Can You Use AirPods on Xbox? 4 Workarounds That Work

Short answer: not directly. Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles do not support Bluetooth audio, so AirPods (and other Bluetooth earbuds) will not show up if you try to pair them with the console. You can still use them in four ways: pair them with your TV, stream your Xbox to your iPhone with the Xbox app, plug a Bluetooth transmitter into your controller, or play on a PC. Each workaround has trade-offs, mainly audio delay and voice chat, which we explain below.

Why AirPods will not pair with an Xbox

Xbox consoles use Microsoft’s own Xbox Wireless technology for headsets, not Bluetooth audio. The console uses Bluetooth only for some controllers and accessories, and there is no Bluetooth audio option in its settings. That is also why the USB Bluetooth adapters many people use with a PS5 are not a solution on Xbox: wireless headsets that connect to Xbox use Xbox Wireless or a dongle certified for Xbox.

The four workarounds at a glance

Method 1: Connect AirPods to your TV

If your TV supports Bluetooth headphones, the AirPods hear everything the TV plays, including your Xbox.

1. Put the AirPods in their case and open the lid. On AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3, double-tap the front of the case; on other models, press and hold the button on the back of the case. The light flashes white when they are ready to pair.
2. On the TV, open its Bluetooth or sound output settings and search for devices. The menu name differs by brand.
3. Choose the AirPods, then make sure the TV’s sound output is set to Bluetooth.

This costs nothing, but there is no microphone path back to the Xbox, and many TVs add enough delay to make fast games feel slightly off. Check whether your TV has a game mode or an audio delay setting. Our console audio guide covers TV Bluetooth in more detail.

Method 2: Use the Xbox app on your iPhone or iPad

The Xbox app can stream your console to your phone (Remote Play), and your AirPods connect to the phone as normal. It can also run party chat, so your friends can hear you through the AirPods’ microphones.

1. On the Xbox, go to Settings > Devices & connections > Remote features and turn on Enable remote features.
2. Install the Xbox app on your iPhone or iPad and sign in with the same Microsoft account.
3. Connect your AirPods to the phone.
4. In the app, choose your console and start Remote Play, or open a party to chat while you play on the TV.

Remote Play works best on fast home Wi-Fi with the console wired to your router. If you only want voice chat, you can play on the TV as usual and use the app just for the party, with game sound from the TV speakers and chat in your AirPods.

Method 3: Plug a Bluetooth transmitter into the controller

Current Xbox Wireless Controllers have a 3.5 mm headphone jack. A small Bluetooth audio transmitter can plug into that jack, run on its own battery, and send the game sound to your AirPods.

1. Charge the transmitter, then plug it into the controller’s headphone jack.
2. Put the transmitter in pairing mode, and put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the case button.
3. Wait for them to connect, then adjust the volume from the Xbox’s audio settings.

Expect a noticeable delay. AirPods use Apple’s AAC and the basic SBC Bluetooth codecs and do not support low-latency codecs such as aptX Low Latency, so even a good transmitter cannot remove the lag completely. Most transmitters also do not carry your voice back to the console. Check that a transmitter is designed to plug into a controller, because some look similar but only work with wired headsets.

Method 4: Play on a Windows PC

If you play Xbox games through the Xbox app on Windows or through cloud gaming, AirPods connect to the PC like any Bluetooth headphones and the microphone works for chat. Expect a drop to lower call-quality sound when the microphone is active, which our guide to Bluetooth headphones on Windows 11 explains.

Do AirPods Pro or AirPods Max work any better?

No. AirPods Pro and AirPods Max use the same Bluetooth audio as standard AirPods, so the same four workarounds apply. Wired listening options differ between AirPods Max versions, so check Apple’s support page for your model before buying a cable for the controller.

Is it worth it, or should you get an Xbox headset?

For occasional single-player games, the TV or phone method is free and good enough. If you play online every day, the delay and the lack of a proper microphone get frustrating, and a headset made for Xbox is the better answer. Xbox Wireless headsets connect straight to the console with low delay and a working microphone, and many also connect to your phone over Bluetooth. Our guide to the best wireless gaming headsets covers options that work with Xbox. Using a PS5 too? See can you use AirPods on PS5.

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