I wanted to use my AirPods with my PS5, but it wasn’t as simple as I hoped. I plugged them in, expecting instant connection, but nothing happened. After some searching, I found out that the PS5 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio.
That was frustrating. I didn’t want to buy a separate headset just to play games. So, I started looking for ways to make it work.
I found a few methods that actually let me use my AirPods with my PS5. If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry. I’ll share what worked for me and how you can do it too.
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The Secret to Making AirPods Work with a PS5
I wanted my AirPods to work with my PS5, but it wasn’t that simple. The console doesn’t support Bluetooth audio, so I had to find a workaround. A Bluetooth adapter turned out to be the best solution. Here’s how I got it working.
Find the Right Bluetooth Adapter for PS5
Not all adapters work the same way. I had to choose one that supports audio transmission. Here’s what I looked for:
- USB or 3.5mm jack – Some plug into the USB port, while others connect to the controller.
- Low latency support – A good adapter reduces audio lag, which is key for gaming.
- Plug-and-play setup – I wanted something that worked without complicated settings.
I went with a USB adapter for a simple and reliable connection.
Plug the Adapter into the PS5
Once I had the adapter, I plugged it into the PS5’s USB port. Some adapters also work with the controller’s audio jack, but I stuck with the USB option.
- If using a USB adapter, I plugged it into the front or back port.
- If using a 3.5mm adapter, I connected it to the DualSense controller.
- The adapter powered on automatically, ready for pairing.
Get AirPods Ready for Pairing
Now it was time to connect my AirPods. They needed to be in pairing mode to find the adapter.
- I placed both AirPods inside the charging case.
- I opened the case lid but kept the AirPods inside.
- I pressed and held the setup button on the back until the light flashed white.
That meant they were now in pairing mode.
Connect AirPods to the Adapter
The adapter had its own pairing method. I followed the steps provided with mine.
- I pressed the pairing button on the adapter until it started blinking.
- It automatically searched for my AirPods.
- After a few seconds, the blinking light turned solid. That meant the connection was successful.
I tested the sound by playing a game, and it worked right away.
Adjust the PS5 Audio Settings
The last step was to make sure the PS5 was sending sound through the adapter.
- I went to Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
- I selected the Bluetooth adapter as the output device.
- I adjusted the volume and checked if the mic was needed.
Once I did this, the sound came through my AirPods perfectly. Now, I could enjoy my games without wires holding me back.
A Sneaky Way to Use AirPods on PS5 Without an Adapter
I didn’t want to buy an extra adapter just to use my AirPods. So, I looked for another way. The PS Remote Play app turned out to be a simple trick to make it work.
Get the PS Remote Play App
This app streams the PS5 to another device, letting me use my AirPods for audio.
- I downloaded the PS Remote Play app on my phone.
- I installed it on a PC as an alternative option.
- I made sure my Wi-Fi connection was stable to avoid lag.
Connect the App to the PS5
To make this work, I had to link my device to the console.
- I turned on my PS5 and signed in to my PlayStation account.
- I launched PS Remote Play on my phone.
- I followed the on-screen instructions to connect the app to my console.
Pair AirPods to the Device
Now that the PS5 was streaming, I had to make sure my AirPods were connected.
- I put my AirPods in pairing mode.
- I connected them to my phone or PC running the PS Remote Play app.
- I played a game to check if the sound worked.
Play Games with AirPods on PS5
After setting everything up, I was able to hear my game through AirPods.
- The audio was smooth, with only a slight delay.
- I used a controller separately to play while the app handled the sound.
- I could now enjoy my PS5 without a wired headset.
This method isn’t perfect, but it worked when I needed a quick fix.
AirPods and PS4 or Xbox? Here’s What I Found
I wanted to use my AirPods on different consoles, but it wasn’t simple. Like the PS5, the PS4 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio on its own. That meant I had to use a Bluetooth adapter to make it work.
- I plugged a Bluetooth adapter into the PS4’s USB port.
- I put my AirPods in pairing mode and connected them.
- The audio worked, but there was no built-in mic support.
Xbox was trickier since it uses a different wireless system. Instead of an adapter, I used the Xbox app as a workaround.
- I downloaded the Xbox app on my phone.
- I connected my AirPods to my phone.
- I used the party chat feature for in-game audio and voice chat.
This method worked, but there was a slight delay.
Thinking Beyond AirPods? Try a PS5 Gaming Headset
AirPods were good for casual gaming, but I wanted something built for PlayStation. Dedicated headsets sounded better, had mics, and worked without extra setup.
- Pulse 3D headset – Designed for the PS5, with great audio.
- Wireless gaming headsets – No adapter needed, just plug and play.
- Wired headsets – Simple and reliable, with a direct connection.
AirPods were fine, but a proper headset made gaming feel better.