How to Use Bluetooth Headphones with Your PS5
Nowadays, most devices capable of producing audio are compatible with Bluetooth headphones like AirPods. Whether it’s a computer, smartphone, or even a Nintendo Switch, the pairing process is smooth: simply remove the headphones from their case, and you’re ready to enjoy content. However, one significant exception stands out: the PlayStation 5.
This realization hit me one evening while attempting to play Astro Bot. I cherish this game, but it can be quite loud. To respect others in the house, I thought it best to use my AirPods. I followed the conventional method: enabling pairing mode on my AirPods, powering on my PS5, and navigating through Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories. My AirPods appeared on the screen, but when I attempted to connect them, a notification popped up: “The PS5 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio accessories.”
Excuse me? In 2020, a $500 console like the PS5, released years after Bluetooth headphones became commonplace, lacks support for such accessories? This would make sense only if Sony produced its own range of wired and wireless headphones, encouraging users to purchase those instead of using existing devices. Oh wait: they do. Other brands also offer headphones specifically designed for the PS5, but really? Even the original Switch now supports Bluetooth audio, a feature introduced by Nintendo a mere four years after its release. There’s no reason Sony couldn’t follow suit.
To address this situation without resorting to purchasing one of Sony’s exclusive audio devices, there’s a straightforward and cost-free solution—provided your television is compatible.
Link Your Bluetooth Headphones Directly to Your TV
While feeling frustrated, a quick search led me to this Reddit discussion. The original poster expressed a sentiment similar to mine, questioning the lack of Bluetooth audio device compatibility with their PS5. No clear answer exists (though the aforementioned reasoning is plausible), but another user offered an interesting suggestion: simply pair your headphones with your TV.
Could that actually work? Why had I not thought of it? My TV is a modern gadget equipped with Bluetooth capabilities—of course, I can connect my AirPods there when playing on my PS5!
Bear in mind, this method requires a television with Bluetooth audio support. My model from 2017 certainly has it, suggesting that many TVs from the last several years likely include this feature.
Confirm Your Settings
To make this work, some adjustments to the audio outputs may be necessary. Ensure that your PS5 audio source is set to your TV, and likewise, the TV needs to output audio through its internal speakers. If your television already plays sound through its speakers, these settings are likely in order. However, if you utilize an external audio system, such as a soundbar, double-check that the right configurations are applied. You can find these options within the PS5 under Settings > Sound > Audio Output. Check your TV’s audio settings to confirm that it’s set to use its built-in speakers.
Pair Your Headphones or Earbuds
After confirming the settings, the next step is to connect your Bluetooth headphones to the TV. Activate pairing mode on your headphones (the method may vary based on the model, so a bit of research might be required) then go to your TV’s audio settings to look for Bluetooth accessories. With this menu accessible, scan for available devices, and you should see your headphones listed. Select them and wait for a successful pairing, at which point your headphones will receive audio from the TV—and, by extension, from the PS5.
Alternatively, Consider a Bluetooth Audio Adapter
If your television lacks Bluetooth functionality entirely, there’s no need to purchase Sony’s headphones. Instead, a Bluetooth audio adapter offers a much more budget-friendly solution. This device can grant Bluetooth capabilities to non-Bluetooth gadgets. By plugging one into your PS5 or your TV, you can connect your headphones and continue enjoying your games without disturbing others.
A range of adapters is available; one such option is UGREEN’s USB-C Bluetooth adapter, which has received positive feedback. In fact, even the HomeSpot, initially designed for the Switch, is compatible with the PS5 now that it has Bluetooth support.
You can find these adapters priced around $25, and while it’s aggravating to spend money to achieve a feature that should be built-in, it’s certainly more economical than investing in an entirely new headset just to play your PS5 at a comfortable volume.
