ARC Raiders Mic Not Working | Quick Fixes

“Mic not working” in Arc Raiders is a known issue often caused by the game failing to hook into your system’s “Default Communication Device” (PC) or system-level privacy overrides (Console).

It is rarely a broken microphone if it works in Discord/Party Chat.

Here is the step-by-step troubleshooting guide, ordered from the most common fixes to the more technical ones.

Phase 1: The “Quick Fixes” (All Platforms)

1. The “Default Communication Device” (Most Common PC Fix)

Windows has two default settings for audio. Arc Raiders specifically looks for the “Communication” default. If this is wrong, the game hears silence.

• Press Windows Key + R, type mmsys.cpl, and hit Enter.

• Go to the Recording tab.

• Find your actual microphone. Right-click it and select “Set as Default Device” AND “Set as Default Communication Device”.

• Crucial: Right-click any other inputs (like webcams or controller mics) and select Disable. This forces the game to use the only option left.

2. PS5 “Game Base” Override

The PS5 has a setting that “kills” in-game chat while allowing Party Chat.

• Press the PS Button to open the quick menu.

• Select Game Base.

• Go to Voice Chat Settings (icon with sliders/options).

• Ensure “Mute Game Voice Chat” is switched OFF.

• Note: You cannot use PlayStation Party Chat and In-Game Proximity Chat at the same time. You must leave the PS Party to talk to Raiders.

3. Xbox Privacy Settings

• Go to Settings > General > Online Safety & Family > Privacy & Online Safety.

• Select Xbox Privacy > View Details & Customize > Communication & Multiplayer.

• Ensure “You can communicate outside of Xbox network” is set to Allow (otherwise cross-platform chat is blocked).

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Phase 2: Advanced PC Fixes

1. Disable IPv6 (The “Magic” Network Fix)

A specific bug in Arc Raiders causes Voice Chat (VOIP) to fail if your internet adapter tries to use IPv6. This fixes the “I can hear them, but they can’t hear me” bug.

• Press Windows Key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.

• Right-click your active network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) > Properties.

• Find Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) in the list and uncheck the box.

• Click OK and restart the game.

2. Disable “Exclusive Mode”

Sometimes Windows lets another app (like Discord) “hog” the mic, preventing the game from using it.

• Go back to mmsys.cpl (Sound Control Panel) > Recording tab.

• Right-click your Mic > Properties > Advanced.

• Uncheck “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.”

3. Check Windows Privacy

• Go to Windows Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.

• Ensure “Let desktop apps access your microphone” is ON.

• Verify Arc Raiders or Steam is listed below.

Phase 3: In-Game Settings Check

1. The “Push-to-Talk” Reset

• Go to Settings > Audio.

• Toggle Voice Chat Mode from “Open Mic” to “Push-to-Talk” and back again.

• Check your Keybinds: Updates have been known to unbind the PTT key. Ensure Z (PC) or D-Pad Down (Console) is actually bound.

2. The “Self-Mute” Check

• Look at your squad list (top left) or health bar. If you see a microphone icon with a line through it, you are soft-muted.

• Open the Social/Party Menu (P on PC) and click the mic icon next to your own name to unmute.

Summary Troubleshooting Table