Wondering why the PS5 controller headphone jack not working? Keep reading!
There could be multiple reasons why the audio from the jack output port is not working on your PlayStation 5 controller.
Luckily there are twice as many solutions that will help us solve the problem in a matter of minutes.
Let’s learn more about the actual issue!
When the headphone 3.5mm jack appears not to be working, make sure that the volume of the device is not all the way down and reconnect the jack tightly. Make sure that there are no obstructions and, if necessary, clean the jack entirely out of dust and hair.
Why Is the PS5 Controller Mic Port Not Working?
The headphone jack (or the microphone) is used to connect a headset that could also support a microphone.
This 3.5mm jack enables the user to use a headset on the PS5 by connecting the device semi-wirelessly, through the PS5 controller output port.
Here are the causes to why is your PS5 controller’s Mic port not working:
- The port is full of dust/debris!
- The faulty connection cable
- PS5 Software/Hardware Issues
- PlayStation 5 controller Low Battery
No matter what the origin of the problem is, we will do our best to guide you through a complete fix-guide that will fix the problem for you.
Let’s jump straight into the solutions!
How to Fix PS5 Headphone Jack When Not Working?
To be able to recognize the cause of the problem, we’re going to address each possibility and first learn why the issue appears.
This is possible by following the order of our solutions and not skipping any of the steps or recommendations.
Let’s jump right in!
Solution #1 Reconnect the Controller From PS5
Reconnecting the controller from the PS5 would definitely resolve issues with the software that are causing the problem with the interference.
In order to remove the controller from the PS5, you must access the console’s Options, go to Profiles and then Remove the controller.
Here’s how to reconnect the controller from your PS5 in easy steps:
- From the home page of your PS5, go to Settings.
- Head to Accessories.
- Under “Registered Accessories”, locate your Wireless Controller.
- Select the controller from the menu.
- Press “Delete”.
- Now, hit the PS Button on your PS5 controller.
- Follow the instructions to pair your controller back to the PlayStation 5.
Note: Your PS5 has to be up and running by the time you’re getting the controller re-paired.
Solution #2 Charge the Controller
Chances are that your controller has run out of charge and can no longer support the headphone’s connector and wirelessly pair it to the console.
Your next step in this fix guide is to make sure that the controller is charged, by, of course, charging it for a little while.
Connect the type-C cable of your controller to a power source for 10 minutes!
The battery icon of your PS5 controller on the home screen of the PlayStation will animate if the charging was successful and the device is receiving electricity.
This is how you can easily recognize that the controller is charging.
You can even attempt whether your headphone jack is working while the device is charging but it’s always recommended to have some juice available before utilizing any of the features!
Note: Ensure that the charging cable is tightly connected to the port.
Solution #3 Try With a Different Headset
The problem could be with the headset itself, rather than the PlayStation 5 controller.
What you should attempt next is to connect a different headset to the port on your PS5 controller and check how that goes.
In addition, make sure that the headset you will be using is 100% functional and is working with another prior so you can be confident.
Get the headset that you will be using to test with the controller and connect it to the port. Wait for the controller to identify the headset and wait for it to blink once.
Once that headset is detected, check if the audio is transferred to the headphones.
Note: Ensure that the headset is tightly secured to the 3.5 jack controller port.
Solution #4 Hard Reset the PlayStation
You should perform a hard reset on the PS5 to resolve the issue with the headset.
If there is a software problem with the console, it might not detect the connected headphones and transfer the audio to the controller wirelessly and then into the headphones.
Perform a hard reset on your PS5 the following way:
- Go to the Power Menu of your PS5.
- Press the “Power Off” option.
- Wait for the console to shut down.
- Disconnect the Power Adapter of the console.
- Wait for 5 Minutes while the console is unplugged.
- Reconnect the power adapter of the PS5.
- Turn on the console.
It’s also recommended to unplug the headphones from the controller after the console boots up and then tightly connect them back. Play something and test whether the headphones will work.
Note: The longer you keep the console unplugged from the power, the better it will discharge.
Solution #5 Clean the Headphone/Microphone Port
If there’s too much dust or debris inside the microphone port of your PS5 controller, the headphones may not go all the way in and make the connection.
Acquire some household materials and tools to use them and clean the Microphone/Headphone port of your controller.
For the process you will need the following:
- A toothpick
- An ear stick
- A device that shoots compressed air
- (Optional) Cleaning alcohol
Once you have these materials, follow these instructions to clean the port on your controller:
- Get the toothpick and insert it into the Headphone Port.
- Use gentle movements to break up any solid debris inside the port.
- Get the ear stick and slightly dip it into alcohol (or water).
- Insert the ear stick into the port and perform Circular Movements.
- Take out as much dust and hair from the port.
- Use the compressed air device to remove any leftover debris inside the port.
- Test the headphones by plugging them into the port.
Tip: Rotate the 3.5mm jack inside the port to test whether you’ll hear any fractions of the audio.
Solution #6 Reset the PS5 Controller
In case nothing worked so far and the PS5 controller headphone jack not working, then a Factory Reset is strongly suggested for your controller.
There may be a miscommunication between the software of the controller and the PS5 which requires a check-up.
Moreover, resetting your controller is something you should do once in a while, just to keep electronics in a healthy state. It’s fast and easy so let’s learn how it’s done!
To perform a factory reset on your PS5 controller, follow these instructions:
Alert: The controller will be unsynced from the console as a result of the factory reset.
- Disconnect the controller from the console and turn off the device.
- Locate the Small Pinhole on the top right of the controller.
- Get a straightened paper clip, needle, or similar size device that will go through.
- Wait for the PS5 to Shut Down.
- Grab the instrument that you will use for the reset.
- Insert the instrument into the Reset Pinhole of your controller.
- Press and hold the reset button on the pinhole for 5 Seconds.
- Release the reset button.
- Finally, resync the controller with the PlayStation 5.
How To Sync a Controller to PlayStation 5?
This is the task that usually slows users down after a factory reset.
Syncing your controller is easy as long as you know how it’s done. Perhaps, the jack port will start outputting now?
To put the PS5 Controller in pairing mode, hold the PS button + Share button.
Release only after the touchpad flashes. That means that the controller is now connected to your PlayStation 5 and you can test your headset and jack port functionality.
Quick Recap:
Hence, the headphone jack on a PS5 controller is not working because the entry is obstructed by hair and debris or because the jack is not entered all the way in. We’ve also learned that we need to inspect our output device as well as our PlayStation 5.
Read Next: How To Unblock Someone On PS5?
Wrapping Up:
Now that we’ve learned why the PS5 controller headphone jack not working and how to solve the problem in a matter of minutes, we can enjoy our setup.
In case the problem is persistent and you suspect the 3.5mm jack port of your controller, contact PlayStation Support for help!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.