How to Connect Any Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One

(Last Updated On: February 10, 2021)

Tired of wires? Here are the best ways on how to connect your Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One.

Xbox is currently one of the most used gaming platforms. But most users still have one complaint that hasn’t been solved for years — the lack of Bluetooth audio support.

It can be extra frustrating if you’re a new Xbox player who unknowingly bought a pair of wireless headphones, only to find out that it’s not compatible with your console. You’d think it’s a waste of money!

Moreover, you’d be stuck with your wired headphones. And you’d be reminded of this problem every time you untangle annoying wires.

The good news is, there’s still hope! In this article, we’ll teach you all the ways to connect any Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One.

Quick Links

Click on the links to jump to the relevant section.

• Can You Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One?
• How to Connect Compatible Xbox One Wireless Headsets
• How to Connect Non-Compatible Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One
• Recommended Accessories for Wireless Headphones in Xbox One
• Conclusion

Can You Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One?

When almost every device sports a Bluetooth feature, Xbox makes an exemption.

However, device inferiority is definitely not the reason. It’s simply because Microsoft, the Xbox maker, decided to go a different path in connecting wirelessly.

Instead of going with Bluetooth, Xbox uses a unique, in-house wireless protocol – the Xbox Wireless.

Like Bluetooth, Xbox Wireless allows connecting headphones to Xbox One without the use of pesky cables. But, unlike Bluetooth, which uses the 2.4GHz Radio Frequency, Xbox Wireless uses a higher RF. This results in reduced latency and improved audio experience when using the headphones.

With its own wireless technology, Microsoft launched technology-specific peripherals. This includes headsets that are devoid of the typical Bluetooth feature.

There are only a handful of these Xbox-compatible headsets, and they come in two types:

• The first one uses a wireless dongle, which users attach into one of the Xbox controller’s USB ports to connect the headphones.
• The other connects automatically to the console instead of going through the controller. Thus, eliminating the need for dongles and whatnot. This type of wireless headphones is a bit more expensive, though, but it is highly efficient on its own.

With Xbox headphones’ alleged superiority over BT headphones, they’re starting to sell hot among Xbox gamer groups.

Here’s a list of Xbox-compatible headphones you can choose from.

• Xbox One Chat Headset
• Xbox One Stereo Headset
• Corsair Hs75 Xb Wireless Gaming Headset
• LVL40 Wired Gaming Headset
• Lucid Sound LS50X
• HyperX CloudX Flight Wireless Gaming Headset
• Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp M80
• Lucid Sound LS35X Wireless Surround Sound Gaming Headset
• Victrix Pro AF Wired Gaming Headset
• Turtle Beach Elite Pro 2 Headset + SuperAmp
• Astro A50 Wireless Headset + Base Station
• Kingston HyperX Cloud II Headset
• Razer Thresher Ultimate
• Razer Thresher
• SteelSeries Arctis 9X Gaming Headset
• Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 Wireless Gaming Headset
• Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Wireless Gaming Headset

But, if what you have isn’t listed, fret not. There is hope, and we can make it work with your Xbox One. You will need some Bluetooth-enabling accessories and devices, though. And we’ll discuss more of these in the later sections of this article.

In the meantime, let’s get to know how to connect wireless Xbox-friendly headphones to Xbox One.

How to Connect Compatible Xbox One Wireless Headsets

With Xbox Wireless being an exclusive technology, first-time users may find connecting devices under this unfamiliar protocol a bit perplexing.

To make it a breeze for you, we laid out the steps on how to connect compatible Xbox One wireless headsets properly.

1. Turn your headphones to ‘pairing mode’. This usually involves holding down the power button until the LED light is on.
2. Proceed to turn your console on by pressing the console’s power button.

   

3. Still, on your console, locate the Pairing Button.
   For older Xbox models that came before Xbox One S and X, this can be found on the console’s left side, near the disk drive. For newer models, it is located at the right lower portion of the front panel.

   

4. Enable pairing by pressing on the Pairing Button on your console until its LED light blinks. This indicates readiness.

   

5. Go back to your wireless headset and search for the Connect Button. Press and hold this button and wait for the LED to start flashing rapidly. It means the device is ready to pair.

   

   Other headphone models may require different ways of doing this. It’s best to consult your headphones’ user manual to be sure.
6. Allow a few seconds for the LED lights on both devices to steady. The console will then flash a “Headset Assigned” note. And from the headset, you will hear a tone. If the devices paired successfully, you would start hearing the game audio.

   

Connecting compatible devices is an easy task. But for non-compatible headphones, establishing a wireless connection via BT takes a whole new process. The subsequent guide makes it easy for you to navigate through the steps.

How to Connect Non-Compatible Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One

It may be disappointing that Xbox doesn’t support the use of Bluetooth headphones. But, ingenuity and tools can make connecting these devices possible. Read along to find out how.

Nonetheless, here’s what you should do:

• Utilize PC connection
• Connect via TV
• Use the Xbox App
• Use Bluetooth transmitters

Utilize PC connection

One of the rather ingenious means of using your Bluetooth headphones on Xbox One is connecting the console to your Windows PC. With the PC as the end-user device, you can now efficiently utilize your Bluetooth headphones to tether sounds!

Since Windows PC and Xbox One are powered by Microsoft, configuring a connection should be easy.

There are only two conditions to connect Xbox One to Windows PC seamlessly:

• Both devices are on the same network setup (preferably ethernet connection for streaming)
• Use the Xbox Console Companion app.

Securing an Xbox Console Companion app should not be a problem. The app is already installed on all Windows PCs – a move by Microsoft to integrate the two services. But if not, you can simply download it here.

To successfully connect Xbox One to Windows PC, perform the following:

1. Access the app by signing up or signing in to your Microsoft account.

   

2. Enable the Xbox One app on your PC by clicking the Connection icon located at the Xbox app’s left-hand menu.

   

3. Look for the Connect to your Xbox One window. In its top-right, you will see the Add a device icon. Click on it.

   

4. Windows will automatically search for your Xbox One console. Once the console is detected, click the Connect button.

   

5. If it’s taking a long time to search, do it manually by typing your Xbox’s IP address in the box and then press Connect.

   

6. If you’re having a hard time connecting, simply go to your Xbox settings, choose Devices & Streaming, and go to Device connections. From there, enable Allow Play To streaming, Allow game streaming to other devices, and Only from profiles signed in on this Xbox. Then check if your Xbox is listed in the Connections tab.

   

7. Once it is connected, you can then start controlling the Xbox functions via your PC.

   

Now that your Xbox One is finally connected to your PC, you can start using the Bluetooth headphones by linking them to your PC.

To proceed, check out our full guide on how to connect Bluetooth headphones to PC.

If you’re using a Mac, worry not! You can also use your Xbox One on Mac with a few tweaks. Check out this video to find out how. Then, you can do the same as you did on Windows PC and connect your Bluetooth headphones to Mac.

But aside from leveraging your PC to connect any Bluetooth headphones to Xbox, your TV also makes a good PC alternative.

Connect via TV

For television to bridge the gap between Bluetooth headphones and Xbox, we’ll do the same as the Xbox-PC hack. We’ll have to connect the Xbox to the TV first and then connect the Bluetooth headphones to the TV set.

To connect your Xbox to PC, follow these steps:

1. Plug the HDMI cord included in your Xbox One, into the port at the back of your console.

   

2. Go to the back of your TV, locate the HDMI port and plug in the other end of the cord.

   

3. Using your remote, set the TV’s Input Source to the HDMI port you’ve plugged in.

   

Then, proceed with connecting your Bluetooth headphones to your TV. If you’re not sure how, feel free to check out our guide on how to connect wireless headphones to TV. Moreover, if your TV doesn’t naturally support Bluetooth, you may also use Bluetooth audio transmitters for TV.

Use the Xbox App

If you don’t find any of the above hacks convenient for you, we still have more to go. One of which uses the Xbox One App to connect Bluetooth headsets.

Here’s how to proceed:

1. Connect your Bluetooth headset to your mobile phone.

   

2. Then, go to Xbox One App. Proceed to Parties > Start a Party.

   

3. Choose Party Controls, click on Change Audio Device, and choose Bluetooth device.

   

4. Proceed with the Party Chat.

Use Bluetooth transmitters

Using Bluetooth transmitters is another way of beating Xbox One’s Bluetooth restriction. This device allows you to use your Bluetooth headphones on the console.

Here are the steps on how to use Bluetooth audio transmitters to Xbox:

1. Switch the transmitter on by pressing the power button for about 3 seconds, or wait until flashing Blue or Red LEDs appears.

   

2. Plug the transmitter into the 3.5mm port in your Xbox controller.

   

3. Power on your headphones and enter into pairing mode. Keep in mind that some headphones have different pairing instructions than others. For your best bet, check out your manufacturer’s guidelines.

   

4. To pair the transmitter to your headphones press and hold the multifunction button on your Bluetooth transmitter for around 5 seconds. This will put the dongle into pairing mode.

   

5. For a faster connection, bring your headphones close to the transmitter. Wait until you see a steady blue light on the dongle.

   

6. Once a connection is established, you can listen through as you play.

In case you’re wondering, this tutorial used the Scosche FlyTunes Xbox One Bluetooth transmitter. This transmitter also works in connecting your Bluetooth headphones to Nintendo Switch. But the steps are pretty much the same as other transmitters.

Recommended Accessories for Wireless Headphones in Xbox One

If your device lacks utilities to establish a flawless connection between Bluetooth headphones and Xbox One, then you might need the help of Bluetooth-enabling accessories.

Below are some of the other recommended third-party accessories to connect Bluetooth headphones to Xbox.

Turtle Beach Headset Audio Controller Plus

The Turtle Beach Headset Audio Controller Plus can bridge the gap for controllers that do not have the 3.5mm audio jack to plug in a Bluetooth transmitter. However, you will still need to secure a Bluetooth transmitter to connect the Bluetooth headphones.

This device has other great functions, too! It elevates your gaming experience by enhancing your game audio to a top-notch level. It does so by incorporating an ultra-sensitive feature called the Superhuman hearing mode. This allows picking up silent audio leads such as enemy footsteps or weapons reload.

It also has game and mic presets. With it, you can customize your gaming sounds or adjust your voice volume. Who needs to shout with this feature?

Plus, it also allows you complete control of your mic, game, and chats volumes through easy-to-manage buttons.

Uberwith Bluetooth Transmitter

Uberwith Bluetooth Transmitter enables your BT headphones to connect to Xbox via the controller. But other than that, it also has a built-in, omnidirectional microphone for party chats. This solves the recurring dilemma of not being able to talk with your teammates when using non-compatible Xbox headsets.

The downside, however, is it doesn’t work with AirPods.

Conclusion

Being able to use your BT headphones on Xbox consoles rids you of the hassles of buying a new device. Not to mention, you’re saving big on bucks, too!

Enjoy gaming even without Microsoft’s wireless headsets. As long as you have this guide and a premium pair of BT headphones, it’ll get you covered. Game all you want using your old but gold Bluetooth headphones.

Should you encounter any connection issue, resetting the bluetooth headphones usually fixes the problem. If not, you can check out our other guides on how to fix Bluetooth audio problems like audio stutters, sound delays, or zero sound.

Got any more headphones-related problems? Let us know, and we’ll help you fix them!