Wondering can you connect Bluetooth headphones to xbox one console? Yes, you can!

If you’re looking to pair up a Bluetooth headset to your Xbox One, you might be surprised to find out it’s not that simple. In this article, we will walk you through connecting Bluetooth headphones to an xbox one console in a step-by-step tutorial guide.

Whilst Bluetooth headsets and earbuds offer an unprecedented level of compatibility with a wide variety of devices, the Xbox One isn’t Bluetooth compatible out of the box.

This is because the Xbox One makes use of a feature called Xbox Wireless. This is a wireless data transmission method that operates on a different frequency to conventional Bluetooth.

Don’t be disheartened, though. Pairing with your Xbox only requires a few additional steps. We’ve compiled 4 simple workarounds which will allow you to pair your headphones up and game without any issues.

Note: If you happen to have a headset that’s already compatible with Xbox Wireless, pairing is relatively easy. The information on that can be found further down in our article.

4 Workarounds On How To Connect Bluetooth Headphones To Xbox One

These 4 connecting your headphones to your xbox one workarounds have been ranked in order of simplicity. Each of them also offer varying levels of functionality.

Workaround 1 – Use Your Smartphone

This is one of the easier approaches to take. Simply put, you’re going to utilize some of the key features on the Xbox mobile app to allow you to use your Bluetooth headphones for Xbox party chat. Results vary with this approach so be prepared to try another method.

Step 1 – Access Your Xbox One Settings

Navigate to the settings menu on your Xbox one. From here, you’re going to want to select “Devices & Connections” and then select “Remote Features”.

Step 2 – Configure Your Remote Features

Make sure “Enable Remote Features” is ticked to indicate yes. Also double check that the “power-mode” setting to the right is set to “Instant-on”.

Step 3 – Access The Xbox App

Download the Xbox One App and log in. On the top right of the screen, to the left of the notification bell, you will see an Xbox icon. Selecting this will bring up a couple of options for interfacing with your Xbox One.

Select “remote play on this device”.

Step 4 – Enable Your Microphone

Your Xbox One’s display will now be output to your phone screen. Select the ellipsis at the top left of your screen to disable/enable your mic. All of your Xbox’s audio will now be coming through your phone.

Note: if this doesn’t work, you can also use the Xbox app to simply start a party chat with your mobile phone.

Workaround 2 – Use A Bluetooth Transmitter

Unfortunately, this is a solution that requires you to spend a little extra cash. Luckily, it’s only a fraction of the cost of a brand new Xbox wireless compatible headset. Not only will this approach allow you to connect your Bluetooth headphones to Xbox one. It’ll also allow you to sync up a Bluetooth speaker, too.

Step 1 – Buy A Bluetooth Transmitter For Your Xbox One Controller

Hop online to your favorite e-commerce website and find yourself a decent xbox one Bluetooth transmitter. Make sure it’s one that’s compatible with the 3.5mm aux input at the base of your Xbox One controller. From here, simply order and wait.

Step 2 – Connect And Power On

Once your transmitter arrives, power it up. It’ll likely have its own battery source as data transmission can be power consuming.

Once it’s up and running, insert it into the 3.5mm opening at the base of your Xbox One controller. You don’t need to worry about extending the antenna (if there is one) as you’re not going to be far from your controller at any point.

Step 3 – Sync And Play

Enable the pairing mode on both your Bluetooth headset and your wireless transmitter. This is normally accomplished by holding down the multifunctional power button for a few seconds until an LED indicator blinks. If either of your devices have a dedicated “pairing button” hit that instead.

Note: if this approach didn’t work, try using the transmitter on your TVs audio out. Read the workaround below for more info.

Workaround 3 – Use Your TVs Audio Output

This is another workaround that’s easy to implement. Especially if you have a smart TV with Bluetooth pairing as an integrated feature. If you don’t, you might find yourself having to rely on a Bluetooth transmitter.

Step 1 – Figure Out What You Need

If your TV already has Bluetooth connectivity out of the box, you’re good to go. You should look up a guide for enabling this with your specific model/brand of television to ensure you do it correctly.

If your TV isn’t Bluetooth friendly, you’ll need to make use of a Bluetooth transmitter. Luckily, anyone who’s attempted workaround 2 and failed will already have one.

Step 2 – Connect Your Headphones To Your TV

If you’re unable to pair your Bluetooth headphones natively with your TV, locate the audio jack. It’s normally denoted with a headphone symbol, the text “AUDIO OUT”, or both. From here, simply connect a Bluetooth transmitter to your audio out and sync. If you’re unsure of how to sync, consult with Workaround 2 – Step 3 above.

Workaround 4 – Use The Windows 10 App

Unfortunately, this workaround is a little bit more technically involved. It’s also a little bit more prohibitive in the sense that it requires you to actually own a PC that’s running a copy of the windows 10 operating system.

Much like the smartphone approach, this will allow you to stream the video/audio from your Xbox directly to your PC. All you need to do at this point is simply connect your Bluetooth gaming headset to your PC and you’re good to go.

Note: your pc will need to actually support Bluetooth for this to work. Make sure this is an integrated function in your computer. If it isn’t, you might need to buy a cheap Bluetooth USB adapter.

Step 1 – Search

Press the windows key (⊞) on the bottom left of your keyboard. Drag your mouse down to the bar that says “Type here to search” and type in “Xbox”. From here you’ll see the executable for the “Xbox Console Companion”, simply click it and allow it to run.

Step 2 – Log In

Make sure you log in to the Microsoft account that you’re using on the Xbox One you’re planning on remote accessing.

Step 3 – Set Up Your Xbox One

Once you’re in the app, you’ll notice an options menu on the left-most side of your screen. You should see an option their that says “connection”. Select this and you’ll be given the option to connect your Xbox One to the app. Click through the various prompts to begin a local area search for consoles using your Wi-Fi.

Step 4 – Wait And Select

Wait for the search to finish, then simply select the gaming console you want to access. This step is relatively simple as long as there isn’t an abundance of consoles on your Wi-Fi network. Even if there is, your consoles name should be a dead giveaway.

Once you’ve selected your console, you’re ready to go.

Step 5 – Start Playing

Your Xbox companion app will now allow you to navigate the games on your console and select them as you see fit. Some of them might even have mouse and keyboard support, if that’s something that interests you.

Once you begin streaming a game to your PC, all of the audio will be shared too. Meaning that any gaming headset you have connected to your PC will receive all of this audio too.

It’s a complex set of steps to travel for a workaround. But if it saves you from forking out money for a compatible headset, then it’s worth it in our eyes.

How To Connect Compatible Xbox Wireless Headphones To Xbox One

Still can’t connect your Bluetooth headphones to Xbox? Can’t be bothered tinkering with a Bluetooth transmitter? Live in a large housing complex with poor Wi-Fi? Don’t worry.

Perhaps you just want to benefit from the reduced latency of in game audio Microsoft is so proud of.

Whatever your reasons, it’d be understandable if you decided to cave in and buy a compatible gaming headset.

It’s definitely easier to pair via Xbox Wireless. but it’s not entirely obvious exactly how you do this. If you’re struggling, read the steps below.

Connecting To Xbox Wireless

Step 1 – Boot Up Your Console

If you’ve left your console running throughout the duration of you reading this article, it might’ve powered down. Ensure your console is powered on before you do anything else.

Step 2 – Boot Up Your Headphones

Make sure your headphones are fully charged and hit the power button. You don’t want them to die when you’re in the middle of pairing them. This’ll just result in you having to wait even longer to start gaming.

Step 3 – Locate The Pairing Button On Both Devices

On Your Headset

The default Xbox One wireless headset makes use of a power button with multiple functions. It’s normally green. Holding this down for a few seconds should allow you to enter pairing mode with your device. If you’re using a different model of headset, there may be a dedicated pairing button. Consult with the product manual before continuing.

On Your Xbox One (Older Model)

If you’re using one of the earlier generation models of Xbox One, the pairing button is directly to the left of the disc tray. It’s on the left-facing side of the console.

Bright silver with three bars etched into the button to indicate wireless functionality, you can’t miss it.

On Your Xbox One X | Xbox One S

For whatever reason, the pairing button is in a completely different location on the newer models. It’s located on the front-facing panel of the Xbox. It’s at the bottom right, almost directly underneath the power light indicator.

Step 4 – Pair

Consulting with the information above, enter both devices into pairing mode. Your headset should flash to give you some indication that pairing mode is activated. Some models may also beep.

Likewise, your console should play a quick beeping noise through your speakers to indicate it’s also ready to pair.

Wait a few seconds and then fire up a game or YouTube video to make sure you’re receiving sound through your headphones.

FAQ Connect Bluetooth Headphones

Why Aren’t My Bluetooth Headphones Compatible With My Xbox One?

It seems like a grave oversight on the part of Microsoft to fail to provide Bluetooth compatibility with their console, doesn’t it? There’s actually pretty solid reasoning behind this. Simply put, Microsoft decided it would be better to utilize a higher RF than the band you’d typically find in Bluetooth devices. This decision was made to help alleviate some of the latency and interference issues you’re likely to find with Bluetooth headphones.

Here is a compatible xbox one Bluetooth headset if your ready!

Money was probably a motivating factor, too though. This approach had the added benefit of allowing Microsoft to justify manufacturing more exclusive hardware for their console.

Should I Buy A Bluetooth Headset Or Compatible Headset?

This really depends on the individual. If you’re not a technical person and you don’t feel like having to follow a guide, it might be slightly easier to buy a compatible headset. But you’ll need to bare in mind that your compatible headset might be limited in its compatibility.

By purchasing a Bluetooth headset means that you’ll be able to pair with a greater variety of devices. Not just your Xbox.

There are also Xbox one Hybrid headsets available. These are headphones that are capable of interfacing with both standard Bluetooth RF bands and Xbox Wireless. Weigh your options up carefully before you make a purchase.