Just considering Xbox lacks Bluetooth capability, doesn't mean you tin can't pair your Bluetooth headphones or wireless earbuds to your console.

In this guide nosotros'll expect at the dissimilar ways to connect your Xbox I with Bluetooth headsets, and then you tin truly immerse yourself in the game.

Can You Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One?

You lot can connect Bluetooth headphones to your Xbox Ane, but unless you own one of a handful of specific headsets, information technology won't be equally simple as connecting headphones to your phone. The Xbox Ane does not have Bluetooth. Instead, Microsoft created its own proprietary arrangement: Xbox Wireless.

Xbox Wireless is a proprietary protocol that lets you lot wirelessly connect peripherals like controllers to the panel. For audiophiles, this includes a select few compatible headphones from big-hitters similar Turtle Beach, Steel Series, and Razer, which have this tech congenital-in, and the official Xbox Stereo Headset.

On a technical level, it'due south vastly superior to Bluetooth as it operates at a higher frequency. The upshot is a more stable connection betwixt accessory and console with far less latency.

The trouble is, near people won't ain Xbox Wireless-compatible headsets, and about wireless headphones and earbuds don't feature this technology. Most only have Bluetooth.

How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Your Xbox One Controller

A close up of a wired Xbox One controller.

Without support for Bluetooth, the but way to pair your headphones to your Xbox console is through a third-party Bluetooth adapter. It's not the best option; it'south your only selection.

In that location are 2 types of devices:

  • Bluetooth Transmitter: The cheapest and almost common Bluetooth adapter, this lets you hear the audio transmitted from the Xbox One.
  • Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver: A Bluetooth transmitter and receiver lets you hear transmitted sounds, and apply voice-chat if your cans have a microphone.

You're likely to want the transmitter and receiver but be warned that compatibility with third-party adapters tin can be hit-and-miss. Information technology is also likely to give yous higher latency which could crusade issues while gaming.

How to Enable Bluetooth on Xbox Controllers With an Audio Jack

A group of audio jack cables.

How you connect any Bluetooth adapter depends on what type of Xbox controller you accept. Regardless of which model yous have, to enable controller sound, recall to sync your Xbox controller with the Xbox One, starting time.

Newer gamepads have a built-in 3.5mm audio jack. This is the simplest way to connect wired and wireless headphones.

  • Plug the Bluetooth transmitter's 3.5mm male connectedness into the audio jack in base of operations of the Xbox One controller.
  • Pair your headphones to the adapter.

It's as easy equally that.

Don't forget, yous can connect to your TV, too. Since these devices aren't specifically fabricated for your Xbox, you can plug them into more than or less whatsoever device with a headphone port to give it Bluetooth capabilities. That includes your Telly.

Then, if you lot don't desire the Bluetooth dongle dangling betwixt your hands while yous play, check your TV has an audio jack and plug the adapter into that instead.

How to Pair Bluetooth Headphones to an Xbox Controller With No Audio Jack

If you have the original Xbox Ane controller, to connect your headset to the panel yous'll need ii things:

  • A Bluetooth transmitter.
  • An Xbox One stereo headset adapter.

The beginning round of Xbox Ane controllers didn't fifty-fifty have a three.5mm sound jack. Whether y'all're connecting wireless or wired headphones, you need the Xbox 1 Stereo Headset Adapter (a chunky first-party peripheral that plugs into your Xbox pad).

This bit of kit was originally intended to connect wired headphones to the console by providing the missing three.5mm female audio port.

It can still exist used for your Bluetooth headphones.

  • First, pop the headset adapter into the port at the bottom of the controller.
  • Catch your Bluetooth transmitter and attach it to the 3.5mm wire dangling from the end of the headset adapter.
  • Pair your headphones with the device.

How to Connect Bluetooth Headsets to Xbox I Using Optical

There is a third way to get Bluetooth on your Xbox: using a Bluetooth adapter that supports digital optical connections. This connection is typically for hooking up soundbars, only you can also employ information technology to bring Bluetooth to your Xbox.

This won't apply to every transmitter merely, alongside a iii.5mm port, some also have a digital optical cable. And at the back of your Xbox 1, you'll observe a S/PDIF optical audio out port.

The back of an Xbox One S on a wooden desk.
  • Connect your Bluetooth transmitter'south digital optical to the S/PDIF port to the rear of the Xbox.
  • Switch transmitter mode from 3.5mm (or AUX) to S/PDIF if your device supports it.
  • Connect your headphones to the transmitter via Bluetooth.

Using digital optical out isn't perfect, though. Because information technology's output-only, you won't be able to chat to your friends on Xbox Ane.

If you're gaming on the Xbox Series X/Southward, unfortunately, the digital output connection is missing from the panel, with Xbox caput Phil Spencer all but proverb not enough people used the port to warrant spending money on information technology. Yet, virtually mod TVs too take an optical port, so yous tin always connect the transmitter that way.

Using Bluetooth Headsets With Remote Play on Xbox 1

Don't mind playing on the small screen? Then use Xbox's Remote Play, which lets you play Xbox I using your Bluetooth headphones on your phone. Mod Xbox controllers, such every bit those that come with the Xbox Ane S, are Bluetooth-enabled (besides as using Xbox Wireless).

Remember, you need to be within close(ish) proximity to your console for this to work. You lot'll besides demand the Xbox app for Android or iOS, Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, and a new Xbox controller and gaming clip. You can alternatively apply a mobile-compatible Bluetooth controller.

To get started:

  • Pair your headphones and phone.
  • Connect your Xbox controller to your phone or attach a mobile Bluetooth controller like the Razer Kishi.
  • On your Xbox One, hit the Guide Button and select Profiles & system.
  • Become to Settings > Device & connections > Remote features.
  • Check the box Enable remote features.
  • Change the power mode to Instant-on.
  • Open up the Xbox app.
  • Tap on the Remote Play button at the height of the screen.
  • If you haven't done so already, select Gear up A Panel. If you lot have linked your console to the app, choose Remote play on this device.

You tin can at present start playing all your Xbox games on the console, with sound played through your Bluetooth headphones. Remote play and game sharing options are some not bad benefits of modern consoles that can assistance you save money by doubling up with someone.

Bringing Bluetooth Connections to Xbox One

With the Xbox Ane lacking Bluetooth capabilities, using a transmitter to connect your Bluetooth headphones to Xbox is the only way to get. If you're hooking up one of these devices, you don't have to utilise headphones or wireless earbuds, either. You lot could even connect Bluetooth speakers to the Xbox One to give your audio a bit of a boost.

Don't forget to dip into the Xbox Ane's audio settings and turn on Windows Sonic, likewise. It offers 3D spatial back up (or a sort of 'virtualized surround sound') that makes your gaming even more immersive.

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