication issues could be that audio streams are being pumped to a source that your headset or speakers aren’t picking up.
Adjust the voice chat volume. The volume should be turned up loud enough. It’s recommended that voice chat volume be higher than other audio types such as music and sound effects.
Browse the Fortnite Community Board
Epic Games makes constant updates through the game’s public channel. In addition, players often use the community Trello board to report when they encounter new issues/problems. And the community team tends to be on top of most issues that impede a smooth gaming experience.
Therefore, check out Fortnite’s Trello Board for the latest info on known voice chat issues.
Check Fortnite Server Status
Voice chat may be impaired if there’s a system-wide outage or problem. Thus, it helps to check the status of Epic Games Servers to ensure that all Fortnite connections and systems are operational.
Check the Channels
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On Fortnite, you can play via Party or Game Channels.
To talk to players with whom you queued up in the lobby (are in the same party as you), you use the Party Channel. The Game Channel connects players in different parties but the same team.
Be sure to join the correct voice channel. Using the wrong channel may cause problems communicating with your mates, especially when cross-playing on different platforms.
Being in a PlayStation or Xbox Party Chat may keep Fortnite voice chat from working optimally even when nobody else is present. So, if you want to use Fortnite voice chat, leave the party.
Changing between channels is easy via the social menu.
If you are using the right channel, but still have issues, leave the party and try to rejoin. A glitch in Fortnite sometimes adds members to a party without recording them in the group chat. To correct this:
- Go to settings then audio settings
- Under audio settings, your voice chat to OFF
- Join a party, then leave
- Go back to settings and set your voice chat to ON
- Rejoin the party. The problem should be fixed.
Check Parental Controls
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Parental controls block Fortnite’s voice chat by default. You may, therefore, have to change these settings to turn the voice chat ON.
On the parental control settings page, set the ‘Filter Mature Language’ to OFF and ‘Voice Chat’ ON.
You can learn more about Fortnite’s parental controls here.
Check the Network Ports
The protocol used by Fortnite is XMPP. The protocol works through network ports 433, 5222, and several others. Therefore, these ports must be open for you to connect voice communications.
If your ports are closed, you can unblock them using the instructions outlined in this article.
Troubleshooting Your Xbox
[Image source: Mashable]
Check The DNS Settings
Wrong DNS configuration may cause voice chat problems
- Use the controller’s Xbox button to access the ‘System’ tab.
- Go to ‘Settings’ then ‘Network’ and look for ‘Advanced Settings.’
- Take note of the existing settings. You write them down on paper or take a picture with your mobile.
- Under ‘DNS Settings’ select ‘Manual’
[Image source: my-private-network.co.uk]
- Enter the following values:
Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4 - If you need to set MTU, use 1473
- Try using voice chat.
Adjust Online Safety and Privacy Settings
Setting up your Xbox for cross-platform play may require you to change some of your privacy and online safety settings.
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- Use the Xbox button to access ‘Guide’ > ‘System’ > ‘Settings’ > ‘Account’
- From the ‘Privacy and Online Safety’ tab, go to ‘Xbox Live Privacy’ then ‘View Details and Customize’
- Look for ‘Communication & Multiplayer’
- If you are setting up for a family member, use the ‘Manage Family Members’ option
- ‘ALLOW’ cross-platform play with people outside Xbox Live (here, you can also choose whom you communicate with: either Everybody, Block, or In-Game Friends.)
- Try to use voice chat
Other solutions to try on Xbox
PlayStation Troubleshooting
Adjust DNS settings
[Image source: LowkeyTech]
- You will need to set your internet connection under ‘Settings’ > ‘Network’
- Choose the connection type, either Wi-Fi or LAN
- Go to ‘Custom Setup’ > ‘Automatic IP Address Settings’
- Don’t specify the DHCP Hostname
- Select manual for the DNS settings
- Use the following values
Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4 - Test your internet connection. If still connected, retry voice chat.
PC Troubleshooting
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Sign Out
One of the simplest ways to fix issues is signing out and back in. So, try signing out and back in to see if your voice issues will resolve.
Install Updates
Keeping your installed software, drivers, and games up to date may prevent a number of issues.
- In the bottom right corner of your Epic Games Launcher tab, look for a gear (settings) icon and turn the Auto-Update option.
[Image source: insider.com]
- Close and then relaunch the launcher
- Now run Fortnite and see if the mic is fixed.
Check whether your computer drivers (specifically the Audio driver) are up to date. If they are not, try updating them
You can also check for and install windows updates. You can find the windows update window by typing update in the windows search box.
Allow Mic Access for Fortnite
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- On a Windows computer, go to the ‘Control Panel.’ Head over to ‘Privacy Settings’
- Look for and click on the ‘Microphone.’
- Next, ‘Allow Access to the Microphone on This Device’ Switch this function ON
- Next, switch ON ‘Allow Apps to Access the Microphone.’
- Close all control panel windows and relaunch your game
Adjust PC Audio Settings
- Start by launching Fortnite. Then, turn OFF voice chat
- Go back to your desktop.
- Find and select ‘Sounds’ after right-clicking on the sound icon on the taskbar
- Next, look for the ‘Playback’ tab
- Click on ‘Speakers and Headphones’ and set them to ‘Default.’
- Look for the ‘Recording’ tab.
- On the ‘Recording’ tab, look for and select the microphone you are using to play the game. Set it to ‘Default’ and test the mic by speaking into it.
- Apply the changes, close all windows
- Relaunch Fortnite and turn ON voice chat.
Edit Registry
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- Press the ‘Windows’ key at the same time as the ‘R’ key.
- When the run prompt comes up, type in ‘Regedit’ and press ‘Enter’
- Find and click on the ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USER’ folder
- Double-click on ‘Software’ folder
- Click on ‘Epic Games’ and delete all the files in this folder one by one.
- Close all windows, restart the computer
- Relaunch Fortnite
Other Solutions to Try on PC
- Restart windows audio service
- Reinstall Fortnite