If you've been lucky enough to find a PS5 console, you might want to connect Bluetooth headphones to it. This is a fair enough expectation. With better connectivity and battery life than ever before, wireless headphones and headsets are becoming a must-needed device for gaming.
Because products such as Apple AirPods, AirPods Max, and Samsung Galaxy Buds are among the most popular earbuds on the market, we have broken down how PlayStation 5 users can connect their Bluetooth headphones and earbuds to the console.
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Read below to find out everything you need to know to connect your Bluetooth headphones to the PlayStation 5 console.
How to connect Bluetooth headphones or gaming headset to PS5
Sony has confirmed that some wireless headsets will be able to connect natively to the console without the need for a cable or any other device. These include Sony's official Pulse 3D wireless headset (you can click that link to see if it's in stock right now).
Sony's PS4-era Gold Wireless Headset and Platinum Wireless Headset will both work with the PS5, as will some third-party options. (Again, you can click those links to check out an official product page.) These headsets could go well with the recently announced Gold PS5.
As for non-Sony headsets, Sony said in its launch FAQ: "Officially licensed headsets from third-party manufacturers will be available after the launch of PS5. Some headsets licensed for the PS4 console may work or may require a device firmware update. Please consult with your headset’s manufacturer for compatibility questions."
Unfortunately, this FAQ also said that "Wireless headsets from third-party companies that use a Bluetooth connection will not be supported on PS5, though most USB and analogue headsets will be supported."
It appears that many Bluetooth headsets might not be compatible with the PS5 console.
If you have one of these compatible headsets, you should be able to go into your Settings on the console. Find the section to do with Devices, and connect any compatible headset from there.
Interestingly, while non-Sony Bluetooth headsets might not connect to the PS5, it appears that Bluetooth keyboards and mice do work with the PlayStation 5.
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How to connect unsupported Bluetooth headphones to PS5 using Bluetooth adapter
If you've got some Bluetooth headphones that don't seem to be natively compatible, don't worry. It's still possible to connect them with a bit of trickery at your end.
You'll need to get yourself a Bluetooth adapter/transmitter gadget. Next, you'll plug this into the audio output on your TV or monitor. This will connect the noise from your telly to your Bluetooth headphones. You could even plug the adapter into your PS5 controller if you don't fancy faffing around on the rear of your telly.
You can get Bluetooth transmitters from Amazon from around £24.99 / $29.99 / €29.99, although there are some cheaper versions available. We'd say just look for one with good reviews - like the one at this link here.
Once the adapter is powered on, it can be plugged into your TV or monitor's audio output jack. Next, put your headphones into pairing mode and press the pairing button on the adapter. They should find each other easily, leaving you to play on your PS5 using your favourite wireless headphones. And as an added bonus, you can watch TV quietly too!
As this plugs into your TV, it also means you'll be able to play your Nintendo Switch and Xbox games with your Bluetooth headset.
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How to connect Apple AirPods Max and AirPods to PS5
If you wish to use the Apple Airpods or the latest $549 AirPods Max headset to listen for footsteps and talk to your friends in-game on the PS5, picking up an adapter can help.
Following all the previous steps to connect incompatible 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, make sure your Bluetooth transmitter/adapter is pairing too, and you will be gaming with the Airpods in no time.
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How to pair Samsung Galaxy Buds to PS5
Just like the Apple AirPods, the process to pair the Samsung Galaxy Buds is quick and easy. Once you've bought a wireless transmitter for your PS5 and connected it to your TV's audio output, that is.
To get 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.”
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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 PS5.
Why Your Bluetooth Headphones Don't Work Natively With Your PS5
While the PS5 (and the Xbox series X|S) are, in theory, more than capable of supporting any Bluetooth headphones you wish, they don't. So what gives?
Well, there are two main reasons why they haven't made it easier for you to connect your preferred headset: bandwidth and latency.
While Bluetooth is vastly improved over earlier iterations, it still has limitations over how many devices you can connect at once, before it starts interfering with connections.
In turn, this can cause problems with stability, as well as leading to latency. And a delay in the audio from your game reaching your ears can have a significant impact on your gaming performance. And they don't want your gaming experience to be negatively impacted.
With all that being said, if you have a set of headphones you really want to use with your PS5, then follow the guidance we outlined above. It's the simplest, easiest way to get the devices to communicate.
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