Bluetooth technologies are convenient as they are cable-free. It’s not an easy technology to use on Microsoft’s consoles, though. Solutions require extra effort, dongles, and other devices. Even though the Xbox One and the Xbox Series are some of the most popular gaming platforms, they still lack mainstream Bluetooth audio support.It means the same Bluetooth headsets you’re using on your PC won’t work on an Xbox. These are not compatible technologies, at least not in official terms.Bluetooth headphones or mics are not technically compatible with Microsoft’s consoles. Instead, you would have to use compatible wireless headsets.
How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One
Xbox doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones. However, there’re some tools and tricks to bypass the limitation. Still, these methods may not allow you to enjoy the full audio suite of your headphones. For example, the mic may not work. That said, here’re the solutions we can try:These solutions work for Xbox One and Xbox Series. That includes any variation of these consoles, like the Xbox One X, or the Xbox Series S.
Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox Using Bluetooth Transmitter
You can use a Bluetooth transmitter as an extra dongle. It’s the ideal solution if you already have Bluetooth headphones. The method will generally shut down your microphone, but you’d be hearing game audio and party chat.Some Bluetooth transmitters have a design specific for the Xbox One, like this one. These are more convenient, as they fit on the controller as an accessory.Otherwise, you can get other Bluetooth transmitters with a 3.5mm connection. You can plug these devices on Xbox Series or newer Xbox One controllers.Here’re the steps: If your controller doesn’t have a 3.5mm connection, you need an extra item, a Stereo Headset Adapter. Older Xbox controllers don’t have the additional audio jack. Alternatively, some Bluetooth transmitters have a digital optical cable. You can plug it at the back of the Xbox One on the S/PDIF audio port. Then, you can switch the transmitter mode from AUX (3.5mm) to S/PDIF. Bear in mind the Xbox Series doesn’t have a digital output connection.
Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox via the TV
The television can open a connection between the Xbox and your Bluetooth headset. However, you have to connect the Xbox to the TV and then the headphones to the TV.Every TV has a different way to plug Bluetooth headphones, so you should check the manual. Not every TV has Bluetooth, but most Smart TVs do. For example, if your TV has a Smart remote, it probably has Bluetooth.In essence, you can put your headphones in pairing mode and then enable Bluetooth on the TV. The option should be within the Sound sub-menu, on a Sound Out option or similar.As usual, though, the option doesn’t support the mic. You’d only hear game audio and party chat, but you can still use a USB or 3.5mm mic to talk. Alternatively, you can use a Bluetooth transmitter on the TV:
Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox Using a PC Connection
Windows PCs and Xbox consoles have firmware and hardware structure similarities. That means you can use your Windows computer to route audio playback to your Bluetooth headset. These are the three initial requirements for the process:If you meet all requirements, you may use the full functionalities of your Bluetooth headset on the Xbox. That includes game audio, party chat audio, and mic.Here’re the steps:
Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox Using Xbox App
Using the Xbox app trick will only allow you to hear party chat. You won’t hear game audio or talk through your headphones. In essence, you can join a party chat on your Xbox and then plug your Bluetooth headphones on the Xbox app. You can then route the game audio to the TV and speak through a USB mic. Overall, it’s not very convenient, but it’s still a solution.Anyhow, here’re the steps:
Why Is Xbox Not Compatible With Bluetooth Headsets
In essence, Microsoft sells proprietary wireless headsets for their Xbox consoles. Instead of using BlueTooth for connection, the company created a unique protocol, Xbox Wireless.That means Microsoft decided to take a different path towards cable-free peripherals. Compatible Xbox headsets and mics use the same connectivity protocol. You’d identify the branding of these items by the “Wireless” word. The Xbox Wireless connection uses a high radio frequency instead of Bluetooth’s standard 2.4GHz. As a result, it doesn’t compete with regular broadband, reducing latency and improving audio quality. There’re two kinds of wireless Xbox headphones:
How to Connect Wireless Headsets to the Xbox
Connecting the device can be easier if you have a compatible Xbox Wireless headset or headphones.Here’s the tutorial:
