How To Fix SteelSeries Arctis 9 and 9X Won’t Turn On?

It's no secret that the Arctis 9 and 9x are the best gaming headsets for Xbox consoles. But if you buy recently, you may complain because they don't turn on.

It should be noted that no hardware failure causes this problem. But fear not, here is a guide so you can fix it:

How To Fix SteelSeries Arctis 9 and 9X Won’t Turn On?

Initial Verification:

Power Source and Cable Inspection: Ensure the charging cable is undamaged and securely connected to both the headset and a functional USB port. Verify that the USB port is supplying adequate power. You can test the cable and port by attempting to charge another device.

Hardware Reset Procedure:

Hardware Reset Button: These headsets include a reset button for troubleshooting. For the Arctis 9, locate the pinhole beneath the left ear cushion and utilize a paperclip to depress the button within the hole for approximately one second. On the Arctis 9X, the reset button is a small indentation on the left earcup itself - press and hold it for 1 second.

Software Updates:

SteelSeries Engine Software: Outdated firmware can potentially lead to functionality issues. Download and install the latest version of SteelSeries Engine from the official SteelSeries website (https://steelseries.com/gg/engine). This software updater will manage any necessary firmware updates for your Arctis headset.

Power Management and Charging:

Power Button Functionality:  Confirm you're powering on the headset correctly by pressing and holding the power button for 5 seconds.

Battery Level Verification:  Connect the headset to a charger and confirm it's receiving power.  A depleted battery can prevent the headset from turning on.

Device Compatibility Considerations:

Device Restart: If the issue appears unrelated to the headset itself, try restarting the device you're connecting it to (PC, console, etc.). A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches on the connected device.

Advanced Troubleshooting (Windows PC):

Audio Driver Updates:  Outdated audio drivers on your Windows PC can lead to compatibility issues.  Open the Device Manager application, expand "Audio inputs and outputs," right-click on your audio device, and select "Update driver."

Peripheral Interference Isolation:  Disconnect any unnecessary peripherals connected to your PC that might be causing conflicts with the headset.

Additional Support Resources:

SteelSeries Support: If none of these solutions resolve the issue, SteelSeries Support can provide further assistance. They may have additional troubleshooting steps or replacement options available. You can reach them through their website (https://support.steelseries.com/hc/en-us).

Community Forums: Explore online forums or the SteelSeries website for troubleshooting threads and solutions reported by other users.

Without a doubt with these mentioned guidelines, you should be able to effectively diagnose and address the cause of your SteelSeries Arctis 9/9X not turning on. Always remember to start with the most basic checks and move towards more advanced troubleshooting as necessary.