Astro A50 Not Connecting To Base Station: How To Fix It

You’re ready to hop on to your next gaming session.

But it seems like your Astro A50 isn’t.

Seeing that it still won’t connect to its base station.

I know you’ve paid a hefty $300 for this audio device.

So, don’t waste any more time before fixing it.

Keep reading to find out:

Why you may need to drain your headset’s battery to fix this problem.
7 quick fixes for your Astro A50 that’s not connecting to its base station.
The most common reasons your gaming headset is having this connection issue.
And this is just the beginning…

Why won’t my Astro A50 connect to the base station?

Your Astro A50 won’t connect to the base station because the latter is glitching. This problem also happens when your headset’s connectors can’t contact those on its base. Similarly, your Astro A50 won’t connect with its base station if it’s outdated or in standby mode.

Astro A50 not connecting to base station: how to fix it

The easiest way to fix your A50 that won’t connect to its base is to power cycle the latter. Cleaning your audio device’s connection points has also proven to solve this issue. And updating your headset with its base also fixes this connectivity problem.

These are just a few of the solutions you’re about to learn.

Let me explain every fix for this issue in detail, starting with how to…

#1: Power cycle your base station

A power cycle refers to unplugging a device before reconnecting it to power again.

But don’t let the simplicity of this solution fool you.

Because really…

A power cycle is 1 of the most effective fixes for all types of devices.

For example, it can stop all these tech-related problems:

“Why is it so effective?”

Well, power cycling removes glitches and bugs from devices. Which are some of the main culprits of tech issues.

Plus, it also allows gadgets’ systems to refresh.

And now that we’ve gone through the effectiveness of this process, here’s how you can…

Power cycle your Astro A50’s base:

Step 1: Find your base’s power cable

At the back of your device…

You’ll see this cord connected to the port labeled “MICRO USB.”

Step 2: Unplug your base from its power source

You can do so by disconnecting your base from its power cable.

Alternatively, you can also unplug your device’s power adapter from the outlet.

Step 3: Wait for 1 minute

This duration allows your device to cool off and fully shut down.

Step 4: Reconnect the base station to its power source

After doing so, wait another minute so your device can turn ON completely.

#2: Hard reset your Astro A50

The power cycle only refreshed your base station.

So if that wasn’t enough to stop this issue…

You should refresh your A50 headset as well.

Luckily, it only takes minutes to…

Hard reset your A50 gaming headset:

Step 1: Connect your audio device to power

You can do so using the base station.

Or you may also connect your headset directly to its micro-USB cable.

Step 2: Find the Dolby and Game buttons

The first one’s located on the right side of your headset. Between the 3 tactile buttons.

While the Game button is placed on the ear cup on the same side.

Step 3: Press and hold both buttons simultaneously for 20-30 seconds

After that, wait for your headset’s lights to turn OFF, then ON again.

#3: Ensure that you’re docking your headset properly

For your A50 and its base to connect…

Their connection points must make direct contact.

And this is only possible if your headset sits properly on its base.

Now, if you’ve already charged your A50 before…

You most likely already know how to dock your headset.

But to ensure you’re not making small mistakes during this process, here’s a detailed guide to…

Dock your A50 headset on its base station properly:

Step 1: Ensure that the base is ON.

The easiest way to tell if this is the case is through the device’s lights.

So, if any of them are ON, proceed to…

Step 2: Flip your headset’s microphone all the way up

Your audio device’s mic should be as vertical as it can be.

Otherwise, it won’t fit on the mic slot on your base station.

Step 3: Place your headset on the base

Make the base station face you.

Then, with your headset’s microphone on the left side…

Dock your audio device to its base.

Now, wait for about 3 minutes.

Don’t see indicator lights although your A50 is docked?

Well, it’s most likely time to…

#4: Clean your audio device’s connection points

Even if your headset is sitting properly on its base…

The 2 won’t connect if dirt or debris is blocking their direct contact.

So, this time, you should…

Clean the connection points of your A50:

Step 1: Have your cleaning materials ready

You need these items for this process:

Q-tips.
Microfiber cloth.
Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher).

Warning: Avoid using other cleaning solutions or alcohol with a lower concentration level. Because their high water content can damage your A50’s components.

Step 2: Locate your headset’s connectors

Remove your A50 from its base.

After doing so, locate its 3 connectors at the bottom.

Note: There should be 2 golden plates on the left and 1 prong on the right.

Step 3: Clean your A50’s connectors

Grab a new Q-tip.
Damp 1 side with isopropyl alcohol.
With the wet Q-tip, scrub the 3 connectors on your headset.
Use the microfiber cloth to dry the areas you’ve cleaned.

After doing this…

Step 4: Remove debris from your base station

Locate the golden pins on the curved part of your A50’s base.

Then, clean them using the same process you did to remove dirt from your headset.

Once you’ve wiped your base’s pins with the microfiber cloth…

Let it air dry for 3 minutes along with your headset.

After that, try connecting the 2 once more.

You might also want to know: (3 Fixes) Astro A50 Not Turning On [Updated]

#5: Drain your A50’s battery

When your headset doesn’t detect motion after 30 minutes…

It’ll automatically enter its sleep/standby mode.

Now, this feature helps your audio device preserve battery when not in active use.

But unfortunately, it often just brings annoyance to gamers.

Why?

Because your headset’s standby mode often makes your device glitch.

For example…

There have been hundreds of reports about A50s that won’t charge after going to sleep.

And as you’re experiencing now…

Astro headsets sometimes also stop connecting to their bases during standby mode.

Now, this wouldn’t be a big problem if you could switch between your A50 modes anytime.

However, there’s no direct way to leave your headset’s standby mode.

So, you’re left with no choice but to drain your A50’s battery for this fix.

Because only then will your headset return to its default mode.

That said, it’s time to…

Drain your A50’s battery to reconnect to its base:

Turn ON your Astro A50.
Wait for 10-15 hours or until your headset’s indicator light turns OFF.
Recharge your A50 using its base.

Once your headset has at least 50% of battery…

Try reconnecting it to its base again.

#6: Update your A50 headset and base station

Note: This process requires connecting your A50 to your PC.

Outdated devices are magnets to glitches and bugs.

And your gaming headset isn’t an exception.

So, if your A50 still won’t connect to its base…

1 or both of them might be outdated.

Now, many A50 users have tried fixing this issue using their usual update process.

But based on experience…

You have to do this process a bit differently than usual.

So, don’t skip the detailed steps below to…

Update your Astro A50 setup:

Step 1: Launch the ACC from your PC’s Microsoft Store

If you’ve had your headset for a while now…

You’re likely already familiar with the Astro Command Center (ACC).

After all, it’s the software responsible for updating and customizing your headset.

So, if you have it installed already, simply launch it and proceed to the next step.

But if this is your first time hearing about the app…

Don’t worry. Just follow the steps below to install and launch it:

Tap the search bar at the bottom of your PC.

Note: If you’re using Windows 11, click the Start icon first. Then, you’ll find the search bar at the top of the window that pops up on your screen.

Type “Microsoft Store” and search it up.
When the app launches, click its search bar.
Look up “Astro Command Center” inside the Microsoft Store.
Tap ACC’s official tile.
Install the application.
Launch the ACC app.

Once the application’s window appears on your screen…

Step 2: Update your headset

If your device is out of date, you’ll see a pop-up notification saying:

“Firmware version (number) available.”

So, if you have this on our screen…

Simply tap the orange “Update Now” button.

Then, confirm the update by clicking “Yes” on the new window that follows.

Now, most assume that the update process ends here.

But as mentioned earlier…

This update process will be slightly different than usual.

So, proceed to…

Step 3: Launch the ACC app from Astro’s website

There are 2 types of the Astro Command Center app.

One’s from the Microsoft Store, and the other’s from the brand’s official website.

Now, usually…

You’d only need to install 1 of them.

However, if you’re experiencing connectivity issues with your audio device…

Using both is necessary.

See, on rare occasions…

The ACC app from the Microsoft Store only updates the A50 headset itself.

So, in order to update the base station…

You’d have to install the ACC from Astro’s website:

Head to the brand’s official software webpage.
Scroll down until you find the heading Astro Command Center.
Click the option saying DOWNLOAD ACC FOR MAC.
Follow further instructions.

Note: The ACC app on Astro’s website is meant for Mac devices, but it’ll still work on your PC.

Step 4: Update your base station

Launch the ACC app you installed from Astro’s website.

Then, similar to how you updated your A50 headset…

Locate the notification that shows your base’s firmware version inside the app.

After that, tap the “Update Now” button.

Then, simply follow further instructions.

If you want a visual guide for updating your A50 setup, watch this video:

Editor’s pick: 7 Real Reasons Why Bluetooth Microphones Are So Bad

#7: Contact professionals

Still having trouble connecting your A50 to its base?

Then, it’s time to get help from professional technicians.

See, at this point, your headset most likely has 1 of the issues below:

Physical damage.
Software problems.
Faulty components.

And unfortunately, only experts can fix them.

That said, if your headset is still under its free warranty…

Try contacting Astro’s support team by:

Calling 1-800-374-7401.
Sending a request form through the brand’s website.

Because Astro will most likely replace or fix your gaming headset for free.

However, if your A50 is no longer under its warranty…

Then, your only choice is to contact local technicians in your area.

Because, unfortunately, since 2017…

Astro has dropped its out-of-warranty repair services.

Warning: Be careful with the local technician you pick. Some might scam you or replace your headset’s official parts with knockoffs. So, always double-check whether you can trust a technician before finalizing your transaction.