How to On Mic in Valorant: Voice Chat Fix

What You’ll Need

A working microphone (built-in, USB, or headset mic)
Valorant installed and updated
Windows PC (steps are for PC; console versions differ slightly)

Step-by-Step

Check Windows microphone privacy settings. Go to Windows Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone. Ensure “Microphone access” is turned on and that Valorant is allowed to use the mic. If it’s blocked, the game won’t receive audio.
Set your default microphone in Windows. Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray, select “Sound settings,” then under “Input,” choose your preferred mic. Test it with the “Test your microphone” bar—speak and see if the level moves.
Open Valorant and go to Settings. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner of the main menu, then select the “Audio” tab.
Configure voice chat settings. Under “Voice Chat,” set “Party Voice Activation” and “Team Voice Activation” to either “Voice Activity” (open mic) or “Push-to-Talk.” For push-to-talk, the default key is V; you can change it in the “Controls” tab under “Communication.”
Select the correct microphone device. In the same Audio settings, under “Voice Chat,” find “Microphone Device” and choose your mic from the dropdown. Also set “Microphone Input Volume” to a comfortable level (around 80-100).
Test in-game. Join a party or a match and speak. You should see your name highlighted in the top-left corner of the screen when your mic is active. Ask a friend if they can hear you.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong push-to-talk key: Many players press C or B, but the default is V. Check your keybinds in Settings > Controls.
Mic muted in the game: In the scoreboard (Tab), you can mute yourself or teammates. Ensure you haven’t accidentally muted your own mic.
Windows privacy blocking the mic: Even if your mic works in other apps, Valorant might be denied access in Windows privacy settings.
Multiple mic devices: If you have several mics (webcam, headset, standalone), the game might pick the wrong one. Manually select the correct device in settings.
Voice activation threshold too high: If using open mic, the game may not pick up your voice if the activation level is set too high. Lower it or increase your mic volume.

Tips

Use push-to-talk for team chat: Open mic can pick up background noise, annoying teammates. Push-to-talk is generally preferred in competitive play.
Set a comfortable push-to-talk key: Many players use a side mouse button or a key near WASD like C or V. Choose what feels natural for quick calls.
Adjust mic sensitivity: In Windows Sound settings, you can adjust the mic input volume. Set it so your voice is clear without clipping.
Use a noise gate: Valorant has a “Noise Gate” option in voice chat settings. Enable it to reduce background noise when you’re not speaking.
Test with a friend: Before a ranked match, join a party and ask a friend to confirm your audio quality.

Troubleshooting

Mic not working in Valorant but works elsewhere

First, check Windows privacy settings (step 1). Then in Valorant, go to Settings > Audio > Voice Chat and ensure the correct microphone is selected. If it still doesn’t work, try restarting the game after changing settings.

Teammates can’t hear me, but I see my mic icon

Your mic might be too quiet. Increase “Microphone Input Volume” in Valorant settings and also check Windows input volume. Also, ensure you’re not muted in the scoreboard (press Tab and check the speaker icon next to your name).

Push-to-talk not working

Make sure you’re pressing the correct key (default V). If you changed it, verify in Settings > Controls > Communication. Also, check that the key isn’t bound to something else. Restart the game if necessary.

Echo or feedback

This usually happens if your mic picks up your speakers. Use headphones instead of speakers, or lower your speaker volume. In Windows, you can also enable “Listen to this device” off in mic properties.

Voice chat option grayed out

This can happen if you’re in a custom game with voice chat disabled, or if your account has a communication restriction. Check your game mode settings—some custom lobbies disable voice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the default push-to-talk key in Valorant?

The default key is V. You can change it in Settings > Controls > Communication.

Can I use open mic in Valorant?

Yes, you can set voice activation to “Voice Activity” in Settings > Audio > Voice Chat. This makes your mic always on.

Why can I hear others but they can’t hear me?

Your mic might not be selected correctly, or Windows privacy is blocking access. Check the steps above, especially mic device selection and privacy settings.

How do I mute myself in Valorant?

You can press the mute button in the scoreboard (Tab) or use the keybind for “Toggle Mute Microphone” (default is none). You can also set it in Controls.

Does Valorant use push-to-talk on console?

On consoles, voice chat is usually always-on (open mic) unless you mute your mic. There’s no push-to-talk button by default.

Can I use a Bluetooth headset mic?

Yes, but Bluetooth mics can have lower quality and latency. Make sure it’s set as the default input device in Windows and selected in Valorant.

Sources: Riot Games Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.