Connecting your favourite AirPods to your Xbox Series X or S (or even an older Xbox One) might seem like it should be straightforward, but as with many things tech, there’s a bit of a catch. It’s not a simple matter of just pairing them directly. Don’t fret, though; there are definitely ways to get your AirPods working with your Xbox.
Let’s take a look at why you can’t just connect them directly and the workarounds available.
Why Can’t You Just Pair AirPods Directly to Your Xbox?
This is the main hurdle, and it comes down to how Xbox consoles handle wireless audio. Unlike many devices, the Xbox Series X, Series S, and even the Xbox One consoles don’t have built-in support for standard Bluetooth audio.
Instead of typical Bluetooth, Microsoft uses its own specific wireless standard for connecting accessories like controllers and headsets. This means that Bluetooth-only devices, like your AirPods or other popular wireless earbuds, simply can’t connect natively to the console. You can’t just go into the Xbox settings and pair them up like you would with a phone or computer.
However, the good news is that while you can’t connect them directly, there are still methods to use your AirPods for Xbox gaming audio and sometimes even chat.
Workaround 1: Using the Xbox Mobile App
One of the most common and useful ways to use your AirPods with your Xbox is by utilising the Xbox app on your mobile phone or tablet. This method allows you to use your AirPods for party chat and can also route game audio to your earbuds through streaming.
Here’s how you can set this up:
- Ensure Remote Features are Enabled on Your Xbox: On your console, navigate to the Settings menu. Find and select Devices & connections, then choose Remote features. Make sure the “Enable remote features” box is checked.
- Pair AirPods to Your Mobile Device: Connect your AirPods to your Android or iOS phone or tablet. This is done the usual way – open the AirPods case with the buds inside near your device and hold down the button on the case until the light flashes white, then select them on your phone.
- Download and Launch the Xbox App: If you don’t have it already, install the Xbox app from your device’s app store. Open the app and sign in using the exact same Microsoft account you use on your Xbox console.
- Initiate Remote Play: In the Xbox app, tap the console icon (it looks like a rectangle with waves around it). Then, tap Remote play on this device. Your console will start streaming your gameplay to your phone.
Once the stream is active, both the game audio and voice chat will be directed through your AirPods, which are connected to your phone.
Using the Microphone for Chat with the Xbox App:
The Xbox app method also lets you use your AirPods microphone for party chat. After setting up remote play and having the app open:
- Look for the eight-dot icon (sometimes described as a three-dot icon or ··· icon) on the app’s interface, often in the top-left or top-right corner, and tap it.
- Select Unmute to turn your microphone on. You might need to tap “Allow” the first time.
Important Considerations for the Xbox App Method:
- Streaming Required: This method requires your phone or tablet to remain on and actively streaming your Xbox gameplay. You’re essentially playing on your phone, even if you’re also watching the main screen. It’s advisable to keep your phone plugged in.
- Potential Latency and Quality: Streaming can sometimes introduce a slight delay or impact audio quality compared to a direct connection. This might be noticeable, particularly in fast-paced games. The delay is minimal for party chat, however.
- Audio/Chat Limitation: When using the Xbox app for chat, you might find that enabling the microphone mutes the game audio. Sources suggest you often cannot hear game sound and use the microphone for chat simultaneously through this method. If you want game audio back, you’ll need to mute your microphone again.
Workaround 2: Connecting to Your TV or Monitor
If your television or monitor has Bluetooth audio capabilities, you can bypass the console altogether and connect your AirPods directly to your display. Here’s the general process:
- Check Your Display’s Settings: Access your TV or monitor’s settings menu. Look for an Audio or Bluetooth section.
- Enable Bluetooth: Turn on Bluetooth on your display.
- Put AirPods in Pairing Mode: Place your AirPods in their charging case, open the lid, and press and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light starts flashing white.
- Pair on Your Display: Your display should detect the AirPods. Select them from the list of available devices to pair.
Once connected, all audio from your TV or monitor, including your Xbox game audio, will play through your AirPods.
Important Considerations for the TV/Monitor Method:
- Bluetooth Capability Required: This method only works if your specific TV or monitor supports Bluetooth audio. Compatibility steps can vary between models.
- No Microphone Support: A major limitation of this method is that you cannot use your AirPods’ microphone for game chat. This is purely for listening to game audio.
- Potential Latency: You might experience some audio delay (latency) between the game action on screen and the sound in your AirPods. This can be disruptive, especially in games requiring quick audio cues.
Workaround 3: Using a Third-Party Bluetooth Adapter
Since the Xbox controller has a 3.5mm audio jack and a proprietary data port, some third-party manufacturers have created adapters that plug into the controller to add Bluetooth functionality. Here’s how this generally works:
- Obtain a Compatible Adapter: You’ll need to purchase an adapter specifically designed for Xbox controllers. Examples mentioned include the Skull & Co Bluetooth audio adapter.
- Plug the Adapter into Your Controller: Connect the adapter to the bottom of your Xbox controller, typically using both the 3.5mm jack and the data port. Ensure it’s fitted correctly.
- Pair AirPods to the Adapter: Put your AirPods into pairing mode. Then, activate the pairing mode on the adapter (this usually involves holding a button). The adapter and AirPods should find each other and connect.
Once paired, game audio should come through your AirPods. Some adapters may include a built-in microphone for voice chat, as your AirPods mic often won’t work directly with the adapter.
Important Considerations for Adapter Method:
- Additional Cost: You have to buy a separate piece of hardware.
- Controller Bulk: The adapter plugs into the bottom of the controller, which can make it feel bulkier or change its balance, which some players might find bothersome.
- Microphone Support Varies: While some adapters have their own microphone, your AirPods’ built-in mic might not work via this connection.
- Adapter Quality: Reviews for these adapters can be mixed. Ensure you choose a reputable one.
Which Method is Best for You?
The “best” method really depends on what you want to do:
- For Party Chat: The Xbox app is currently the best option for using your AirPods microphone to talk to friends. Just remember the potential limitation where you might not hear game audio simultaneously.
- For Game Audio without Phone Streaming: If you primarily want game audio without involving your phone, and your TV supports it, connecting directly to your Bluetooth-enabled TV or monitor works well for listening. Just know you lose chat capability. Alternatively, a controller adapter provides game audio directly from the controller, potentially with its own mic for chat.
- For a More Seamless Experience: If these workarounds feel too cumbersome and you game frequently, investing in a headset specifically designed for Xbox Wireless or one with a compatible USB adapter might offer a more seamless audio and chat experience.
While it’s a bit frustrating that Xbox doesn’t natively support Bluetooth audio like AirPods, these workarounds do provide ways to use your preferred earbuds for gaming audio. Perhaps future Xbox console generations will include native Bluetooth support, which would certainly make things a lot simpler.
