To set up an Afterglow headset, connect the USB transmitter to your device and select the headset in your audio settings. The exact steps depend on whether you are using a wired or wireless model and which console or device you are connecting to.
How to set up your Afterglow headset on PC
- For the wireless headset, plug the USB transmitter into the PC's USB port.
- On a laptop, use the port on the same side as the headphone jack.
- Detach the 3.5 mm plug on the end of the transmitter from the RCA adapter and plug it into the computer's headphone jack.
- Turn the headset on by pressing and holding the power button for a couple of seconds.
- Open sound settings in Control Panel.
- Select Afterglow headset.
- Open Properties and choose do not use this device from the drop-down menu on the property screen.
- Go to microphone settings and select Afterglow headset as the input device.
For manual pairing on PC, ensure the headset is turned off with no LEDs on the ear cups or microphone. On the transmitter, locate the pin-sized hole on the right side. Insert a paper clip or safety pin and press the button inside. Wait for the transmitter LED to flash faster. Press and hold the headset power button until the microphone LED is solid blue and the transmitter is solid blue. Pairing is complete when both LEDs are solid blue.
How to set up your Afterglow headset on Xbox 360
Plug the USB transmitter into the front USB port on the console. Use the RCA pass-through adapter that came with the headset. Plug the red and white audio connectors from the console composite cable into the transmitter's RCA cable, then connect that to the TV's audio input. This method is specific to older PDP Afterglow headsets designed for Xbox 360.
How to set up your Afterglow headset on PS3
The same style of setup applies for PS3. Place the USB transmitter in the front USB port. Connect the RCA pass-through adapter to the TV's audio input using the red and white connectors from the console composite cable. This allows the headset to receive game audio through the television.
How to set up your Afterglow headset on mobile devices
- Plug one end of the cable into the mobile device and the other end into the headset.
- Press and hold the mode button for 10 seconds until the mic light is off.
- You can change lighting modes by pressing and holding the mode button.
- Adjust volume through the mobile device.
This mobile setup works for the documented wireless Afterglow headsets. No iPhone-specific or Android-specific steps are documented in available sources.
How to test your Afterglow headset after setup
Confirm the headset appears in PC sound settings and as the microphone input device in Control Panel. Check for solid blue LEDs on both the headset and transmitter as proof of successful wireless pairing. Play audio to verify output through the headset speakers and test microphone input by speaking and checking the audio levels.
What this guide does not cover
The documented steps apply only to older PDP Afterglow wired and wireless headsets for PC, mobile devices, Xbox 360, and PS3. For connecting gaming headsets to newer consoles, consult the manufacturer's current documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Afterglow headset not showing up in sound settings?
Ensure the USB transmitter is fully inserted and the headset is powered on. On PC, check that you have selected the correct playback device in Control Panel sound settings and that the headset is not disabled in device manager.
Can I use my Afterglow headset while it is charging?
Yes, you can use the headset while it charges. However, charging time may be longer if you are using the headset simultaneously, as the battery is being drained while charging.
How do I reset my Afterglow headset?
To reset, turn the headset off and ensure no LEDs are lit. Press and hold the power button for several seconds until the LEDs flash, then release. If the headset does not respond, use the manual pairing procedure with the transmitter's pinhole button.
Does the Afterglow headset work with Bluetooth?
The documented Afterglow headsets use a USB transmitter for wireless connectivity, not standard Bluetooth.
What should I do if the microphone is not working?
On PC, verify that Afterglow headset is selected as the input device in microphone settings. Ensure the microphone is not muted and that the headset is properly paired with a solid blue LED on both the headset and transmitter.
For the wider topic, see connecting gaming headsets.
