How to Connect Wireless Headphones to Xbox?

Gaming can be fun when you are able to enjoy all the sound effects without any cross sounds. Good audio is important whether it is the bang of explosions or the light pacing of a competitor. However, when you attempt to pair wireless headphones to your Xbox, you might realize this is not as easy as it is when connecting them to a phone. 

Have you ever asked yourself  how to connect wireless headphones to Xbox, Xbox One, or even Series X/S  then, in this guide, we will take you through each sure way of doing it in order. You will also know how to fix it in case your headset is not connecting correctly and which devices will provide you with the best experience.

Why Xbox Doesn’t Support Regular Bluetooth Headphones

Firstly, it is useful to know why the Xbox does not act like your smartphone or PC, before delving into the connection methods. The majority of devices operate based on standard Bluetooth communication to transmit audio, whereas Xbox consoles operate on a proprietary communication system known as Xbox Wireless. 

It is a protocol designed by Microsoft that offers higher-speed, more reliable, and lower-latency sound (compared to regular Bluetooth). But, the drawback is that it can only be used with headsets that are compatible with Xbox consoles. Ordinary Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, such as the AirPods or Sony ones, do not work directly. 

Luckily, this limitation can be circumvented in a number of ways- through Xbox compatible headsets, Bluetooth devices and even the Xbox mobile app.

Use an Xbox Wireless Headset

An Xbox Wireless headset will be the easiest method to connect wireless headphones to your Xbox. These are headsets that can be connected directly to the console through the Microsoft Xbox wireless technology.

How to Connect

To connect your headset, switch on your Xbox console and, after that, switch on your headset. Press the Pair button on the console until the LED starts blinking. Repeat on your headset until its indicator light flashes. As soon as both lights remain solid, you are connected and can hear game sounds at once.

Why This Option Works Best

This is the surest way to connect since it supports game and chat audio simultaneously. The matching process is quick and the headset reconnects automatically whenever you start up your Xbox. The volume and chat balance can also be easily adjusted through the headset controls, which is convenient when you are playing games.

Recommended Xbox-Compatible Headsets

The official choice is the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset which has great sound quality and battery life. The SteelSeries Arctis 9X feels comfortable during longer gaming sessions, and the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 provides the best sound with high-quality microphones.

Use a Headset That Includes a USB Wireless Dongle

In other cases, gaming headsets are wireless and include their own USB transmitter or dongle, so that they can be connected wirelessly without typical Bluetooth. When the dongle is Xbox compatible, it offers a direct connection between your headset and console.

How to Connect

Plug the USB dongle into the one of the USB ports of your Xbox. Plug on your headset, and it will automatically identify and connect to the dongle. Then you may open the window Setting to Devices and Connections to Accessories to verify the connection and change any preferences.

Advantages of This Method

Dongle headsets are user friendly and offer decent sound quality. Most of them are also interchangeable between the Xbox and the PC which makes them adaptable to varying setups.

Important Considerations

Ensure that the dongle included with your headset is Xbox designed. Playstation or PC dongles simply will not work in most cases since the Xbox systems do not accept any hardware that is not authorized.

Use a Bluetooth Transmitter for Regular Headphones

A Bluetooth transmitter can be used in case you already have Bluetooth headphones and do not want to purchase another headset. This little adapter fits either into the audio out on the 3.5 mm of your Xbox controller or the audio out of your TV and sends the audio signal wirelessly to your headphones.

How to Connect

Install the Bluetooth transmitter in the headphone jack of the controller. Switch on the transmitter and switch it to pairing mode. Then also place your Bluetooth headphones in pairing mode. When connected, you will begin to hear what your console is playing. 

In case your controller does not have a headphone-jack, then connect the transmitter to the optical or audio output of your television. Thus, your Xbox sound goes through the TV and your headphones.

Things to Know Before You Try

A Bluetooth transmitter will allow you to listen to game audio, but not voice chat. In order to reduce sound lag, select transmitters which support aptX Low Latency. It is also better to keep your headset near the transmitter.

When This Option Works Best

This is a cheap option to players who already possess good Bluetooth headphones. It is best used with casual or solo gaming when the chat feature is not required.

Use the Xbox Mobile App for Chat Only

The other smart alternative to link your wireless headphones to your Xbox is via the Xbox mobile app. This approach doesn’t transmit audio of the game to your headphones, but allows you to use any Bluetooth headset to chat in the party.

How to Set It Up

Install the Xbox app on your smartphone and use your Microsoft account to log in. Connect your Bluetooth headphones to your phone. Within the app, in the Social tab, join or create a party chat. Play with your phone around and hear your friends on your Bluetooth headphones and the game sound on your TV or speakers.

When to Use This Method

This arrangement is excellent when you game with others, and you primarily just want to communicate with your friends through your wireless earbuds. It is fast, easy and has no extra hardware requirements.

Connect Through Your TV’s Bluetooth

In case you have a modern smart TV, you can possibly connect your Bluetooth headphones to the TV. This method directs all the Xbox audio over the television and wirelessly to your headphones.

How to Connect

Go to Settings of your TV, Sound and AudioOutput, Bluetooth. Turn on headphone pairing mode and make a selection in the list of devices in the TV. When connected, the console sounds will sound through your headphones.

Things to Keep in Mind

Even though this technique does not require any additional equipment, it could introduce a minor delay in audio because of your television type. Also voice chat is not typically supported. Nevertheless, it is a convenient way to play single-player games or watch movies on your Xbox.

Troubleshooting Wireless Connection Problems

Wireless connections may not always be reliable, yet the majority of the issues are simple to resolve.

Headphones Won’t Pair

When your headset does not connect with it, ensure that it has been fully charged and is not attached to a different device. Reboot both your headset and your Xbox and re-pair.

No Game Audio or Chat Sound

Open Settings VOLUME and Audio output and ensure that the right output device is selected. Ensure that the console recognizes your headset or transmitter.

Sound Delay or Lag

Transmitters with low-latency codecs (like aptX LL) should be used to reduce lag. Ensure you have your transmitter close to your console and you do not have any objects that may interfere with the signal.

Recommended Wireless Accessories for Xbox

The selection of the appropriate headset or accessory can transform your gaming life entirely. Xbox Wireless Headset is the most convenient and stable choice among console users. The SteelSeries Arctis 9X has high-quality sound and comfort. Transmitters such as the Avantree Audikast Plus or 1Mii B03Pro+  are also an excellent option to lessen the lag and enhance the range of the signal to those who use regular Bluetooth headphones. The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2  is another solid all-in-one that is compatible with Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless.

Final Thoughts

It does not take much effort to learn how to connect wireless headphones to Xbox just that after knowing what you have to choose, it becomes easy to find the solution that fits you. 

An Xbox Wireless headset is the best choice due to its zero delay and full compatibility. Even with a pair of Bluetooth headphones already in possession, a low-latency transmitter or the Xbox app can still provide you with a good experience. And when you simply feel like chilling and playing a game on your own, you can easily connect two headphones to your television. 

There is no matter which approach you take, you will be able to have a comfortable immersive sound- without any wires to pull you down.

FAQs About How to Connect Wireless Headphones to Xbox