When the Stadia headset is not connected, you may find that you can't hear any game sound, and other players can't hear you. This issue usually occurs with a connection error or hardware failure, but it can also be caused by network settings, Stadia service issues, and more. To get your Stadia headset to connect and work properly, you'll typically need to check your headset's compatibility, try different headsets or connections, check your network configuration, and other similar tasks.
Because of the way Stadia works, with games running in the cloud and no hardware other than a Stadia controller and a device like a Chromecast Ultra, a web browser on your phone or computer, headsets work with Stadia differently than they do with traditional consoles. The headset must be connected to the Stadia controller via the 3.5mm audio jack or USB-C port, or if you are using a USB-C port, it must be a compatible USB-C headset. Although the controller has built-in Bluetooth, it is not compatible with Bluetooth headsets.
Here are the most common reasons why Stadia headsets won't connect:
- Network configuration issues
- Outdated controller firmware
- Bad signal
- The plug is damaged
- Headphone failure
- Compatibility issues
- Bluetooth earphone
- Headphones configured incorrectly
- Stadia service issues
To get your Stadia headset working properly, try these fixes in order. If a step doesn't work for your specific headphone hardware, you can skip that step and try the next one.
Don't use Bluetooth. If you try to use a Bluetooth headset on Stadia, it won't work. The Stadia controller does have Bluetooth built in, but only during the initial setup process. Google may add support for Bluetooth headphones via a firmware update in the future, but until then, you'll need to use USB-C or 3.5mm headphones.
Update your Stadia controller firmware. Normally, you'll be prompted to update your Stadia controller whenever a firmware update becomes available. If an update is available but you haven't received it yet, you can force the update by resetting your controller.
- Press and hold the Google Assistant and Capture buttons for six seconds.
- Set up your Stadia controller using the Stadia app.
- Your controller will receive any available firmware updates during the setup process.
Connect your Chromecast to Wi-Fi. When using a Stadia headset while playing games on Chromecast Ultra, you may need to connect the Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network as the Stadia controller. If your router is running in bridge mode, you won't be able to connect a Chromecast via a wired Ethernet connection and use headphones at the same time. In this case, connecting the Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi connection as the controller should solve the problem.
Change your network settings. If you want or need to connect your Chromecast via a wired Ethernet connection, you can make it work by disabling bridge mode on your router.
Disabling Bridge Mode may cause issues with other devices, including consoles like Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. In this case, connect the Chromecast via Wi-Fi or just disable bridge mode for the Chromecast port.
Try using different headphones. The Stadia controller supports 3.5mm and USB-C headsets and headphones. If you're having trouble using one of these connections and your headphones or headphones are using another connection, try this.
Make sure your headphones are compatible. The 3.5mm audio jack works with all standard TRRS headphones and TRS headphones, and the USB-C port works with headphones and headphones designed to work over USB-C. If your headset doesn't support it and you're using an adapter, make sure it's compatible and there's nothing wrong with the adapter.
Some wireless USB-C headsets work with Stadia controllers. These headphones come with a USB-C adapter that plugs into the controller. If you try to use one of these, please verify with the manufacturer whether it is compatible with Stadia. It may require a firmware update.
Check your headset settings. If your headset supports multiple connection types (such as wired and wireless), make sure it is set up to use the wired connection. Headphones with this option usually have a physical switch.
Check if Stadia service is interrupted. Start with a social media account, such as a Stadia X (formerly Twitter) account and the hashtag #Stadia Down, and consider contacting Stadia customer support. Even though the Stadia service appears to be working properly and you can stream games, there may be limited service outages that specifically affect voice chat. If you can hear game sounds but can't voice chat, that may be the problem.
Stadia is a cloud gaming service launched by Google in 2019. People can buy games on the platform and pay a monthly fee.
Video games are stored on Google's servers and transmitted to video game players over the Internet. A client downloaded to the player's computer handles graphics and input. Stadia also has dedicated game controllers that work with any device, so users can launch a game on their PC and continue playing on their tablet.
Stadia offers dozens of different types of games. You can view the full list on their website.
Goggle offers a bundle that includes a Stadia controller and a Chromecast with Google TV for $100, or a bundle that includes a Chromecast Ultra for $80. A Stadia Pro subscription costs $9.99 per month. You can also purchase individual games from the Stadia store.
