Xbox Series X just got a key PS5 feature — here’s how to turn it on

How-to
By Tom Pritchard
last updated

Private listening on Xbox just got easier

Xbox Series X console
(Image credit: Phil Barker/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Long-time Xbox owners will know that Microsoft’s console can be rather annoying if you’re trying to use a headset. Unlike The PS4 Pro and PS5, which mute audio when you plug in a headset, Xbox consoles force you to manually mute your TV the old-fashioned way. 

Thankfully, that’s no longer the case. The Xbox Series X will now automatically mute your TV speakers when it connects to a pair of headphones. However, this feature is not enabled by default, so you’re going to have to take a trip into the settings menu to activate it. 

Here’s how to mute your TV when using a headset on Xbox Series X.

How to mute your TV when using a headset on Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X Audio Settings menu

(Image credit: Microsoft)

1. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the Xbox guide
2. Scroll down and select Settings
3. Select Volume and audio output followed by Additional Options
4. Toggle on the Mute speaker audio when headset is attached 

And that’s all there is to it. From here on, the speaker audio will mute anytime you connect your Xbox Series X to a headset. It doesn’t matter whether it’s wireless, or if you’ve plugged a wire into the base of your controller. 

There’s no on-screen message telling you what happens, but one minute the sound is coming through your regular speakers, and the next it’s all pumping directly into your ears.

One thing to be aware of is that it can take about a minute for the system to realize your headset is attached. Or at least, that was the case when I plugged in my wired headphones and the audio kept coming through my soundbar. So just be patient and wait for the console to do its magic.

And, let me tell you, it’s much more convenient than having to grab the remote and mute the volume manually. Frankly, this feature is long overdue, and is a welcome addition to the Xbox Series X. 

Now you know how to mute your TV when using a headset on Xbox Series X, it's time to check out some more useful tips. Take a look at how to calibrate your TV for Xbox Series X or Series S using a handy built-in calibration tool, or how to connect an Xbox One controller to Xbox Series X and Series S.

Also check out how to redeem an Xbox code and how to connect an Xbox Wireless Controller to Android.

Tom Pritchard
Tom Pritchard
UK Phones Editor

Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.

2 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Emperor1080
    Kind of late to the game. I've had this for months.
    Reply
  • ScorpianCode
    admin said:
    Xbox Series X just made private listening even better. Here's how to turn it on.

    Xbox Series X just got a key PS5 feature — here’s how to turn it on : Read more
    So wait, they can do this but God forbid if you use a USB microphone. We still need to set up an entire wire squid to the controller when the ps4/ps5 automagically detects! The playstation feels faster in both of the regards and in my opinion has always been a massive place where MS dropped the ball in a major way.
    Reply