Traditionally, gamers have enjoyed the sound of their favorite titles with headphones or wired headphones. But Bluetooth headsets are getting better. Many models are now designed to enhance the gaming experience by eliminating confusing cables.
Some Xbox Series S or X owners don't know how to connect these devices wirelessly. Here's how to connect Bluetooth headsets to Xbox Series S or X.
Connect Bluetooth headsets to Xbox Series S or X
Microsoft isn't too interested in letting S or X series consoles natively support Bluetooth headsets. The company does not support Bluetooth, which justifies this design choice by saying that Bluetooth connections introduce latency. While this is true, many gamers already have Bluetooth headsets and want to use them with their consoles.
You can still connect your Bluetooth headset to these consoles. The most common method is to purchase a Bluetooth dongle, although you can use other connection points. When using any Bluetooth method, audio is transmitted in only one direction. You cannot communicate via in-game voice chat when using a Bluetooth headset with yourXbox-Serie SoXbox-Serie X.
dongle bluetooth
Xbox Series S and X controllers feature a 3.5mm audio jack that accepts almost all wired headsets or headset models on the market. The console sends audio signals wirelessly to the controller. This feature also allows the use of Bluetooth dongles. Of course, it is better to use only equipment built for controllers, since they work with a guarantee.
After inserting the dongle, please follow the steps below.
- turn it aroundBluetoothDongle y
- Turn on your Bluetooth headset.
- Put your headphones in pairing mode.
- Do the same with the transmitter, turn it on.
- Look for signs of a successful mating.
- Start playing.
Every dongle and headset is different, so the steps may vary slightly. Still, you can expect this sequence of events, since these devices are configured similarly. Bluetooth transmitters are good value for money and are compatible with a wide range of wireless headphones.
If you're wondering why USB Bluetooth dongles aren't being considered, it's because the consoles don't have controllers to power them. Controllers yes.
smart tv
Some players like to play on asmart tv. Depending on the model, these monitors may have built-in Bluetooth support. The main benefit of having a Bluetooth enabled TV is that the purchase of a Bluetooth dongle becomes optional.
While all smart TVs are different, you can expect these steps when connecting your Bluetooth headset to your Xbox Series S or X for use with a smart TV.
- Put your wireless headphones in pairing mode.
- Access your Smart TV and look for theBluetoothconnectivity.
- search devices. Select your wireless headphones.
- Pair the headphones and check if the connection is successful.
- Keep playing.
Smart TV Bluetooth connections can fail when there are too many objects between you and the screen, causing interference. Try to keep the room free of large obstacles.
gaming monitor
Gaming monitor owners should also have access to a built-in 3.5mm audio jack. This jack readily accepts Bluetooth dongles, though you'll need the type designed just to use the 3.5mm jack. As with connecting a Bluetooth headset to an Xbox Series S or X for use on a smart TV, you won't have access to in-game voice chat features with a gaming monitor.
- Plug the bluetooth dongle into the audio jack of the gaming monitor.
- Turn on your Bluetooth headset.
- Put the headphones in pairing mode.
- Wait for the pairing process to complete. Check the connectivity and enjoy your game.
One advantage of this method is that these Bluetooth transmitters are cheaper than Xbox controllers. These days you can get them for less than half the price of the last type, even if you invest in a quality transmitter that lasts longer.
using your pc
OXbox Console Companionthe app comes with everythingPC con WindowsoLaptop. It allows Xbox Series S and X owners to connect to computers using an Internet connection. This connection allows users to use Bluetooth headsets by pairing them with Windows.
Your computer and Xbox must be connected to the same network for the app to work. It also goes without saying that your PC or laptop must have Bluetooth functionality.
The process is like this.
- Open Xbox Console Companion on your computer.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account.
- Click on the "hamburger icon" in the upper left corner.
- Click on "Connection".
- Click the Add Device button.
- Find your "Xbox One" and connect it.
- Pair your headset with your Windows computer and start gaming.
Advantages of bluetooth headphones
Bluetooth headsets are extremely convenient and allow gamers to move freely without being tied to a chair or sofa. Portability is a big plus, eliminating the need to remove your headphones for drinks or snacks.
Improved wireless technology allows gamers to sit further away from the screen, which is easier on the eyes. There is no risk of tripping over or stepping on cables, which is a problem with wired headphones. Wired headphones need to be replaced when the cable is damaged, which is not a problem with wireless headphones.
Disadvantages of bluetooth headphones
There are compelling reasons to use a Bluetooth headset when gaming on an Xbox Series X and S, but those consoles only support a proprietary wireless connection out of the box. With Bluetooth headsets, you just have to make do with in-game audio and forgo voice chat unless you're using the Xbox mobile app. Many players can only listen, but others prefer two-way communication.
Bluetooth headphones have higher latency because the audio signal has to go through a chip before reaching your ears. The small delay could be the reason why you react with a fraction of a second delay and lose games. Competitors and professionals may not be interested in sacrificing response times for portability.
No Bluetooth by nature?
Microsoft understands that the high latency of Bluetooth is undesirable for gaming, but the company also knows that wireless headsets are useful. As such, Xbox Series X and S use 5GHz bandwidth instead of the 2.4GHz bandwidth used by Bluetooth devices.
This proprietary bandwidth reduces latency to a level that competitors can accept, yet the only way to game without latency is by using a wired headset. To connect wireless headsets directly to these consoles, you need models that say "Designed for Xbox." These products are specifically designed for newer Xbox consoles and tend to work better.
Microsoft's wireless protocol can support up to eight controllers and headsets, all with less than 8 milliseconds of latency. When using Bluetooth, that number drops dramatically to just two. Please note that these reviews were made on Xbox One, the predecessor to the Series S and X.
That design philosophy carries over to the S and X series, meaning the improved signal strength and lower latency make Bluetooth a worse choice in terms of performance.
That means it depends on the headset from Microsoft or its authorized manufacturers. These include Razer, SteelSeries, and Turtle Beach, and you'll have to pay for a new pair just to play comfortably. Even so, these headsets either use the console's wireless protocol or come with a USB dongle, allowing for plug-and-play.
Here's how to connect these headsets to your Xbox console.
- Plug the USB dongle into a port if your headset has one.
- Turn on the wireless headphones.
- Wait for them to pair up.
Those without a dongle have a slightly different process.
- Turn on the console and headset.
- Wait until the headphone light flashes.
- Press the pairing button on the Xbox.
- When the earphones stop flashing, the connection is successful.
In the end, you can enjoy your games using licensed or Bluetooth headphones. Think before you buy headphones from Microsoft, as they may not be a worthwhile expense if you already have a favorite pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones.
Frequent questions
Does the Xbox Series S or X support Bluetooth?
No, neither Xbox Series S nor Xbox Series X consoles natively support Bluetooth connectivity. Instead, they enable proprietary wireless protocols. However, you can use a third-party Bluetooth transmitter.
Is it worth buying Xbox Series S or X headsets?
This is a personal decision. Some gamers already have high-quality headsets and don't need new ones. Those who exclusively game on these consoles and want comfort will appreciate these licensed headphones.
Can AirPods connect to Xbox Series S and X?
Yes, AirPods can connect to consoles, but you'll need a Bluetooth dongle to connect. Other than that, there is no support for AirPods.
comfort at a price
It is possible to connect your Bluetooth headset to an Xbox Series S and X, but you will not be able to use the microphone and talk to other people. This small obstacle will not stop many players from playing their favorite titles. While you may need some hardware, it's better than buying a new pair of headphones.
Which of these Bluetooth headset connection methods to Xbox Series S or X do you prefer? Have you tried other ways to play wirelessly? Let us know about your experience in the comments section below.