Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One [✓ 3 Easy Ways]

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Let’s be honest–using a wired headset can negatively affect everyone’s gaming experience. Imagine those pesky wires tangled in your hands while holding the controller. Annoying, right? 

How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One

Fortunately, Bluetooth headphones exist now. But can you connect Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One? And if you can, how do you connect your Bluetooth headphones to your Xbox One? Discover the answer in this article.

Can You Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One?

Yes, you can connect Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One if you use Microsoft-compatible headsets. However, if you have a standard gaming headset, connecting it to your console requires a minor workaround.

This is because Xbox One doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity for headsets other than the official ones made by Microsoft. Xbox has its own proprietary wireless technology called “Xbox Wireless”, which is only compatible with its official headsets.

Get a compatible wireless headset for your Xbox One on the Xbox Shop.

How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One

Connecting a Microsoft gaming headset to your Xbox One is easy. Pairing standard wireless headsets is a bit more complex. Let’s see the different cases.

Here’s how to connect wireless headphones to Xbox One:

Method 1. Connecting a Compatible Headset

Connecting an official Xbox headset to an Xbox One is pretty simple. First, turn your wireless headset on by holding the green button on its side until the indicator light blinks. Next, press the “Pair” button on your console. Your Xbox One’s indicator light should also blink. 

Once the headset connects to your console, the indicator lights should stop flashing on both devices.

How to Connect a Compatible Wireless Headset to Xbox One

Learn more about pairing and connecting a compatible Xbox One Bluetooth headset to your console on Xbox Support.

Methos 2. Connecting a Standard Headset Using a Bluetooth Dongle

A Bluetooth dongle or transmitter is a third-party device that you can connect to non-Bluetooth devices so they can receive and transmit Bluetooth signals. You can purchase a dongle from online shops like Amazon.

Follow these steps to connect standard headphones to your Xbox One using a Bluetooth dongle:

  • Step 1. Connect your Bluetooth transmitter to the controller’s 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Step 2. Turn on your Bluetooth headphones.
  • Step 3. Press the headphone and console’s “Pairing” buttons to connect them.
  • Step 4. Wait for the devices’ indicator lights to stop blinking.

    This means you have successfully connected your Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One.

    Connect Headphones to Xbox One - Bluetooth Dongle

Method 3. Connecting a Standard Headset Without a Bluetooth Adapter

If you don’t want to invest in a Bluetooth transmitter, you can connect Bluetooth headphones to the Xbox One without an adapter. For this process, you’ll have to use the Xbox mobile app. For example, this is a good option for connecting AirPods to your Xbox.

Important! Connecting your gaming headphones to your Xbox One via the Xbox app will not allow you to hear in-game audio. Instead, you can only use your headphones to join group voice chats during the game. 

These are the steps to connect noncompatible Bluetooth headphones to Xbox One using the Xbox mobile app. 

  • Step 1. Enable “Remote Play” on your Xbox One.

    Go to “Settings > Devices & Connections > Remote Features.”
  • Step 2. Connect your headphones to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
  • Step 3. On your smartphone, download the Xbox mobile app.
  • Step 4. Sign in to the app using the same account logged in to your Xbox One.
  • Step 5. Select the “Social” icon on the Xbox app to enable party chat.
  • Step 6. Tap the “Headphones” icon on the top-right of your screen.

    Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox One - Xbox App

Is the headphone’s sound not in sync with your game. Your Xbox could be lagging. Find out how to fix an Xbox One lag here.

Make the Most Out of Your Xbox One

Now that devices are wireless, knowing how to connect gaming headphones to your Xbox One is essential. This way, you won’t be interrupted by your headphones tangling on your hands or nearby items. 

If you have standard gaming headphones, connecting them to your Xbox One using a Bluetooth dongle is the best workaround.

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