4 Easy Ways to Connect Any Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One

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

The Xbox One remains one of the most popular gaming consoles today, with over 50 million units sold globally in the first half of 2022 alone.

Sadly, it still doesn’t have a built-in Bluetooth audio support.

That’s why we tested different workarounds and came up with the four most efficient solutions to connect Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One. Let’s dive in!

1. Use Bluetooth Transmitters

In our experience, connecting Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One using a Bluetooth transmitter is the quickest and most efficient way. This also has the least audio delay and provides an almost seamless experience, if not for the hassle of getting out to buy a transmitter.

Here’s how to connect your Bleutooth headphones to Xbox One via a Bluetooth transmitter:

1. Switch the Bluetooth transmitter on by pressing the Power Button for about 3 seconds. You could also wait until flashing Blue or Red LEDs appear. This will depend on the transmitter you use, so make sure to consult the product manual for guidance.
2. Plug the transmitter into the 3.5mm port of your Xbox controller.
3. Power on your headphones and initiate pairing mode. Keep in mind that some headphones have different pairing instructions than others, so make sure to check the user guide.
4. Pair the transmitter to your headphones by pressing the Multifunction Button on your Bluetooth transmitter for 5 seconds. This will put the dongle into pairing mode.
5. Wait until you see a steady blue light on the dongle signifying that the connection has been established.

In case you’re wondering, we used the Uberwith Bluetooth transmitter for this tutorial. This transmitter also works when connecting your Bluetooth headphones to Nintendo Switch and follows the same pairing steps as other transmitters.

2. Connect via TV

To connect Bluetooth headphones to an Xbox One via your TV, first link the Xbox to your TV, then pair the headphones with the TV.

Here’s how:

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

   

2. Locate the HDMI port at the back of your TV 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.

   

4. Connect 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.

3. Use the Xbox App

If you’re not keen on spending extra dollars on a transmitter or if your TV doesn’t support Bluetooth, here’s how to connect your headset to your Xbox One via a Windows PC or mobile device using the Xbox app.

For Windows PC

With a computer as the end-user device, you should be able to enjoy all Bluetooth audio functions, including in-game audio or party chat, but not simultaneously. That said, here’s how to connect your Bluetooth headset to your Xbox One via a Windows PC:

1. Access the Xbox Console Companion app by creating a new Microsoft account or signing into an existing one.

   

2. Make sure both devices are on the same network (preferably an ethernet connection for streaming). Then, enable the Xbox One app on your PC by clicking the Connection icon located near the bottom of the Xbox app’s sidebar menu.

   

3. In the Connect to your Xbox One window, click on the Add a device icon in the top-right.

   

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, then 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.

Remember that this method comes with its own limitations, such as audio lags. To counter this issue, Microsoft recommends updating your PC and performing a clean boot. But prior to this, ensure you have at least a Windows 10 OS version on your PC and that there are no apps running in the background.

For mobile devices

If you wish to use your Android or iOS device, you can use the Xbox One mobile app to connect your Bluetooth headset.

Here’s how to connect your Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One via the Xbox One mobile app:

1. Connect your Bluetooth headset to your mobile phone.

   

2. Go to the Xbox One app and click on the social icon – the icon with two people.

   

3. Click on the headset icon to start a party.

   

4. Accept the permissions.

   

5. This will open the party chat screen where you can start inviting your teammates.

   

4. Use OneCast for Mac

If you’re a Mac user, you can use OneCast to connect your Bluetooth headset to Xbox One via Mac. This app allows you to stream Xbox One games on your device. It also lets you listen to in-game audio through your Bluetooth headphones while they’re connected to your Mac.

You can download OneCast for a two-week free trial. After 14 days, you’ll need to pay $9.99 to continue using the full version.

Here’s how to connect your Bluetooth headphones to the Xbox One via your Mac:

1. After downloading OneCast, click on the DMG folder to fully install it.
    
2. Drag the OneCast app to your Applications folder.

   

    
3. With your Xbox turned on, click on the OneCast icon to launch the app. It should automatically detect your Xbox and prompt you to log into the console with your Microsoft username and password.

   

    
4. Once OneCast is connected to your Xbox, connect your headphones to your Mac.
    

Recommended Adapters for Wireless Headphones in Xbox One

If your device lacks the 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 highly recommended third-party accessories to connect Bluetooth headphones to Xbox.

• Skull & Co. AudioBox: This is a Bluetooth 5.0 transmitter for Xbox with aptX-LL and LDAC support, ensuring high-quality, in-sync audio. It includes a built-in mic for in-game chat and powers via the controller using only 1W, offering long gaming without frequent recharges.
• Friencity Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter Receiver: This supports dual headphone connection for shared listening and features continuous play while charging, with automatic reconnection to the last device.
• SCOSCHE BTT-SP FlyTunes: This is a versatile Bluetooth 4.1 transmitter with 180 hours standby time, featuring foldable 3.5mm prongs for easy storage, compatible with Xbox and various devices with single or dual AUX ports.

FAQs for Connecting Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One

Why doesn’t the Xbox One support Bluetooth Audio?

The lack of built-in support isn’t due to device inferiority. Rather, Microsoft chose Xbox Wireless over Bluetooth for Xbox consoles to minimize latency and enhance sound quality. Xbox Wireless operates at a higher 5GHz frequency, unlike Bluetooth’s 2.4GHz, ensuring a more stable connection.

How to connect compatible Xbox Wireless headsets to Xbox One?

To connect an Xbox Wireless Headset to your Xbox, press and hold the power button on the headset until the light flashes, then press the pairing button on your console. The headset and console will pair automatically, indicated by a solid light on the headset.

Which headphones use Xbox Wireless?

Here’s a list of Xbox-compatible headphones you can choose from as of the time of writing:

• Xbox One Chat Headset
• Xbox One Stereo Headset
• Xbox Series X Headset
• Corsair HS75 XB Wireless Gaming Headset
• LVL40 Wired Gaming Headset
• LucidSound LS50X
• HyperX CloudX Flight Wireless Gaming Headset
• Audeze Penrose X
• 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
• Razer Kaira Pro
• Razer Nari Ultimate
• SteelSeries Arctis 9X Gaming Headset
• Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 Wireless Gaming Headset
• Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Wireless Gaming Headset