Bluetooth headphones are a useful investment that provides you with wireless freedom. But for those who are wondering or are new to Xbox One: can you connect Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One?
As the Xbox One lacks Bluetooth capability, you might think having Bluetooth headphones actually limits you.
But relax, this isn’t the case, the fact that your Xbox One doesn’t have Bluetooth doesn’t mean that you can’t still pair your Bluetooth headphones or wireless earbuds to your console.
In this article, we explore the different ways in which you can overcome this problem and connect your Bluetooth headphones to your Xbox One console.
So, let’s get started.
Can you connect Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One?
The short answer to this question is yes, you can connect Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One.
However, unless you own a specific headset, it can be trickier than simply connecting Bluetooth headphones to your phone or another Bluetooth device.
This is because the Xbox One uses its own proprietary system, Xbox Wireless, as opposed to Bluetooth. So what is Xbox Wireless?
Xbox Wireless is Microsoft’s wireless technology that allows certified devices, such as controllers and headsets, to connect directly with an Xbox, without having to use any dongles or adapters.
Generally speaking, it is superior to Bluetooth in that it operates at a higher frequency. As a result, then, Xbox Wireless headsets provide you with a more stable connection between your accessory and console with less latency.
how to connect your Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One controller
Without support for Bluetooth, the only way to connect your Bluetooth headphones to your Xbox console is through a third-party Bluetooth adapter. So what do you need?
There are two types of devices that you can purchase to achieve this:
- Bluetooth transmitter and receiver: A Bluetooth transmitter and receiver allows you to transmit audio wirelessly from your non-Bluetooth audio sources to your Bluetooth headphones.
- Bluetooth transmitter: This is arguably the cheapest and most common Bluetooth adapter that transmits a Bluetooth signal to your Xbox One controller, allowing you to receive audio from your Xbox to your headset whilst ensuring that you’re connected 24/7.
how to enable Bluetooth on Xbox controllers with an audio jack
How you connect any Bluetooth adapter will depend on the type of Xbox controller that you have.
However, regardless of which model you possess, to enable controller audio, you must first remember to sync your Xbox controller with the Xbox One.
Newer controllers have a built-in 3.5mm audio jack. This is the easiest way to connect wired and wireless headphones. If you’re not great with tech this is perfect for you, as it really couldn’t be easier!
- Simply begin by plugging the Bluetooth transmitter into the audio jack at the base of the Xbox One controller.
- Pair your headphones with the adapter.
Voilà! You’re set to go.
It’s important to note that these transmitters are multifunctional, too, as you can also connect them to your television!
Due to the fact these devices aren’t specifically made for your Xbox, you can plug them into more or less any device with a headphone port to give it Bluetooth capabilities, including your TV!
So, if you’d rather play without the Bluetooth dongle getting in your way, it is always worth checking if your TV has an audio jack available to plug the adapter into instead.
A guide on how to pair Bluetooth headphones to an Xbox controller without an audio jack
As seasoned gamers will know already, some older controllers, such as the first-generation Xbox One controller, were not made with a 3.5mm audio jack.
Therefore, when it comes to connecting Bluetooth headphones, you’ll need two items in order to get started:
- Bluetooth transmitter.
- Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter.
Whether you’re trying to connect wireless or wired headphones, you will need the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter at your disposal.
This piece of equipment was initially intended to connect wired headphones to the Xbox One by providing the missing 3.5mm female audio port. However, it can still be used for wireless headphones.
- To begin, place the headset adapter into the port at the bottom of the controller.
- Next, take your Bluetooth transmitter and attach it to the 3.5mm wire dangling from the end of the headset adapter.
- Lastly, connect your headphones to the device.
how to connect Bluetooth headsets to Xbox One using Optical
Finally, there is another method to get Bluetooth on your Xbox: using a Bluetooth adapter that supports digital optical connections.
This connection is typically for hooking up sound bars, but you can also use it to bring Bluetooth to your Xbox.
Although this won’t be the case for every transmitter, alongside a 3.5mm port, some also have a digital optical cable. At the back of your Xbox One, you’ll find a S/PDIF optical audio output port.
- Begin by connecting your Bluetooth transmitter’s 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.
However, this isn’t always the best option as it’s output-only, meaning that you won’t be able to chat with your friends when you’re playing on the Xbox One.
In summary
As we have discussed, there are copious ways that you can connect your Bluetooth headphones to an Xbox One console.
As the Xbox One lacks Bluetooth capabilities, using a transmitter to connect your Bluetooth headphones to Xbox is the best way to go.
It is worth mentioning that if you’re hooking up one of these devices, you don’t necessarily have to use headphones or wireless earbuds if you would prefer not to.
Alternatively, you could theoretically connect Bluetooth speakers to the Xbox One to give your audio a boost.
Whichever method you choose, we hope that this article has helped you in some way! Next time you’re struggling, why not give one of these techniques a try?
For more information on Xbox Wireless Headset’s refer to this link.
