How to connect Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One: link Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds or any wireless headset to your Xbox console


With better connectivity and battery life than ever before, wireless headphones and headsets are becoming more and more viable for gaming.

With this in mind, it’s no surprise that gamers are choosing to use wireless headphones and headsets over their wired counterparts more and more.

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As products such as the Apple AirPods and the Samsung Galaxy Buds are more popular than ever, we have decided to break-down how Xbox One users can connect their Bluetooth headphones and earbuds.

Read below to find out everything you need to know to connect your Bluetooth headphones to the Xbox One

How to connect Bluetooth headphones or gaming headset to Xbox One

Oddly, Microsoft chose not to integrate Bluetooth connections to the Xbox One during development, so the process of connecting Bluetooth headphones isn’t as easy as one might expect. That said, with the correct equipment, the process is still reasonably simple.

As laid out in Mobile Fun’s YouTube video, a Bluetooth adapter can be used to wirelessly transmit audio from the Xbox One controller to a Bluetooth headphone or headset. 

You can get Bluetooth transmitters from Amazon from around £24.99 / $29.99 / €29.99, although there are some cheaper versions available.

Once the adapter is powered on, it can be plugged into the controller’s headset port using the right auxiliary prong. Next, put your headphones into pairing mode and press the multi-function button on the adapter to put it in the pairing mode too. The two devices should connect and you will be able to receive audio from the console wirelessly.

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You'll need a dongle to get wireless headphones working with an Xbox One.
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You'll need a dongle to get wireless headphones working with an Xbox One.

How to pair Apple AirPods with Xbox One

If you wish to use the Apple Airpods to listen for footsteps and talk to your friends in-game on the Xbox One, picking up an adapter can help. 

Following all the previous steps to connect Bluetooth headphones should result in the AirPods working as required. 

When you need to enter the Airpods into pairing mode, open the case’s lid with the Airpods inside and hold the button on the back of the case.

The activation of pairing mode will be indicated by a flashing white light in between the two AirPods. Next, follow the rest of the steps as listed above and you will be gaming with the Airpods in no time.

Read more:Razer Kraken Ultimate gaming headset review

Your best buds?
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Your best buds?

How to pair Galaxy Buds with Xbox One

Just like the Apple Airpods, the process to pair the Galaxy Buds is quick and easy once you've bought a wireless transmitter for your Xbox One.

Once you need the Galaxy Buds to enter pairing mode simply insert the earbuds into the charging case and close the case. As laid out on Samsung’s support page, “If the battery indicator light doesn't flash you'll need to charge the earbuds for at least 10 minutes before they'll pair”.

Next, open the Galaxy Buds charging case and the earbuds will “automatically enter Bluetooth pairing mode.”

Assuming both the Bluetooth adapter and the Galaxy Buds are in pairing mode, they should have no trouble connecting and providing you with crisp clean audio while gaming on the Xbox One.

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