Steam voice chat not working [Troubleshooting guide]

Vlad Turiceanu
by Vlad Turiceanu
Editor-in-Chief
Affiliate Disclosure
Share this article:
  • Steam's voice chat feature can sometimes stop working for some users. In this guide we will provide steps to fix this issue.
  • The main reason voice chat on Steam does not work is usually because your Microphone is not enabled on Steam or on your Windows PC.
  • If you'd like to check out more of our Steam guides and various fixes, take a look at our Steam Guides page.
  • We also have a dedicated Gaming section where you can read and discuss our latest news on the field.
steam error 105
To fix various PC problems, we recommend Restoro PC Repair Tool: This software will repair common computer errors, protect you from file loss, malware, hardware failure and optimize your PC for maximum performance. Fix PC issues and remove viruses now in 3 easy steps:
  1. Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).
  2. Click Start Scan to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.
  3. Click Repair All to fix issues affecting your computer's security and performance
  • Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

Millions of users with unique PC configurations are using Steam, and sometimes features simply don’t work as they should. This troubleshooting guide will help you fix Steam‘s voice chat not working step by step.

This guide will help you check if your microphone is enabled in the Steam chat overlay, and if not, we’ll show you how to enable it in your Windows 10 Settings.

What can I do if Steam’s voice chat won’t work?

1. Enable your Microphone in the Steam chat overlay

  1. Open Steam
  2. Click on the Settings icon under Steam chat overlaysteam chat overlay
  3. Head over to the Voice settings
  4. Make sure to select your microphone under Voice Input Device.
    • If it isn’t, you can select it from there
  5. Check if the microphone’s Voice Transmission Type is set to Open Microphone or Push-to-Talksteam chat overlay voice

2. Enable your Microphone in Windows Sounds Settings

  1. Head over to the right side of your Windows Taskbar, then click on the Sound icon.
  2. After that, select Open Sound Settingsopen sound settings windows
  3. Here you can choose your input device on your Windows 10 PC.
    • If your Microphone isn’t there, click on Manage Sound Devicessound settings windows
  4. You can enable your microphone by clicking on the Enable button under Input Devicesmanage sound devices

3. Allow apps to use your Microphone on Windows

  1. On the left side of your Taskbar, click on the Windows icon, then select the Settings iconwindows 10 settings
  2. Choose the Privacy tab, then head over to the microphone sectionwindows 10 settings privacy
  3. The toggle under Allow apps to access your microphone should be set to Onwindows 10 privacy microphone

These solutions should now fix your microphone so that it works Steam voice chat. Selecting the correct input device both in Windows and on Steam, and allowing apps to access your microphone are the fixes that we reccommend.

Is your Steam voice chat still not working? Check out our Windows 10 Microphone troubleshooting guide.

FAQ: Learn more about Steam’s voice chat feature

  • How do I fix my microphone in CS:GO?

This particular issue is just one of many common CS:GO issues that players usually face. In order to fix them, read this comprehensive guide.

  • Why is my mic not working?

Check if your mic isn’t muted. If it’s not muted, then your microphone‘s volume might be set to 0 or it has stopped working. If your mic isn’t working at all, we recommend purchasing another headset or standalone microphone.

  • Do I need a mic to play CS:GO?

Yes, in online FPS games, VoIP programs are far more efficient than typing messages to your teammates.

idee restoro Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:
  1. Download this PC Repair Tool rated Great on TrustPilot.com (download starts on this page).
  2. Click Start Scan to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.
  3. Click Repair All to fix issues with Patented Technologies (Exclusive Discount for our readers).
Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published in April 2020 and was revamped and updated in August 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.