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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo stop non-friends from messaging you on Xbox, set Others can communicate with voice, text, or invites to Friends. On your console, go to Settings > Account > Privacy & online safety > Xbox privacy > View details and customize > Communication & multiplayer. Menu wording can vary by console software and account type.
Set Xbox communications to friends only
- Open Settings on your Xbox console.
- Select Account > Privacy & online safety > Xbox privacy > View details and customize > Communication & multiplayer.
- Find Others can communicate with voice, text, or invites and select Friends.
- Save or confirm the change if prompted.
This is the option for keeping communication available to your friends while restricting it for everyone else. Microsoft’s Xbox game requirements list Everyone, Friends, and Blocked as choices for this communication permission, and require Xbox games to honor a player’s privacy settings. See Microsoft’s Xbox console game certification requirements.
If the menu path or labels differ on your console, look for the Xbox privacy and online safety controls, or manage the account through Xbox’s official privacy settings tools. Epic’s Fortnite voice-chat troubleshooting guide also shows the route to Communication & multiplayer, though it is specific to Fortnite.
Choose between friends-only, blocked, and blocking a player
| Option | What it does | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Friends | Restricts the Xbox communication permission to friends. | You want friends to be able to communicate, but not non-friends. |
| Blocked | Turns off communications governed by this Xbox permission. | You want to disable those communications rather than limit them to friends. |
| Block a specific player | Prevents that person’s messages and game invites, removes them from your friends list, and hides your online activity from them. | You want to stop one player in particular. |
| Mute a specific player | Stops that person from speaking to you in-game or in a chat session; Xbox’s description does not say muting blocks messages. | You want to stop their voice, not necessarily their messages. |
Xbox describes the effects of blocking and muting in its family safety and settings information. Blocking is broader than muting when the problem is unwanted messages.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Manage communication for a child account
A parent or family organizer can choose who communicates with a child through Xbox Family Settings or at account.microsoft.com/family. Use the child’s account controls to set the communication permission; the child may not be able to change family-managed settings themselves.
If unwanted messages continue in one game
Xbox privacy permissions and a game’s own social or communication settings are separate controls. Microsoft distinguishes Xbox-network communication permissions from communication outside Xbox, and individual games may provide additional social controls. If unwanted messages continue in a particular game after you set the Xbox permission, check that game’s privacy, messaging, and block settings as well.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Rank #4
- BREAKER SERIES — Hold nothing back. Ice Breaker keeps it forever fresh with a mix of iced and frosted blues. Part of the collective debut of the Breaker special edition series.
- BOLD STYLE, BUILT TO PERFORM — Define your swagger with a wild, head-turning design. Stay elegantly on target with textured triggers built for every moment.
- RUBBERIZED GRIPS — Hold on to the action with rubberized grips on the back cases, designed for comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of battery life so you can keep playing without stopping to recharge.
- PLAY ACROSS EVERY SCREEN — Quickly pair with, play on, and switch between devices including console and PC. Stream games across mobile, gaming handhelds, Smart TVs, and supported VR headsets with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
Rank #3
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Rank #2
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
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