Wireless Headphones, Microsoft announced earlier this month that it had discontinued support for third-party Bluetooth headsets on the Xbox One family of devices. While the decision came as a surprise to many gamers, it makes sense given how expensive the Xbox One X is compared to competing consoles like PlayStation 4 Pro and Nintendo Switch.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to buy an entirely new set of headphones just because Microsoft dropped support for your old ones. In fact, you might even be able to find a pair of Bluetooth headphones that work perfectly fine with Xbox Series X and Series X.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at every single method of connecting Bluetooth headphones to Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. We’ll start off with the easiest option, and end with the most complicated one. If you’re looking for something simple, check out our quick guide to pairing Bluetooth headphones with Xbox One.
How to Connect Compatible Headphones to Xbox Series X and Series S
Microsoft announced it will offer official licensing for headphone makers to make compatible wireless headsets for Xbox. The company says that these headphones are easier to set-up because they often come with USB adapters or direct support for Xbox One. They’re designed for Xbox’s program with the release of original Xbox.
That said, here’s how to connect compatible headphones to Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S:
Xbox Series X
Connecting via USB Adapter
1. Plug the USB adapter into the console.
2. Turn off the console.
3. Remove the battery pack from the controller
4. Insert the USB cable into the controller
5. Plug the end of the USB cable into the USB port on the console.
6. Turn on the console.
7. Press the power button on the controller.
8. Select “Headset.”
9. Use the volume buttons on the controller to adjust the headset volume. 10. If prompted, enter the passcode.
11. Select “OK.”
12. When the setup process completes, select “Done.”
13. You’ll see a green check mark next to the headset name.
14. Repeat steps 1 – 13 for connecting the headset to another Xbox One.
15. To disconnect the headset, follow steps 1 – 13 above,
Via wireless headphones’ USB dongle
Some Xbox-compatible gaming headsets come with a specialized 2GHz USB dongle designed specifically to work with Microsoft’s Xbox One controllers. These devices connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, requiring a pairing process, while the dongles allow you to plug directly into the console.
The dongle isn’t just limited to Xbox-compatible headsets; it works with any headset that uses the same protocol. However, some people have reported issues connecting to certain headsets that use different protocols, such as those from Turtle Beach and Plantronics.
The dongles aren’t cheap, either. They cost $50 each, plus another $20 for the controller itself. But if you’re already spending money on a pair of wired headphones, why not spend a little extra on something that’ll make your life easier?
Via Xbox Wireless protocol
Another way to pair compatible headphones to your Xbox Series S/Xbox One X is using the built-In Xbox Wireless Module. This is a feature that allows you to use your favorite Bluetooth headphones without needing a separate dongle. You can find out whether your model is supported here.
Some wireless headphones models are natively compatible to work with the Xbox Wireless Module. If your headset supports it, you won’t need a USB dongsle to pair with the Xbox Series S/Xbox one X. To check if your headphones support the Xbox Wireless Module, follow these steps:
1. Turn on both your Xbox and the headphones.
2. Press the power button on the headphones until the indicator lights flash.
3. When the indicator lights stop flashing, press the power button again.
4. Your headphones are now paired with your Xbox.
5. Enjoy listening to your favorite music while playing games.
How to Connect Non-Compatible Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox Series X and Series S
If you don’t have compatible headphones, there are ways to make it happen. You can connect your existing wireless headphones to your Xbox via USB cable. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can go ahead and buy some new ones. But before you do, we’ve got three tips to help you out.
First, check the compatibility list for your headset. Many headsets come with a sticker on the box indicating whether they’ll work with your console. Some even include a QR code you can scan into your Xbox app to verify the connection.
Second, if you’re looking to save money, you might consider buying used headphones. There are plenty of places online where you can find headphone deals. Just keep in mind that the quality of the headphones won’t necessarily match what you’d pay for brand new models.
Third, if you’re willing to spend a little extra cash, you can always invest in a wired set of headphones. They usually cost less than $20, and you won’t have to worry about battery life issues. Plus, you’ll be able to plug them directly into your console without having to deal with wires.
Via Bluetooth transmitter
The easiest way to add Bluetooth functionality to your Xbox One is by purchasing a third-party Bluetooth transmitter. These devices are usually sold separately from the controllers themselves, and allow you to connect multiple controllers to one device. You’ll want to make sure that the transmitter fits into the controller well enough, though, because if it doesn’t, you won’t be able to control your games properly.
On the next screen, select “Bluetooth Controller.” Then, choose the name of the controller you’d like to pair with the transmitter. Once paired, you’ll see a small blue light on the side of the controller. If you’re having trouble finding the button to turn on the connection, try pressing and holding down the left shoulder button.
Once the controller is paired, you can start playing games. For example, if you wanted to play Fortnite on PC, you could plug in your controller via USB cable and launch the game on Steam. Alternatively, you could use the Xbox app on iOS or Android and pair the controller there.
If you’re looking to buy a Bluetooth transmitter, we’ve got some recommendations for you. First up is the Uberwith Bluetooth Transceiver. This is a simple, compact transmitter that works with most controllers. It’s easy to set up and includes a microUSB charging port, making it ideal for those who travel often.
Next up is the GMCell Bluetooth Transceiver. This model is similar to the Uberwith, except it’s designed specifically to work with the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller. It’s still fairly compact and easy to setup, however, and it does include a microUSB charger.
Finally, we have the Joyroom Bluetooth Transceiver. This product is much larger than both the Uberwith and the GMCell, but it offers better battery life and a longer range. It’s perfect for people who frequently move around while gaming.
Via smart TV
If you’ve got a Microsoft Xbox One X and a compatible Samsung Smart TV, you might want to consider skipping the purchase of a separate Bluetooth transmitter for your Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X consoles. Instead, you can connect your Xbox controllers to your TV via HDMI and use the built-in BT functionality to stream media and play games wirelessly.
The process isn’t exactly seamless, though. Here are some things to know about it.
1. Connecting Your Controller To A Smart TV Via HDMI
To make sure your controller connects properly, plug one end into the console and the other into the TV. Make sure both ends are plugged into the same port.
2. Turn On Your TV And Set Up Its Settings
Next, turn on the TV and set up its settings. This includes turning on the “BT” feature under the “TV” menu.
3. Open the Xbox App On Your Phone Or Tablet
Now open the Xbox app on your phone or tablet. From here, you should see an option to connect your controller to the TV. Tap this option and follow the instructions.
4. Start Playing Games
You can now use your controller to play games on your TV. Just remember that you’ll need to press the Xbox button on the controller to pause the game before switching back to the TV.
5. Disconnect The Controller From The TV
When finished using your controller, disconnect it from the TV by unplugging it from the port.
6. Unpair Your Controller
You may also want to unpair your controller so you don’t accidentally pair it again when connecting another device. Select the controller you want to remove from the list of connected devices. Then select “Settings,” then “System.” Finally, scroll down to “Bluetooth Devices” and tap “Unpair.”
7. Pair Your Controller Again If Needed
If you ever want to re-pair your controller, repeat steps 1 through 6 above.
8. Enjoy Using Your Controller With Your Smart TV
This method won’t work if you own a 4K HDR television, as the Xbox One X doesn’t support HDR content. However, if you have a 1080p display, you should be able to enjoy wireless streaming without any issues.
9. Use Other Controllers For Streaming Media
If you prefer not to use your controller for playing games, you can instead use your smartphone or tablet to control the Xbox One X. You can even use two controllers at once.
10. Consider Buying An Additional Controller
If you’re looking for something more powerful than what your TV provides, you could always buy an additional controller. These come in different sizes and shapes, including ones that double as remotes.
Via gaming monitor
If you hooked up your Xbox One X to a gaming monitor, there are ways to make it easier to play games while listening to music. You can connect your wireless headphones directly to the monitor, eliminating the need to unplug and re-pair each time you want to switch between audio sources.
You’ll still need to plug in your controller, though, since the Xbox One doesn’t support wired controllers. And, you won’t be able to use your headset mic unless you’re playing on PC. But, if you don’t mind those limitations, here’s how to do it.
First, find out what type of connection your monitor uses. Most monitors come with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, but some models include a USB Type A port. If yours does, you can just plug in your headphones into the port. If not, you’ll need to buy a separate adapter.
Next, plug in your headphones. Your Xbox One automatically detects whether your headphones are paired with another device, like a smartphone or tablet. If they aren’t, you’ll see a red light on the front of the box. To pair them, press the button on either side of the box.
Now, turn on your Xbox One. Select “Bluetooth.” Press the OK button to confirm.
Your Xbox One will now detect your headphones. Turn off the console, open the Guide menu, select Apps, and launch the Store app. Search for the name of the game you’d like to play, and install it. When prompted, select Yes to download the game.
When you start the game, you’ll see the option to choose between wired and wireless headsets. Choose the one you prefer.
Via PC using Xbox Console Companion app
Microsoft has been making strides towards connecting its Xbox console and Windows 10 devices together. Now, the Xbox Console Companion app makes it possible to connect your Windows PC to your Xbox One, allowing you to play games on both platforms simultaneously.
The app works by pairing your Bluetooth headset with your PC via a USB connection. Once paired, you’ll see a notification pop up on your Windows desktop asking whether you’d like to use your headset. Clicking “Yes” will allow you to control the volume of your PC speakers through the Xbox controller. You can also pause, rewind, fast forward, and skip tracks.
How to Use the In-Game Chat Feature With Bluetooth Headphones
If you’re looking to play online multiplayer games like Fortnite or Call of Duty, it might seem like a good idea to ditch your wired headset for wireless ones. But what happens when you do that? Well, you lose one of the most important features of playing those games: chatting with friends while doing it.
In fact, many people don’t even realize that the in-game chat function exists at all. And if you want to use it, you need to pair your Bluetooth headphones with your console via the Xbox mobile app.
This guide will show you exactly how to set up the connection between your Xbox and your Bluetooth headphones, and then we’ll walk you through how to actually use the in-game voice chat feature.
Conclusion
While there’s still no first hand compatibility for Bluetooth headphones on the Xbox One X, it seems like Microsoft is finally getting around to adding support for the feature. You’ll be able to pair your favorite Bluetooth headphones with the Xbox One S, Xbox One X, and even the original Xbox One. If you’re looking for something compatible with the Xbox One X, check out our list of best wireless headphones for Xbox One X.
The feature isn’t live just yet, but you can already start testing it out via the Settings app. If you’d rather not spend money on a set of headphones that won’t work with your Xbox, don’t worry — you can always use your old ones. Just make sure you’re using the same brand and model number as what’s listed above.
In addition to being able to pair your headphones with the console, you can also control volume and change tracks using the controller buttons. Of course, you can also play music stored on your PC or mobile device wirelessly, too.