PC: bind and test each channel separately
Open Controls and find the communication bindings for proximity, unit/squad and leadership. Keep a keyboard fallback while mouse VOIP bindings are affected by the known launch issue. Join a low-pressure server, speak a short test phrase and confirm that the intended channel indicator appears before changing system drivers.
PlayStation 5: verify the live Hotfix 1 build first
The August 16 developer update says Hotfix 1 is live now on all platforms and lists: Resolved an issue that could cause audio to cut out for a period of time on PlayStation 5. Confirm the update is installed and restart the game. Then check headset mute, console input and the active in-game channel; a microphone-only failure is different from all game audio dropping out.
Xbox Series X|S: verify permission and channel selection
Check console privacy/communication permission, the active headset input and the selected in-game channel. Party chat and game chat are different paths; test game chat directly before concluding that HLLV VOIP is unavailable.
Use the correct channel
Proximity chat is for nearby context. Unit/squad chat is for your immediate team. Leadership chat is intended for command roles such as Squad Leader or Commander; a non-leadership role should not expect that channel to be available.
If nobody can hear you
Check operating-system or console microphone permission, default input, headset mute, exclusive-mode conflicts on PC and the current channel. Restart the game after changing the active audio device. Do not delete configuration files or save data as a first response.
Frequently asked questions
What is the default push-to-talk key?
Use the current Controls screen as the source of truth because platform, preset and custom binding can differ; this page does not guess a key that has not been verified in the live build.
Why does a mouse VOIP bind fail on PC?
Official launch notes list mouse-button VOIP binding problems. Use a keyboard fallback and recheck the latest hotfix status.
Why is all PS5 audio cutting out?
Team17 marks the periodical PS5 audio cut-out issue resolved in the live Hotfix 1. Confirm the current build, restart, and report the exact build if it remains.
Sources and verification
Sources are linked for independent checking. Dynamic figures are snapshots, not permanent values.