How to Set Up Your HyperX Cloud 2 Headset

What you need to do before plugging in your HyperX Cloud 2

The HyperX Cloud 2 works right out of the box on PC, Mac, and PlayStation without installing software — you plug in the USB cable and it works. On Xbox One, you'll need the USB adapter that comes in the box. The headset has a 3.5mm jack for mobile devices if you want to use it wired on your phone, but that requires removing the USB cable first.

Before you open the box, decide where you'll use the headset most. If it's your PC or Mac, you can skip software entirely. If you want to customize the sound or use it on multiple devices, HyperX offers optional software called HyperX NGenuity that lets you adjust EQ settings and control the virtual surround sound. This software is optional — the headset functions fully without it.

Key Takeaways

The HyperX Cloud 2 connects via USB cable on PC, Mac, and PlayStation without needing any software installed.
On Xbox One, use the included USB adapter to connect the headset to the controller.
The 3.5mm audio jack on the headset lets you connect to phones and tablets, but you must unplug the USB cable first.
Optional HyperX NGenuity software on PC and Mac lets you adjust sound settings, but the headset works without it.
The noise-canceling microphone has a mute button on the left ear cup and a volume dial on the right.

Setting up on Windows PC or Mac

Plug the USB cable into an available USB port on your computer. Windows and Mac will recognize the headset immediately — you'll see it appear in your sound settings within a few seconds. The headset will become your default audio output automatically on most systems.

To confirm it's working, right-click the speaker icon in your system tray (Windows) or click the sound icon in the menu bar (Mac), then select the HyperX Cloud 2 from the list of audio devices. Put on the headset and play a video or music to test the sound. Adjust the volume using the dial on the right ear cup, not your computer's volume slider, for the best sound quality.

If you want to customize the sound profile, download HyperX NGenuity from the HyperX website. Install it, launch the program, and your headset will appear in the software. From there you can adjust bass, treble, and enable or disable virtual 7.1 surround sound. These changes save to the headset itself, so they'll carry over if you use it on another device.

Setting up on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5

Plug the USB cable into any USB port on your PlayStation console. The system will recognize the headset within seconds. Go to Settings, then Audio Output, and select the HyperX Cloud 2 as your output device. Test it by playing a game or video.

The microphone works automatically for party chat and in-game communication. If you can't hear other players, check that the headset is selected in your audio settings and that the volume dial on the right ear cup is turned up. The mute button on the left ear cup silences the microphone for your teammates — a small LED light on the button shows red when muted.

Setting up on Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S

The HyperX Cloud 2 connects to Xbox through the controller, not the console itself. Plug the included USB adapter into the USB port on your Xbox controller. Then plug the headset's USB cable into that adapter. The controller will recognize the headset in a few seconds.

Go to Settings, then Audio, and select the HyperX Cloud 2 from the audio devices list. Test the connection by launching a game or party chat. If you don't hear anything, make sure the volume dial on the right ear cup is turned up and that the headset is selected in your audio settings. The microphone is live by default — use the mute button on the left ear cup to silence it during gameplay.

Using the 3.5mm jack for phones and tablets

The HyperX Cloud 2 has a 3.5mm audio jack on the left ear cup for wired connection to mobile devices. To use it, unplug the USB cable from your computer or console completely. Plug a 3.5mm cable (not included) into the jack on the headset, then plug the other end into your phone or tablet's headphone jack or adapter.

The microphone will not work over the 3.5mm connection — it only functions when the USB cable is plugged in. If you need the microphone on your phone, you'll have to use a separate mobile headset or keep the USB cable connected through a USB-to-Lightning or USB-to-USB-C adapter, depending on your phone model.

Troubleshooting common setup problems

If your computer doesn't recognize the headset after plugging it in, try a different USB port. Some USB ports on keyboards or hubs don't provide enough power. Plug directly into a port on the back of your desktop or the side of your laptop. If it still doesn't appear, restart your computer with the headset plugged in.

If you hear sound but the microphone isn't working, check that the mute button on the left ear cup is not pressed (the LED should be off, not red). Then go to your system's sound settings and make sure the HyperX Cloud 2 is selected as both the output device and the input device for the microphone. On Windows, this is under Sound Settings > Input. On Mac, it's System Preferences > Sound > Input.

If the headset cuts out or disconnects, the USB cable may be damaged or the port may be loose. Try a different USB port first. If that doesn't work, the cable itself may need replacement — HyperX sells replacement USB cables on their website. Make sure nothing is blocking the connection or putting strain on the cable where it enters the headset.

Adjusting fit and comfort

The HyperX Cloud 2 has an adjustable headband with memory foam ear cups. Slide the headband up or down on each side until the headset sits comfortably on your head with even pressure. The ear cups can rotate slightly to fit the shape of your ears — don't force them, let them settle naturally.

If the headset feels too tight, gently pull the headband outward to stretch it slightly. If it's too loose, push the headband inward. The memory foam will conform to your head shape after a few hours of wear. If you find the ear cups uncomfortable after long sessions, HyperX sells replacement ear cup padding that you can swap out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install software to use the HyperX Cloud 2?

No. The headset works immediately when you plug it in on PC, Mac, and PlayStation. Software is optional — HyperX NGenuity lets you adjust sound settings, but the headset functions fully without it.

Can I use the HyperX Cloud 2 on multiple devices at the same time?

No. You must unplug the USB cable from one device and plug it into another. The 3.5mm jack works only when the USB cable is disconnected, so you can't have both active simultaneously.

Why is my microphone not working on my phone?

The microphone only works when the USB cable is connected. The 3.5mm audio jack carries sound only, not microphone input. To use the microphone on your phone, you'd need a USB adapter and a powered USB connection, which most phones don't support.

How do I know if the microphone is muted?

Look at the mute button on the left ear cup. When the button's LED light is red, the microphone is muted. When it's off or not lit, the microphone is active and your teammates can hear you.

What should I do if the headset stops being recognized by my computer?

Try unplugging the USB cable, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in. If that doesn't work, try a different USB port — some ports don't provide enough power. Restart your computer with the headset plugged in if the problem continues.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.