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How to connect Bluetooth headphones to a PS5

The Razer Kaira Pro sitting next to a PS5 console.
Razer

The easiest way to make the best PS5 games even better is to pair them with the best headset you can get your hands on. Very few of us can afford top of the line audio setups with multiple speakers surrounding us as we play, but headsets can give that seem full sound experience in a much smaller and cheaper package. At this point, all the best PS5 accessories are wireless, so no doubt you want your headset to be as well. Odds are your headset uses Bluetooth to connect, but if you're struggling to get it to pair with your PS5 to play multiplayer games with your friends, we'll show you how to get it set up.

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Difficulty

Easy

Duration

10 minutes

What You Need

  • A USB-A or USB-C Bluetooth Audio Transmitter

A man wears a Pulse Elite headset.
Giovanni Colantonio / Digital Trends

How to connect your Bluetooth headphones to your PS5

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: 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 fails, 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.

A Pulse Elite, DualSense, and PlayStation Portal sit on a table.
Giovanni Colantonio / Digital Trends

How to connect Bluetooth headphones to your PS5 without a transmitter

Want to connect Bluetooth headphones to your PS5 but bypass the whole Bluetooth transmitter buying process? We have a potential solution for you, depending on your television model. Specifically, many modern TVs have Bluetooth capability, so you can pair your wireless Bluetooth headphones to it to watch -- and play -- without disturbing those around you. Here's what to do:

Step 1: Navigate to the settings menu on your TV, and find the Bluetooth screen. Make sure Bluetooth pairing is enabled

Step 2: Next, enable pairing mode on your Bluetooth headphones.

Step 3: Step 3: Check for your particular headphones in the list of available Bluetooth devices on your TV, and initiate the pairing process.

Viola! You should be ready to start gaming on you PS5 with the sound routed through your Bluetooth headphones.

FAQs

Can you connect a Bluetooth headset to PS5?

Unfortunately, the PS5 does not offer native Bluetooth headphone support. In order to connect a Bluetooth headset to the PS5, you'll have to purchase a USB-A or USB-C Bluetooth adapter and connect it to one of the available ports on your console. With the adapter on and ready to go, pairing your Bluetooth headphones to your PS5 is a simple process:

Turn on your Bluetooth headphones, then place them into pairing mode. On the Bluetooth transmitter, hold down the transmitter button until the LED light begins flashing. Your transmitter will automatically detect your Bluetooth headphones and establish a connection.

Why does the PS5 not support Bluetooth audio?

According to Sony itself, the PS5 doesn't support Bluetooth audio because of issues related to "latency performance and bandwidth." That said, there's an easy workaround: simply purchase a Bluetooth adapter for your PS5. With one of these handy devices, pairing your Bluetooth headphones to your PS5 is a simple process.

Can AirPods connect to PS5?

Unfortunately, your AirPods won't connect to your PS5 on their own, since Sony's console doesn't offer native Bluetooth audio support. However, buying a Bluetooth adapter can solve this problem, and allow you to connect your AirPods, or any other type of Bluetooth headphones, to your PS5.

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…
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