If you live in a busy area with a lot of traffic or other disturbances, gaming in peace can be quite a challenge. In such situations, a quality gaming headset can save the day.
Gaming headsets are designed quite differently from regular headphones — specifically with gaming in mind. In order to provide an immersive and realistic gaming experience, a lot of these headsets use technologies like noise-cancellation and surround sound.
This type of headset also comes with the added benefit of an attached microphone, making them convenient not just for gaming but also for dictations or virtual conferences.
When talking about gaming headsets, one of the first names that come to mind is Astro Gaming. Acquired by PC gaming giant Logitech some years ago, the company is one of the leading makers of keyboards, mice, webcams, and headsets for the console as well as PC gamers.
Astro manufactures its headsets with long hours of esports in mind. As such, their headsets are reliable and sturdy, with comfortable ear cups conducive for prolonged wearing.
Even the most high-end headsets, however, can sometimes pose some issues, and Astro headsets are no exception.
A common problem that Astro headset users face is the headset failing to connect to the console, PC, or the Astro command center. If you are facing the same problem, read on to find out how you can address the issue.
Astro Headset Not Connecting: 5 Ways to Troubleshoot
(1) Address Possible Hardware Problems
The first step to troubleshooting your Astro headset is to rule out potential hardware issues.
If using the headset with a PC, disconnect it from the computer and plug it into a different computer that has the Astro Command Center software already installed. If the headset successfully establishes a connection with this computer, the issue might be with the hardware on the original PC.
Check the jack or USB port to make sure that it is not clogged with dust or dirt. If you own an A50 base station, ensure that it is switched to PC Mode.
- In the case of an Xbox, make sure that the base station, if any, is switched to Xbox mode.
- Other possible fixes include fully restarting your Xbox or plugging your Astro headset into a different port on the Xbox.
- Some users also report that switching the base station to PC mode first and then switching it to Xbox can also get the headset to establish a connection.
- Lastly, try turning your headset off and then back on. Often this is the only “troubleshooting” that is required.
If the Astro command center is not detecting your headset, try connecting the headset to a different port on the same computer or to a different computer altogether. If the problem persists, move on to the next steps.
(2) Update Your Audio Drivers
If you are confident that your hardware is working as intended, it may be the audio drivers on your computer that are preventing your Astro headset from connecting to it. A faulty or corrupted audio driver can often be the root of the problem. In such cases, updating the audio drivers can help.
Follow these steps to update the audio drivers on Windows:
- Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager
- From the list of devices, click on ‘Sound, video and game controllers’
- From the expanded list, right-click on whichever driver needs to be updated and then on ‘Update driver’
- Next, select ‘Search automatically for updated driver software’ and follow the steps as instructed
Alternatively, there are third-party driver update tools that you can use to install all available driver updates simultaneously. Certain audio driver updates can also be installed as part of a Windows update.
If a faulty or outdated audio driver is causing the issue with your Astro headset, then this should fix the problem.
If a driver update does not solve the issue, try uninstalling the device completely from the Device Manager and performing a fresh install with the latest driver installer.
(3) Uninstall and Reinstall Command Center
The Astro command center software sometimes does not detect Astro headsets. This could be a result of the version of the software being outdated or simply being faulty.
If that is the case, uninstalling and reinstalling the command center software can quickly take care of the issue.
To uninstall, hold down the Windows key and R key on your keyboard simultaneously. Once the Run box appears, type in appwiz.cpl. From the window that appears, look for ‘Astro Command Center’ and hit uninstall.
Once the software is uninstalled, you can reinstall it by simply downloading it from the Astro gaming website.
(4) Update Firmware
Your Astro headset can often fail to establish a connection with your PC, Xbox, or the Command Center due to outdated firmware.
Usually, if you have the command center installed on your PC, the software will automatically search for available firmware updates. All you have to do is hit Update to complete the process.
However, if your headset is not connecting to the command center, or if the download progress is not going beyond the halfway mark, you will have to manually download the firmware updates from the Astro gaming website.
Once you have done this, open the command center, find the gear icon in the top right corner of the window and click on it. Next, click on ‘Update firmware manually’ and select the files that you downloaded from the Astro website.
During the update process, make sure that there is an uninterrupted supply of power to the device. Loss of power during a firmware update can brick the device permanently.
(5) Update Windows
If all else fails, running an all-around Windows update (if available) can fix the problem. Since Windows updates often come with bug fixes, there is a chance that updating Windows can enable your Astro headset to successfully connect to your PC or the Astro Command Center.
To update Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button and, from the Start menu, select Settings
- Click on Update and Security
- Go to Windows Update and hit the ‘Check for updates’ tab
- If any updates are available, click on install
Once the updates are done downloading and installing, reboot your computer to complete the process. After the reboot, try connecting your headset once more and the issue should be resolved.
(6) Contact Support
In most cases, running the above troubleshooting methods should take care of the problem and get your Astro headset working as intended in no time. With that said, in some cases, the issue may be more deep-seated than basic hardware or software issues — but don’t blame it on inflation or high gas prices, that’s a bit of a stretch.
If the problem persists even after performing the above steps, your best bet is to contact Astro support.
A support executive will then guide you through a more in-depth troubleshooting process and help you locate the source of the problem. In all likelihood, your headset itself may need to be replaced.
Understanding Your Astro Headset’s Indicators
It’s essential to understand what your Astro headset is trying to communicate with you through its indicators. For instance, the power button’s light color and its state (solid or blinking) can provide valuable insights into what’s going on with your headset.
A10 and A20 Headsets:
These models don’t have many indicators as they are wired. For A20, a solid red light indicates that it’s charging while off, a blinking red and white light signifies it’s charging while on, and solid white light means it’s fully charged.
A30, A40, and A50 Headsets:
For these models, a solid red light on the power button means your headset is charging, and a solid white light indicates a full charge. A blinking white light suggests your headset is in pairing mode, and a blinking red light indicates a low battery. If the headset is off, a solid red light means that it’s charging, and no light indicates a full charge.
By understanding these indicators, you can troubleshoot issues related to battery charge and connection. For instance, if your headset isn’t connecting, it might be because the battery is too low. If the headset isn’t charging properly, the problem might be with the power cable or the power source.
How to Reset Your Astro Headset
There could be instances where your headset might require a hard reset to function correctly again. This can be particularly useful when all the typical troubleshooting methods don’t work, and your headset continues to act up. It’s a simple process but differs slightly between the headset models.
A10 and A20 Models:
Since these models are wired, they do not have a reset feature. You might want to check the cable and the connected device in case of any issue.
A30, A40, and A50 Models:
These wireless models have a small pinhole on the underside of the base station. You will need a thin, pointed object like a paperclip to press this button.
- Ensure that the base station is in PC mode.
- Press and hold the reset button for roughly 15 seconds.
- Release the button and wait for the base station to reboot.
This process will not delete any of your personalized settings. However, if you’re having trouble with your headset not connecting, this reset could help your base station and headset “find” each other again. In many cases, this hard reset method can solve persistent connectivity issues. It’s kind of like giving your headset a bit of a fresh start. You know how you feel after a good night’s sleep? It’s similar – but for your headset.
Astro Range of Headsets
Before we move on to the different ways of troubleshooting your Astro headset, let us look at the different options that the company offers on this front.
First up, we have the Astro A10 headset which is their base-level offering. This is a fairly standard headset in terms of features, with a frequency response ranging from 20 to 20,000 Hz, a 6.0 mm unidirectional flip-to-mute microphone, and in-line volume control. This over-ear headset connects through a 3.5 mm jack and is built for comfort and prolonged usage.
Next comes the second-generation iteration of the Astro A20, although at a significantly higher price point. The host of added features in this headset explains the jump in price; wireless connectivity and a wireless range of 15m allow free movement and the sound quality is improved as well.
The A30 improves upon the features of the previous models, bringing in the additional benefit of dual microphones, one built-in and the other a boom mic.
The Astro A40 TR features Astro Audio V2 for crisper and more detailed audio and balanced highs, mids, and bass. The swappable boom mic on this model is a nice touch for added convenience.
The A50 takes things a notch higher with Dolby audio for the ultimate immersive gameplay experience. The built-in MixAmp feature optimizes the audio levels for voice communication and game sounds and reduces latency to a minimum for easy voice chatting.
All in all, the Astro headsets are feature-rich and boast stunning good looks and a durable build. Some do come at a premium price point but considering how drastically they can improve your gaming experience; the cost is well worth it.
Final Thoughts
Astro headsets are a crowd favorite among esports players for their polished soundscape, advanced feature sets, modern appearance, and overall reliability.
Taking this into account, just like any other gadget, they are not infallible to occasional malfunctions. If your Astro headset is not connecting to your PC, Xbox, or to the Astro Command Center, there may be one or multiple causes behind the issue.
Performing the above steps to troubleshoot your Astro headset will, in most cases, resolve the issue. If not, it will at least help narrow down the possible causes behind the malfunction.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a gaming headset and regular headphones?
Gaming headsets are designed with gaming in mind. They have features such as surround sound for immersive gameplay, noise-cancellation for blocking out external noise, and an attached microphone for in-game communication. Regular headphones might not have all these features.
How does the noise-cancellation feature work on Astro gaming headsets?
Noise-cancellation works by using microphones to pick up external noise. The headset then generates a “counter-noise” that cancels out the original noise, allowing the gamer to focus solely on the in-game sounds.
Why does my Astro gaming headset need firmware updates?
Firmware updates are released to fix bugs, add new features, or improve the headset’s performance. Keeping your headset’s firmware up to date is essential for the best gaming experience.
How can I make my Astro gaming headset last longer?
Regular cleaning, protecting it from extreme temperatures, storing it properly, avoiding tugging on the cord, and keeping the firmware updated can help your Astro gaming headset last longer.
Can I use my Astro gaming headset for other activities like listening to music or attending virtual meetings?
Yes, you can use your Astro gaming headset for other activities. The high-quality sound and noise cancellation feature make it suitable for listening to music, and the built-in microphone can be handy for virtual meetings.