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How to connect Bluetooth headphones to a PS5

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You’ve heard that the PlayStation 5 (PS5) has Bluetooth, but when you fire up your console and head to the Settings menu, it doesn’t recognize your headset — what gives? Disappointingly, while the PS5 does indeed have Bluetooth built-in, there is little native support for headphones or other audio products; Bluetooth on the PS5 has been included primarily for connecting wireless keyboards and mice, as well as approved Sony products. Don’t fret; however, there is indeed a way to connect your headset to your game console, and it’s relatively easy.

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Still not sure which game console you want to grab? Check out our head-to-head between the Microsoft Xbox Series X and the Sony PlayStation 5.

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Further reading

Grab a Bluetooth adapter for your PS5

PS5 logo

The first step in getting your Bluetooth headphones to work with your PS5 is to pick up a USB-A or USB-C Bluetooth Audio Transmitter; these small devices can be inserted into one of your PS5’s USB ports and be used to connect to external Bluetooth audio devices. We recommend picking up a USB-A Bluetooth transmitter as the PS5 offers three USB-A ports and only a single USB-C port; it is best to leave the USB-C port free for devices that would take better advantage of the high speed, powered connection, such as an external Solid State Drive (SSD) for storing games once your internal storage has been maxed.

Nearly any Bluetooth USB transmitter will work with your PS5, but if you would like a specific recommendation, this reliable option from Avantree will work perfectly; it supports Bluetooth 4.1, which won’t be a problem for Bluetooth audio headsets.

Plug your Bluetooth adapter into your PS5

Begin by plugging your Bluetooth USB-A or USB-C transmitter into your PS5. If you went with a USB-A type transmitter, you can plug it into either the PS5’s front-facing Hi-Speed USB-A port or one of its rear-facing Super-speed (10 Gbps) USB-A ports. If you selected a USB-C type transmitter, you will need to use the sole USB Type-C port on the front of the device. Once inserted into your PS5, you can begin the pairing process with your Bluetooth headphones.

Connect your Bluetooth headphones to your PS5

Jaron Schneider / Digital Trends

Once your Bluetooth transmitter is inserted into your PS5, there are no additional set up processes required to complete on the PlayStation; it will automatically recognize the Bluetooth transmitter and prepare it for the system. When you are ready to pair your Bluetooth headphones with the PS5, follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Turn on your Bluetooth headphones, then place them into pairing mode following your manufacturer’s instructions — you may need to check the user manual for details.

Step 2: On the Bluetooth transmitter, hold down the transmitter button until the LED light begins flashing, then wait for a moment.

Step 3: Your transmitter will automatically detect your Bluetooth headphones and establish a connection — you are ready to begin gaming on PS5 with your favorite headphones!

If the connection failed, turn off your headphones and try the provided instructions again; if you wait too long between placing both devices into pairing more, the pairing process may be halted. Additionally, be sure that your Bluetooth headphones are charged.

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Michael Archambault
Michael Archambault
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Michael Archambault is a technology writer and digital marketer located in Long Island, New York. For the past decade…
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