[FIX] Xbox One Error ‘We Can’t Find a Microphone for These People’

Some Xbox One users are encountering the ‘We can’t find a microphone for these people‘ error after random disconnects. Most affected users are reporting that the problem comes and goes away – the Microphone will start working before disconnecting again.

If you’re encountering the issue with a 3rd party headset, you might be able to fix the issue by changing the default Audio Output to Stereo Uncompressed.

However, the issue can also be triggered if your controller’s firmware wasn’t updated to the latest version. In this case, you have the option to update it directly from your Xbox Console or from a PC.

Method 1: Setting Audio to Stereo Uncompressed

If you are encountering the ‘We can’t find a microphone for these people‘ error while using a 3rd party headset, you might be able to fix the issue by changing the default option for Optical Audio to Stereo uncompressed.

Some users have confirmed that this operation was successful if the issue was encountered with Astro A20 headsets.

Here’s a quick guide on adjusting the default Audio Output to Stereo Uncompressed in order to fix the issue on Xbox One:

1. On your Xbox Console, press the Xbox button on your controller once to open up the guide menu. Next, from the list of options, navigate to the Settings entry, and access the All Settings options.

   

2. After you’re inside the Settings menu, select Display & Sound from the list of available options.
3. Next, access the Audio Output menu and change the Optical Audio to Stereo uncompressed using the associated drop-down menu.

   

4. Save the modifications you just made in the Settings menu, then restart your console and see if you are still encountering the ‘We can’t find a microphone for these people‘ error when you attempt to use your headset mic.

If the issue is still persisting, move to the next potential fix below.

Method 2: Updating controller firmware

If the first fix wasn’t effective in your particular scenario, you might see the ‘We can’t find a microphone for these people‘ error due to an outdated firmware drive on your controller.

In case this scenario is applicable, you should be able to resolve this issue by updating your controller firmware to the latest version – either directly from Xbox One or from a PC. After you update the firmware, you’ll need to restart and reconnect your controller in order to fix the issue.

Follow one of the two guides below to update your controller firmware to the latest version:

Updating controller firmware via PC

1. Open up a Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R. Next, type ‘ms-windows-store://home’ and press Enter to open up the Microsoft Store.
   

   

2. Once you’re inside the Microsoft store, use the search function (top-right corner) and search for ‘Xbox Accessories‘. After you arrive at the correct listing, click on the Get button to download the application that we will use to update the controller update.

   

3. After the Xbox Accessories app is completely downloaded, open it and connect your Xbox One controller with a micro-USB cable or with the Xbox Wireless Adapter.
   Note: You will not be able to install the newest firmware unless you have the Anniversary Update of Windows 10.
4. Once the pairing process is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to update the controller firmware and install the driver update.

   

5. Once the operation is complete, disconnect your controller from the PC and pair it back with your Xbox One console to see if the problem is resolved.

Updating Controller firmware via Xbox One

1. Turn on your console and make sure you are successfully signed with Xbox Live with your account.
2. Ensure that you have the latest System update by going to Settings > System > Updates & Downloads. Once inside, select the Updates tab and access the Update available screen before following the instructions to install the latest system update.

   

3. After the operation is complete, connect your controller physically (with the USB cable) and plug it into the USB port of your console. You should be prompted to update automatically, but in case you aren’t, go to System > Kinect & devices > Device & Accessories and select the controller that you want to update.
4. Next, go to Device Info > Firmware version and access the Continue button.

   

5. Follow the final set of instructions to complete the update, then restart your console and see if the operation is successful.