How to Get Apple iPhone Headphones to Work on TeamSpeak

By Jen Cordwainer

Change your software and computer settings to make Apple earphones work with TeamSpeak.
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Unlike many dedicated gaming headsets, iPhone headphones have a single jack for audio input and output. As you set up TeamSpeak 3, you may need to take extra steps for your computer to recognize this unique combination of microphone and earphone speakers. Your TeamSpeak 3 or operating system settings may need to be changed before using the Apple headset.

Use the Setup Wizard

After you install TeamSpeak 3, plug your Apple headset into your computer's headphone jack. When you launch the application for the first time, a Setup Wizard window appears. Click "Next" and type in a custom nickname for other chat users to see. Click "Next" and choose a method for switching your microphone on. The "Voice Activation" option automatically toggles your microphone on when speech is detected. "Push-To-Talk" activates your microphone when you press and hold a hot key of your choice. Select a method and press "Next." Follow the Wizard prompt and speak into your headset microphone. The visual sound indicator should move. If it doesn't, continue through the Setup Wizard and proceed to the following troubleshooting steps.

Mac Audio Settings

Quit the TeamSpeak 3 application and launch System Preferences on your Mac. Click on "Sound" and visit the "Output" tab. The highlighted device should be "Headphones." Next, click on the "Input" tab. The highlighted device should be "External microphone." Speak into your Apple headset microphone, and the visual input level will rise. Check the output volume to make sure it's not on mute.

PC Audio Settings

Quit Team Speak 3 if the Setup Wizard does not successfully recognize your Apple iPhone headset. Go to your Windows Start menu, click "Control Panel," and then open "Sound." Click on "Recording" and make sure that "Microphone, Default Device" is selected.

Test your microphone by clicking "Properties," select the "Listen" tab and check "Listen to this device." Once you click "Apply" you should be able to hear your voice through the microphone. Since this is just a test, uncheck "Listen to this device" and press "Apply" once you are finished. Relaunch Team Speak 3.

Test Out TeamSpeak

Once you've changed your computer's audio settings, launch TeamSpeak 3 again and navigate to the "Preferences" menu. Click on "Capture" and press "Begin Test." If you've enabled "Push-To-Talk," be sure to hold down the correct hot key before speaking into the mike. The visual sound meter should now move according to your voice level.

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