How to Fix Valorant Voice Chat Not Working

Valorant is one of the most popular tactical shooters available today, known for its competitive gameplay and strong team communication features. However, one of the most frustrating issues players face is a non-functional voice chat. When team coordination is key, a broken voice chat system can severely impact gameplay. Fortunately, there are several tried and tested solutions that can help players quickly get back to seamless communication.

TL;DR: If voice chat in Valorant isn’t working, start by checking your PC’s sound settings, ensure your microphone is properly selected, and verify that Valorant has the correct permissions. Also confirm in-game settings, update your audio drivers, and test allowing the Vanguard anti-cheat system full control. Restart your PC after applying changes to see results.

1. Check Hardware Connections

Before diving into software troubleshooting, it’s essential to make sure the physical components are functioning.

Ensure headset is properly connected – If you’re using a wired headset, ensure it’s fully plugged into the correct port. Bluetooth users should verify the connection is stable.
Test microphone – Use Windows’ sound settings or an external app to confirm your microphone is picking up audio.
Try different ports or devices – Rule out hardware failure by testing with a separate mic or headphone jack.

2. Verify Windows Sound Settings

Even if your mic works elsewhere, incorrect system settings can silently block Valorant’s access to it.

Right-click on the sound icon in the system tray and select Sounds.
Go to the Recording tab.
Ensure the correct microphone is set as Default Device.
Speak into the mic and watch for green volume bars to confirm recognition.

Additionally, go to Windows Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone, and ensure apps have permission to use the microphone. Scroll down to ensure desktop apps also have access enabled for Valorant.

3. Adjust Valorant Voice Chat Settings

Inside the game, incorrect voice settings can be the silent culprit. Navigate to:

Gear icon (top right) > Settings.
Choose the Audio tab, then select Voice Chat.

Check the following:

Voice Chat Enabled: Make sure this is toggled on.
Input/Output Devices: Select your specific microphone and headset instead of “Default”.
Push-to-Talk: Try enabling/using it even if you prefer open mic – bind it to a common key like V.
Mic Sensitivity: Adjust the sensitivity in case your voice isn’t triggering the input level properly.

After tweaking these settings, apply changes and restart Valorant to test.

4. Restart VALORANT and Riot Vanguard

Problems with the Vanguard anti-cheat system can affect peripheral recognition. Try the following step-by-step:

Close Valorant and Vanguard completely (end related processes via Task Manager).
Right-click the Valorant shortcut and choose Run as Administrator.
Vanguard may prompt you for a system restart – proceed with it.

Relaunch the game and test voice chat functionality in a practice match or party lobby.

5. Update Your Audio Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can result in erratic behavior across all applications, including Valorant. To update:

Open Device Manager from the Start menu.
Expand the Audio inputs and outputs section.
Right-click your mic/headset device and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.

If the manufacturer offers a proprietary app (e.g., Realtek, SteelSeries, Logitech), use it to ensure the latest drivers are installed.

6. Enable Legacy Audio (Optional Fix)

Some users report success by turning on an older audio API inside Riot’s game client:

Navigate to the Voice Chat section again in Valorant’s settings.
Look for an option referencing Legacy Audio Subsystem, usually near the bottom.
Enable it and restart the game to test voice functionality.

This fix is not officially documented by Riot but has worked for specific hardware setups.

7. Reinstall Riot Vanguard

As a last resort, corrupted Vanguard files can cause voice inconsistencies. To perform a clean reinstall:

Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Uninstall Riot Vanguard.
Relaunch Valorant, which will re-install Vanguard automatically.

8. Test Voice in Practice Mode

Before jumping into a match, run a voice check:

Start a Custom Game.
Invite a friend or join with a second account.
Use both party and team chat to verify mic transmission.

Don’t forget to look for the microphone notification icon when speaking—this serves as visual feedback that voice is operating correctly.

9. Disable Third-Party Audio Utilities

Applications like Voicemeeter, Dolby Access, or Equalizer APO may interfere with Valorant’s access to the mic input.

To rule them out:

Temporarily disable these tools.
Restart Valorant and test voice chat again.

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10. Contact Riot Support

If all else fails, it might be time to involve the professionals. Gather the following information before submitting a ticket:

Your current OS version.
Detailed headset/mic model and driver version.
Any relevant screenshots of in-game and Windows settings.

Submit a ticket via Riot’s Support Page and describe your troubleshooting efforts comprehensively.

FAQ

Q: Why can’t my friends hear me in Valorant?
A: This could be due to an incorrect microphone device selection, mic access being blocked in Windows, push-to-talk being disabled, or in-game audio issues. Try following system-wide and in-game fixes mentioned above.
Q: Does Valorant support push-to-talk and open mic?
A: Yes, it does. Players can enable either option in the game’s audio settings under the Voice Chat section.
Q: My mic works in Discord but not in Valorant. Why?
A: Discord and Valorant may use different microphone input devices. Make sure the mic is selected manually inside Valorant settings instead of relying on Windows’ “Default” option.
Q: Is there a way to test voice chat while solo?
A: Yes, you can enter a Custom Match and check for mic icon feedback in the HUD or by inviting a friend for a quick test.
Q: Do I need to reinstall Valorant to fix the voice chat?
A: Usually no. Reinstalling Vanguard or adjusting system settings is typically sufficient. Reinstalling the full game is a last resort if all else fails.

With these steps, players should be able to fix most voice chat issues themselves and get back to strategic battles with their teammates, uninterrupted by audio glitches.

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