Razer headsets are often considered second to none in the headset game.
However, that doesn’t mean they’re immune to technical difficulties. And improper usage and care can break the headset over time.
For starters, connectivity issues are relatively common problems when using a Razer headset. Finding your headset unable to connect to your PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or another device can be frustrating.
Luckily, there are some things you can take a look at before you RMA your headset to be repaired. First, let’s look at how you can check your headset’s connectivity at home.
Razer Synapse – Check This First
The first tool you’ll want to check for getting your headset back in use is Razer Synapse.
This tool is the hub that controls all of the functions of your Razer products, including your headset. So start by ensuring your headset’s connection is picked up by Razer Synapse.
Razer Synapse controls everything from your drivers to your lighting. So, if Razer Synapse can’t “see” your headset, there’s a good chance it’s got some significant issues.
If Razer Synapse is picking up your headset, it will show up in the menu with a little picture of the unit. This menu would typically allow you to control the functions of your headset and recalibrate the spatial sound. However, suppose your headset is showing up in Razer Synapse but is still not playing sound. In that case, this is a different issue besides connectivity.
You have a connectivity issue if Razer Synapse isn’t picking up your headset. So keep reading to see what you can do about that.
It’s also worth checking to ensure your device is Razer Synapse enabled. Unfortunately, some Razer devices don’t interface with Razer Synapse. In this case, the lack of connection to Synapse doesn’t indicate an issue with the device.
Wired and Wireless: Check the Plug
If Razer Synapse doesn’t recognise your unit, and you can’t hear any sound from the device (or the sound comes from a different device), you’ll want to start by checking the plug where the unit connects to the device, if it has one.
If your Razer headset is wired, it can be used by plugging the device directly into your output device of choice.
However, if plugging your wireless headset into the output device solves the problem, you may have a problem with your headset’s wireless chip. Keep reading to find out what to do in that case.
You’ll also want to disconnect any USB hubs your headset is wired into. Razer headsets are not compatible with USB hubs, and while some may work together without issue, many will cause connectivity issues between the headset and the output device.
Wired and Wireless Headsets: Restart the Computer
Another easy troubleshooting step to take care of is restarting your computer.
While it may sound basic, many errors can occur when a program or other software is running. Each second, the computer has to perform hundreds of thousands of logic calculations to keep your peripherals running smoothly.
While your computer is performing these logical calculations, it can run into errors or accidentally create discrepancies in the calculations. When the computer runs into or creates these discrepancies, it can cause the programs to bug out or cease working correctly.
Restarting your computer is an easy way to clear out all those logic discrepancies and start fresh. So, do us a favour and do it anyway — even if you think it won’t help.
Wired and Wireless Headsets: Update Razer Synapse
Razer Synapse is the hub program that controls all the drivers your computer uses to run Razer peripherals. Naturally, the drivers for Razer products are constantly evolving and need to be updated regularly to ensure top performance.
Updating Razer Synapse is an excellent way to ensure that your drivers are up-to-date and ready to use. Using out-of-date drivers can result in your device not working correctly.
Alternatively, if Razer Synapse recently updated, you should roll that update back and see if you can get your headset working that way. Sometimes when new drivers are introduced to a working digital ecosystem, they make discrepancies and errors rather than fixing bugs like they were supposed to.
You’ll also want to make ensure the version of Razer Synapse you have installed is compatible with your device. If you got your headset second-hand, especially, it might be incompatible with your current version of Razer Synapse.
Wireless Headsets: Troubleshooting First Steps—Bluetooth Receivers
The first step you should take when troubleshooting your wireless headset is to try and connect it to another output device.
Unfortunately, you’ll need another Bluetooth-enabled device to which your headset can connect. Luckily, most modern cellphone handsets allow Bluetooth connections.
Suppose your headset can connect and properly function when connected to a different device. In that case, this indicates that the problem lies with the output device and not the headset. So, you’ll want to look into your output device’s Bluetooth connection. The article will cover further how to troubleshoot your output device’s Bluetooth connection.
Once you’ve confirmed that your device’s Bluetooth connection is faulty, you’ll want to file an RMA or purchase spare parts directly from Razer to replace the faulty Bluetooth connector. You can also have your headset looked at by a reputable local technician if one exists near you.
Wireless Headset Won’t Connect to PS5: Bluetooth Connection
PlayStation 5s are Bluetooth enabled, but the Bluetooth function for Razer headsets won’t work unless you’re using an external Bluetooth dongle.
Ensure that your Bluetooth dongle is compatible with your Razer headset by testing it with another device, then plug the Bluetooth dongle into an available port on the PS5.
After doing this, your Razer headset should connect to your Bluetooth dongle and, by extension, your PS5. If the headset does not connect but will connect with the same dongle and a different output device, you’ll need to have your PS5 looked at by Sony to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Wireless Headset Won’t Connect to Xbox
The only headset that Razer makes that is natively compatible with Xbox units is the Razer Kaira and Razer Kaira Pro headsets.
These headsets have a minor flaw (not an error, just a spot) that can prevent the headset from connecting to multiple devices. As a result, your headset may refuse to pair with your Xbox if it’s recently been paired with another device.
If this happens, press and hold the Multi-Function button on the back of the headset on the right ear cuff. Hold it down until you hear a beep, and then the headset should be able to pair with multiple devices easily.
If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to test your headset with a different Xbox unit to ensure that the problem lies with the headset and not the Xbox. If the headset does not pair with another Xbox unit even after enabling multi-functional mode, you’ll need to RMA the headset.
Final Thoughts
It can be frustrating to have your headset blow out on you.
Unfortunately, without intimate knowledge of electrical engineering, you may do more damage to the headset by trying to replace the parts yourself. However, the brave souls who embark on a quest for spare parts are supported by Razer the whole way; they even provide spare parts for a small charge.
Whether you replace the part yourself or have Razer do the hard work, Razer’s customer service can help you with all the options you need to get your headset running again.
