Turtle Beach is a big name in the gaming world that is typically associated with its wide range of headsets, from $15 budget models all the way through high-end products that approach $200.
However, all technology has the capability and capacity to fail or malfunction.
One of the more common issues people have with Turtle Beach headsets is that sometimes they simply refuse to turn on.
Luckily, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take before you decide to trade them in for a new pair. Let’s take a look at those.
Fixes for Turtle Beach Headset that Won’t Turn On
The Battery Is Empty
While this may sound patronizing, try popping the set on the charger to see if the battery is dead or too low to turn on. You’ll want to charge it for at least 30 minutes before turning it back on to ensure the battery has enough juice to make it through the startup sequence. (Better yet, give it a few hours to ensure that the battery has returned to 100%).
If the LED indicator stays red and doesn’t change color after you’ve long-charged the headset or if the headset doesn’t indicate that it’s charging, move on to the next step in the diagnostic process.
The Charging Cable
The next possible trouble point is the cable you use to charge the headset and connect it to your computer (in the case of wired headphones.) Start by trying the USB cable you’re using with your headphones on a different device to see if they’ll connect to another. If the USB cable works as intended with another device, skip to the next step.
If the USB cable doesn’t work as intended with a different device, swap the USB cable out and see if that fixes the problem. If it doesn’t fix the problem, you may have an issue with your headphones’ internal components.
The AC Adapter
If your headphones use a wall adapter for charging, you should check to ensure your wall adapter hasn’t failed. You can do this by testing a second cable with the AC adapter to ensure it’s not the cable, then using a different AC adapter if changing the line doesn’t work.
For most Turtle Beach headsets, you should be able to use the adapter to charge your cellphone. However, if you’re like us and are a hardcore USB-C enthusiast, this may not be as viable since Turtle Beach headphones typically use MicroUSB connectivity. However, newer Turtle Beach headsets do use the USB-C input.
Minor Software Conflict – Reset Headset
While it may seem silly, your headphones run native software that tells them what to do and how to interact with you and other electrical devices. This software—typically referred to as firmware as it’s neither software nor hardware; it exists somewhere in between—can sometimes malfunction or end up with an internal conflict.
You’ll need to reset your headphones to clear up the conflict when this happens. Serious disputes, errors, and malfunctions will not clear after a soft reset (turning it off and back on again.) So, if your headphones still aren’t working after this, you’ll want to look into a repair service to get your headphones looked at by a professional.
But before you do that, let’s try resetting your headphones.
How to Reset the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Headset
Start by pressing down and holding the “Connect” and “Mode” buttons. Hold these for at least 20 seconds. Releasing the buttons before 20 seconds have passed will cancel the reset. The headset will then switch off entirely and proceed to the reset stage.
Give the headset a minute or two to perform the reset, then re-pair the headset to the source device. If the headset does not respond, charge, or turn on, you’ll need to have it looked at by a professional or replace the headset entirely.
How to Reset the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Headset
For this headset, you’ll need to start by pressing the “Bluetooth” and “Mode” buttons simultaneously. Keep these buttons depressed for at least 20 seconds. Just like with the Stealth 600, the reset process will be canceled if you let go of the buttons. The headphones and lights will turn off to perform the reset. You can turn the headset back on after a few moments.
You’ll need to re-pair the headset to your output device after you reset it. However, if your headset still does not respond or charge, you will need to have the headset serviced by a professional repairman or replace it.
How to Reset the Elite 800 Headset
To reset the Turtle Beach Elite 800 headset, you’ll want to start by pressing and holding the “Mute” button for at least 15 seconds. The headset will then turn off; you may hear a sudden sound or pop when the headset turns off. This is the sound of the internal circuitry discharging; you need not worry about it.
Updating Your Turtle Beach Headset Firmware
Whether your headset is back to working or not, you should try to update the firmware to prevent or solve any remaining issues or conflicts.
Updating your headphones’ firmware often fixes your problems on its own. So, if nothing else has worked, you can still try updating the firmware to see if that clears up the issues.
Start by powering off your headset. Then download the Turtle Beach Audio Hub if you don’t already have it. Find a USB cable and connect the cable to your headset. Press the “Superhuman Hearing” button and connect the USB cable to your computer.
At this point, the Audio Hub program should prompt you to update the headset. Updates typically take about five minutes. So, hang tight and hope your headset will be in working order once it’s done.
If the update fails, try again, because oftentimes the second (or third or fourth) update will succeed despite the first failing.
If the process refuses to start, you can try starting it from the beginning, but it may also just be bricked. So, you may want to contact customer service to see if there’s anything they can help you with.
When the firmware has been updated, you’ll likely need to re-pair the headset to your output device of choice.
What to Do If My Turtle Beach Headset Turns On But Won’t Connect
If your headset is turning on but won’t connect to your output device, the problem is likely a connection fault between the headset and the output device. This could result from a software malfunction, or the connectivity device has malfunctioned or been damaged.
In this case, you may want to start by resetting the output device. If it’s a console, reset the console. If your headset is connected to a PC, you’ll need to start by turning your PC off and then on again. For PCs with an internal Bluetooth chip, you can turn the Bluetooth chip off and turn it back on in the same window.
Suppose your headset cannot pair with your output device after resetting it. Try pairing with another device and see if the output device is malfunctioning. Additionally, try pairing your headset with another output device if possible and see if perhaps both items are malfunctioning.
Caring for Your Turtle Beach Headset to Prevent Issues
Preventing issues before they start is a solid approach to technology care. By taking good care of your Turtle Beach headset, you can potentially avoid some of the more common problems, like those we’ve discussed. Here are some basic care tips for your Turtle Beach headset:
Use the Appropriate Charger and Cable
Always use the charger and cable supplied with your headset. Using a different charger could potentially damage the battery, and an inappropriate cable might not facilitate proper charging.
Store in a Safe Location
When you’re not using your headset, store it in a safe and dry location. Avoid places with excessive heat or cold, as extreme temperatures can negatively affect the headset’s battery and components.
Clean Regularly
Like any piece of technology, your Turtle Beach headset can collect dust and dirt over time. Regular cleaning helps to prevent build-up that might impact the headset’s functionality. Just remember to be gentle and avoid getting any liquid into the headset.
Avoid Physical Stress
Physical stress, like dropping the headset or yanking the cable, can cause damage over time. Handle your headset with care to extend its lifespan.
Regular Firmware Updates
Regularly updating your headset’s firmware will ensure it’s running the latest software, which can fix bugs and improve overall performance.
Remember, even with the best care, technology can still encounter issues. If you’re facing any problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to Turtle Beach support or a professional tech repair service.
Final Thoughts
With how essential a quality headset is, it makes sense that you’d opt to try and troubleshoot a malfunctioning Turtle Beach headset rather than buy a new one. Luckily, many avenues are available to fix your headset before you chuck it in the trash.
Unfortunately, if nothing on this list worked, you’ll probably have to get a new headset. Turtle Beach does offer warranties. So if your headset is still under contract, you should be able to get a new one from them without too much hassle!
FAQs
How long does the battery of a Turtle Beach headset usually last?
A fully charged Turtle Beach headset usually provides around 10-15 hours of battery life, depending on the model and how it’s used. However, this may vary, and it’s always best to keep your headset fully charged when possible.
My Turtle Beach headset is out of warranty and needs professional repair. Can I still get it fixed by Turtle Beach?
While Turtle Beach doesn’t directly offer repair services for out-of-warranty products, they do provide detailed resources for troubleshooting. If your headset is out of warranty and not functioning, it might be worth consulting a local electronics repair service.
Can I use my Turtle Beach headset with different gaming consoles?
Yes, Turtle Beach headsets are designed to be versatile and work with most major gaming consoles. However, be sure to check your specific model’s compatibility before using it with a new console.
