Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

How to connect Bluetooth headphones to a PS5

You’ve heard that the PlayStation 5 (PS5) has Bluetooth, but when you fire up your console and head to the Settings menu, it doesn’t recognize your headset — what gives? Disappointingly, while the PS5 does indeed have Bluetooth built-in, there is little native support for headphones or other audio products; Bluetooth on the PS5 has been included primarily for connecting wireless keyboards and mice, as well as approved Sony products. Don’t fret; however, there is indeed a way to connect your headset to your game console, and it’s relatively easy.

Still not sure which game console you want to grab? Check out our head-to-head between the Microsoft Xbox Series X and the Sony PlayStation 5.

Further reading

Grab a Bluetooth adapter for your PS5

PS5 logo
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The first step in getting your Bluetooth headphones to work with your PS5 is to pick up a USB-A or USB-C Bluetooth Audio Transmitter; these small devices can be inserted into one of your PS5’s USB ports and be used to connect to external Bluetooth audio devices. We recommend picking up a USB-A Bluetooth transmitter as the PS5 offers three USB-A ports and only a single USB-C port; it is best to leave the USB-C port free for devices that would take better advantage of the high speed, powered connection, such as an external Solid State Drive (SSD) for storing games once your internal storage has been maxed.

Nearly any Bluetooth USB transmitter will work with your PS5, but if you would like a specific recommendation, this reliable option from Avantree will work perfectly; it supports Bluetooth 4.1, which won’t be a problem for Bluetooth audio headsets.

Plug your Bluetooth adapter into your PS5

Begin by plugging your Bluetooth USB-A or USB-C transmitter into your PS5. If you went with a USB-A type transmitter, you can plug it into either the PS5’s front-facing Hi-Speed USB-A port or one of its rear-facing Super-speed (10 Gbps) USB-A ports. If you selected a USB-C type transmitter, you will need to use the sole USB Type-C port on the front of the device. Once inserted into your PS5, you can begin the pairing process with your Bluetooth headphones.

Connect your Bluetooth headphones to your PS5

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Once your Bluetooth transmitter is inserted into your PS5, there are no additional set up processes required to complete on the PlayStation; it will automatically recognize the Bluetooth transmitter and prepare it for the system. When you are ready to pair your Bluetooth headphones with the PS5, follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Turn on your Bluetooth headphones, then place them into pairing mode following your manufacturer’s instructions — you may need to check the user manual for details.

Step 2: On the Bluetooth transmitter, hold down the transmitter button until the LED light begins flashing, then wait for a moment.

Step 3: Your transmitter will automatically detect your Bluetooth headphones and establish a connection — you are ready to begin gaming on PS5 with your favorite headphones!

If the connection failed, turn off your headphones and try the provided instructions again; if you wait too long between placing both devices into pairing more, the pairing process may be halted. Additionally, be sure that your Bluetooth headphones are charged.

Editors' Recommendations

Michael Archambault
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Michael Archambault is a technology writer and digital marketer located in Long Island, New York. For the past decade…
Take a closer look at Sony’s special-edition Spider-Man 2 PS5
The Spider-Man special edition PS5 and controller stand on a table.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is just over a month away, but Sony is already celebrating its launch. You can now get your hands on a special-edition PlayStation 5 based on the upcoming game. If you're curious about whether or not it's worth the price, we got a close look at the new bundle.

Sony's special package costs $600 and includes a standard PS5 and all the components that usually come with it. However, it comes packed with three specific extras that make it an enticing value: custom faceplates, a digital voucher for the upcoming game, and a nifty DualSense controller.

Read more
Best PlayStation Plus Deals: Save on Essential, Plus and Premium
Best PS Plus deals

If you don't have a PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) membership, you're only not getting the full benefits of your PlayStation 5 (or 4). PS Plus lets you play online multiplayer, as well as get free games and other bonuses. Sony recently revamped their PS Plus subscription method, so you now have the option of three different tiers: Essential, Extra and Premium. We'll go over all of these options below. When you've figured out which one you want, check out or list of the best PlayStation Plus deals at the bottom of this article. You can start your PS Plus membership for as low as $5.

 
What is PlayStation Plus?
Along with online multiplayer and other in-game network features, a PlayStation Plus Essential membership grants you access to exclusive discounts and other promotions. Perhaps the most notable benefit of PlayStation Plus is that every month, Sony gives subscribers one PlayStation 5 and two PlayStation 4 games that are free to download. You have one month to add these free PlayStation Plus games to your library.

Read more
Best gaming console deals: cheapest prices on PS5, Xbox S and X and Switch
father and son playing video games

Picking a console is a big decision. They're not cheap, so unless gaming is your passion, you probably don't want to spend the cash to grab all three of the major ones. That's why we've collected the best prices on every version of the three major consoles. Below you'll find Xbox Series S and X deals, PlayStation 5 deals, and Nintendo Switch deals (on all the various versions). We've listed the best prices at the major retailers, and any deals we could find among them. Once you've grabbed your console, check out the best video games deals to go along with them.
Xbox Series S deals -- starting at $280

The Xbox Series S is the less powerful but cheaper option out of the newest generation Xbox line. When comparing the Xbox Series S versus the Xbox Series X, the Series S takes a hit in all the component categories. That means it's not quite as fast. But if you're not hung up on getting the optimal performance out of your system, you'll actually notice very few differences. The two biggest ones are the Series S's inability to play in 8K, and its lack of a disc drive. Most people don't even have 8K TVs, so that shouldn't be an issue. If you're alright with downloading all of your games straight to the console's memory (and you have a separate DVD or Blu-Ray player), the Series S will work fine. It's quite a bit smaller anyway, and easier to fit on a shelf.

Read more