Communication is everything in REPO.
From coordinating monster takedowns to warning teammates of ambushes, clear voice chat is essential for survival. But what happens when your squad is talking—and you can’t hear anything?
This guide tackles one of the most frustrating technical problems: when REPO can’t hear voice chat. Whether you’re playing with randoms or friends, not hearing others ruins both strategy and immersion.
We’ll explore all causes and fixes—from game settings and OS conflicts to mic detection and overlay issues—so you never lose another round because of silence.
Let’s jump into the fix list.
Why REPO Can’t Hear Anyone: Common Causes
If you’ve found yourself typing “repo can’t hear voice chat” into a search bar mid-match, you’re not alone. This bug—or misconfiguration—affects many players across both casual and ranked modes.
Most Common Reasons
- Audio output device mismatch
- Voice chat volume muted or set to zero
- Incorrect mic or headset selected
- Discord/Steam overlay conflict
- Network packet loss affecting VOIP
- Push-to-talk not working due to binding errors
Understanding the root cause is half the fix. Let’s break down each one with solutions.
Quick Fix Checklist for “REPO Can’t Hear Voice Chat”
If you’re in a hurry and want to troubleshoot fast:
- Restart the Game and Your Headset
- Set Default Communication Device in Windows
- Check VOIP Volume in REPO’s Audio Settings
- Switch Audio Output in REPO to match your headset
- Verify Firewall Doesn’t Block REPO VOIP
- Update Drivers for Sound Card and Headset
- Disable Conflicting Overlays (e.g., Discord, GeForce)
Try these in order. If it still doesn’t work, go deeper with the detailed fixes below.
Step-by-Step Fixes for REPO Voice Chat Problems
1. Set Your Headset as Default Communication Device
REPO uses your Windows default settings to route voice. Sometimes the wrong device is prioritized.
How to fix:
- Right-click the speaker icon > Sounds > Playback tab
- Select your headset > click Set Default Communication Device
- Repeat in the Recording tab
Restart REPO after doing this.
2. Turn Up VOIP Volume in REPO Settings
Players often forget this simple fix: the voice chat slider might be set to zero.
Fix:
- Go to REPO Main Menu > Settings > Audio
- Look for Voice Chat Volume or Incoming Volume
- Set it above 70% for clear sound
3. Switch Audio Device in REPO
Some setups use HDMI, USB DACs, or multiple outputs—REPO might default to the wrong one.
Fix:
- Settings > Audio > Output Device > Manually select your headset
4. Rebind Push-to-Talk Key (or Set to Open Mic)
If REPO is set to Push-to-Talk, the wrong keybind or a background app can block it.
Fix:
- Settings > Keybinds > Voice Push-to-Talk
- Set it to something simple (e.g., Mouse4, Caps Lock)
- Or switch to Voice Activation mode
5. Allow REPO Through Windows Firewall
Voice chat won’t work if VOIP ports are blocked.
Fix:
- Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow App
- Find REPO.exe and check both Private and Public
You can also add a manual rule to allow UDP 5060–5065, which many voice systems use.
6. Disable Discord/Steam Overlay Conflicts
Multiple overlays can hijack audio routing or corrupt voice input/output.
Fix:
- In Steam: Library > REPO > Properties > General > Disable Steam Overlay
- In Discord: User Settings > Overlay > Turn off “Enable in-game overlay”
Restart game and Discord afterward.
Extra Fixes If You Still Can’t Hear Anyone in REPO
A. Check NAT Type and Port Forwarding
Sometimes, players can speak but not hear due to closed ports.
Fix:
- Ensure your NAT is Open or Moderate, not Strict
- Forward UDP 5060–5065 or enable UPnP on your router
B. Verify REPO’s Server Connection
If your ping spikes or server sync lags, VOIP may silently fail.
Check:
- Settings > Network > Look for VOIP Lag or Packet Loss indicators
Use ExitLag to Stabilize VOIP and In-Game Sound
Even if your hardware and settings are correct, network issues can still break communication.
ExitLag solves this by:
- Optimizing your route to REPO’s VOIP servers
- Preventing packet loss in live voice streams
- Reducing ping and input delay
Start your Exitlag 3 days Trial!
Especially useful if:
- You live far from your game’s region server
- You’re using Wi-Fi or shared networks
Try ExitLag and test your voice chat again. The improvement is instant for many players.
Advanced Fixes for Persistent Voice Chat Issues
Reinstall Audio Drivers
- Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to clean outdated audio drivers
- Reinstall Realtek/USB drivers from manufacturer’s website
Check REPO Config Files
- Navigate to REPO user config folder
- Look for audio.ini or settings.json
- Reset or delete these files to restore defaults
Create a Fresh Windows User Profile
- Corrupt user profiles sometimes block device permissions
- Create a new account and test voice chat in REPO
Mic Detected but Can’t Hear Voice Chat? Here’s Why
Sometimes, your mic works outside the game (Discord, browser, OS test), but REPO can’t hear anyone in return.
What’s Happening?
- Mic is recognized but not actively transmitting
- Other players’ voices are blocked by permissions or routing
- Input is fine—output is misdirected
Fix Steps
1. Run Windows Voice Recorder
- Confirm your mic is fully functional
2. REPO Settings Check:
- Input Device: Must match your physical mic
- Output Device: Must match your headset/speakers
3. Disable All Audio Enhancements:
- Sound Control Panel > Recording > Mic > Properties > Enhancements > Disable all
- Playback > Headset > Properties > Enhancements > Disable all
4. Switch USB Ports
- Plug into rear panel if you’re on desktop
- Avoid USB hubs or extenders
5. Use Direct 3.5mm Jacks Instead of USB (if applicable)
- Test analog mic input for better native support
REPO + Discord = No Voice Chat? Sync Them Safely
Many players run REPO with Discord in the background—but the two apps may compete for control of your audio driver.
Discord and REPO Conflict Fix
1. Discord Admin Mode
- Run Discord as admin only if REPO is also run as admin
- Otherwise, permissions clash
2. Disable Exclusive Mode in Sound Settings
- Sound Control Panel > Recording > Mic > Properties > Advanced
- Uncheck: “Allow applications to take exclusive control”
- Repeat for Playback device
3. Separate Input/Output Devices for Each App
- In Discord:
- Input: Your Mic
- Output: Speakers
- In REPO:
- Input: Mic
- Output: Headset
4. Turn Off Echo Cancellation in Discord
- Voice & Video Settings > Uncheck Echo Cancellation and Noise Reduction
- These can interfere with REPO’s own VOIP handling
How to Fix “REPO Can’t Hear Anyone” on Windows 11
Key Differences in Windows 11:
- Centralized Audio Mixer
- New privacy panel blocking mic by default
Steps to Fix:
1. Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone
- Enable access for apps
- Scroll to REPO or game client, enable mic access
2. Right-click Sound Icon > Volume Mixer
- Expand REPO > ensure not muted or redirected to wrong device
3. Game Bar Conflicts
- Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar
- Disable it if not used
Best Gaming Headsets for REPO Voice Clarity
If your hardware is inconsistent or low quality, consider upgrading to one of these tested options for smoother voice chat and immersive gameplay:
Headset Model | Type | Mic Clarity | Compatibility | Price Range |
SteelSeries Arctis 7 | Wireless | High | PC/Console | $$ |
HyperX Cloud II | Wired USB | Very High | Universal | $$ |
Logitech G Pro X | USB/Wired | Studio-Grade | PC | $$$ |
Corsair HS70 | Wireless | Good | PC/PS | $$ |
Razer BlackShark V2 | Wired 3.5mm | High | PC/Console | $$ |
Ensure you disable all unnecessary software filters and avoid high-latency virtual mixers.
How ExitLag Improves Voice Chat Under Load
Even if settings are perfect, network instability ruins audio.
ExitLag optimizes packet delivery by:
- Prioritizing REPO’s voice ports in real-time
- Reducing jitter and echo feedback
- Eliminating random cutoffs or robotic audio
With ExitLag, your voice is clear and your squad never misses your callouts.
Final Technical Steps if Nothing Else Works
Clean Boot Your System
- Run msconfig
- Disable all non-essential startup items
Create a New User Profile (Windows)
- Create fresh profile with admin rights
- Launch REPO and test mic and voice chat
Reinstall REPO + Delete Config Cache
- Uninstall via Steam
- Navigate to AppData > Local > REPO and delete all leftover config files
- Reinstall clean
Run REPO on Dedicated GPU
- Right-click REPO.exe > Run with Graphics Processor > High-Performance GPU
- Helps with audio timing if onboard GPU affects IO scheduling
FAQ – Advanced Voice Chat and Mic Issues in REPO
Can’t hear anyone in REPO, even after checking settings—what now?
Try disabling all overlays, switching USB ports, and testing in a fresh Windows profile.
REPO mutes when I open Discord—why?
You have Discord set to reduce other app volumes. Disable it under Voice & Video settings.
Mic works in Discord, not REPO—how to fix?
Make sure both apps aren’t using the same device in exclusive mode. Turn off audio enhancements.
ExitLag helps voice chat? Really?
Yes. It optimizes VOIP routing, ensuring stable packets reach both ends with minimal jitter.
Do I need a gaming headset for REPO chat to work?
No, but it helps. A high-quality mic reduces static, feedback, and missed voice detection.
Final Thoughts
When REPO can’t hear voice chat, it’s more than an annoyance—it can cost you the match. By resolving microphone conflicts, syncing Discord properly, and using network tools like ExitLag, you create a seamless voice experience.
Don’t settle for silence. Get your squad talking, and reclaim your strategic edge.
And if you’re still stuck after everything here—use this checklist with your next tech support ticket. It covers it all.
All game images used in this blog belong to the developers of REPO. They are used for informational/educational purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation with the rights holders.