How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox Series S or X

Traditionally, gamers enjoy audio from their favorite titles using wired headphones or headsets. But Bluetooth headphones are improving. Many models are now designed to expand the gaming experience while eliminating the wires that entangle us.

Some Xbox Series S or X owners don’t know how to connect these wireless devices. Here you’ll learn how to connect Bluetooth headphones to Xbox Series S or X.

Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox Series S or X

Microsoft isn’t keen on allowing their Series S or X consoles to support Bluetooth headphones natively. The company has no Bluetooth support at all, justifying this design choice by stating Bluetooth connections introduce latency. While this is true, many gamers already own Bluetooth headphones and want to use them on their consoles.

Connecting your Bluetooth headphones to these consoles is still possible. The most common method involves purchasing a Bluetooth dongle, though you can use other connection points. Using any Bluetooth method will only transmit audio one way. You won’t get to communicate via in-game voice chat when using Bluetooth headphones with your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X.

Bluetooth Dongle

Xbox Series S and X controllers have a 3.5 mm audio jack that accepts almost every wired headphone or earbud model out there. The console sends audio signals to the controller wirelessly. This feature also allows for the use of Bluetooth dongles. Naturally, it’s best if you only use devices built for the controllers, as they’re guaranteed to function.

Once you insert the dongle, follow these steps.

1. Turn the Bluetooth dongle on.
   
2. Power your Bluetooth headphones on.
   
3. Activate the pairing mode on your headphones.
   
4. Do the same with the transmitter, turn “on”.
   
5. Check for signs of a successful pairing.
6. Start playing games.

Every dongle and set of headphones is different, so the steps may vary slightly. Still, you can expect this sequence of events, as these devices are similar in setup. Bluetooth transmitters are worth the money and support an extensive range of wireless headphones.

If you’re wondering why no USB Bluetooth dongles are considered, it’s because the consoles don’t have the drivers to power them. The controllers do.

Smart TV

Some gamers like to play on a smart TV. These displays may have integrated Bluetooth support, depending on the model. The primary advantage of having a Bluetooth-compatible TV is that buying a Bluetooth dongle becomes optional.

While all smart TVs are different, you can expect these steps when connecting Bluetooth headphones to Xbox Series S or X for use with a smart TV.

1. Activate the pairing mode on your wireless headphones.
   
2. Switch to your smart TV and look for the Bluetooth connection option.
   
3. Scan for devices. Select your wireless headphones.
   
   
4. Pair the headphones and check if the connection is successful.
   
5. Game on.

Smart TV Bluetooth connections may be spotty if there are too many objects between you and the display, resulting in interference. Try to have the space free of large obstacles.

Gaming Monitor

Those who own gaming monitors should also have access to a built-in 3.5 mm audio jack. This jack readily accepts Bluetooth dongles, though you’ll have to get the type designed for only using the 3.5 mm port. As with connecting Bluetooth headphones to Xbox Series S or X for use on a smart TV, you won’t have access to in-game voice chat features with a gaming monitor.

1. Plug the Bluetooth dongle into the gaming monitor’s audio jack.
   
2. Turn your Bluetooth headphones on.
   
3. Get the headphones into pairing mode.
   
4. Wait until the pairing process is complete. Check for connectivity and enjoy your game.

One benefit of using this method is that these Bluetooth transmitters are cheaper than those made for Xbox controllers. You can currently get them for under half the price of the latter type, even when investing in a high-quality transmitter that lasts longer.

Using Your PC

The Xbox Console Companion app comes with every Windows PC or laptop. It allows Xbox Series S and X owners to link to computers using an internet connection. This connection will enable users to use Bluetooth headphones by pairing them with Windows.

The computer and Xbox must be connected to the same network for the app to work. It’s also a given that your PC or laptop has Bluetooth functionality.

The process goes like this.

1. Open the Xbox Console Companion on your computer.
   
2. Sign in to your Microsoft account.
   
3. Click on the “hamburger icon” above on the left side.
   
4. Click “Connection.”
   
5. Hit the “Add a device” button.
   
6. Find your “Xbox One” and connect.
   
7. Pair your headphones with your Windows computer and start playing.

Advantages of Bluetooth Headphones

Bluetooth headphones are highly convenient and let gamers move around without being bound to a chair or couch. Portability is an excellent asset, since removing the headphones when getting a drink or snacks is no longer necessary.

The improved technology of being wireless lets gamers sit farther away from a screen, which is easier on the eyes. There’s no risk of tripping over wires or stepping on them, which is an issue with wired headphones. Wired headphones need to be replaced if the wire is damaged, which is not a worry with wireless headphones.

Disadvantages of Bluetooth Headphones

There are compelling reasons to use Bluetooth headphones when playing on an Xbox Series X and S, but these consoles innately only support a proprietary wireless connection. With Bluetooth headphones, you must settle for only game audio and forego voice chat unless you use the Xbox mobile app. Many gamers are okay with only listening, but others prefer two-way communication.

Bluetooth headphones do have higher latency, as the audio signal must pass through a chip before reaching your ears. The slight delay can be why you react a fraction of a second too late and lose games. Competitors and professionals may not be keen on sacrificing reaction times for portability.

No Bluetooth by Design?

Microsoft understands that Bluetooth’s high latency levels aren’t desirable for gaming, but the company also knows wireless headsets are convenient. Therefore, the Xbox Series X and S use a 5 GHz bandwidth in contrast to the 2.4 GHz bandwidth Bluetooth devices use.

This proprietary bandwidth reduces the latency to levels competitors can accept, though the only way to play without latency at all is to use wired headphones. To connect wireless headphones to these consoles directly, you need models labeled “Designed for Xbox.” These products are specifically made for the newer Xbox consoles and tend to perform better.

The Microsoft Wireless Protocol can support up to eight controllers and headsets, all with under 8 milliseconds of latency. When using Bluetooth, this number falls sharply to only two. Note that these ratings were on the Xbox One, the predecessor to Series S and X.

This design philosophy was carried over to Series S and X, meaning the improved signal strength and lower latency make Bluetooth a worse choice in performance terms.

That means you’re stuck with headphones made by Microsoft or their licensed manufacturers. These include Razer, SteelSeries, and Turtle Beach, and you’ll have to pay for a new pair just to game with convenience. Nevertheless, these headphones either use the console’s Wireless protocol or come with a USB dongle that allows for plug-and-play.

Here’s how you would connect these headphones to the Xbox console.

1. Plug the USB dongle into a port if your headphones come with one.
   
2. Turn the wireless headphones on.
   
3. Wait for them to pair.

Those without a dongle have a slightly different process.

1. Power the console and headphones on.
   
2. Wait until the light on the headphones flashes.
   
3. Press the pairing button on the Xbox.
   
4. When the headphones stop flashing, the connection is successful.

In the end, whether you use licensed headphones or Bluetooth, you can still enjoy your games. Think before buying Microsoft headphones, as they may not be a justified expense if you already have a favorite pair of Bluetooth wireless headphones.

FAQ

Does the Xbox series S or X have Bluetooth support?

No, neither Xbox Series S nor Xbox Series X consoles support Bluetooth connections natively. They instead allow for proprietary wireless protocols. However, you can use a third-party Bluetooth transmitter.

Are Xbox series S or X headsets worth buying?

This is a personal decision. Some gamers already have high-quality headsets and don’t need new ones. Those who game on these consoles exclusively and want the convenience will value these licensed headsets.

Can AirPods connect to the Xbox series S and X?

Yes, AirPods can connect to the consoles, but you’ll need a Bluetooth dongle to create the connection. Otherwise, there is no support for AirPods at all.

Convenience at a Price

Connecting your Bluetooth headphones to an Xbox Series S and X is possible, but you don’t get to use the mic and chat with others. This minor hurdle won’t prevent many gamers from playing their favorite titles. While you may need some hardware, it’s better than buying a new pair of headphones.

Which of these methods for how to connect Bluetooth headphones to Xbox Series S or X do you prefer using? Have you tried other ways to game wirelessly? Let us know your experience in the comments section below.