Can You Connect AirPods to PS5? Here’s What You Need to Know

We explain why the PS5 doesn’t support AirPods, plus some tried-and-tested workarounds.

The AirPods are excellent earbuds that deliver dynamic sound quality suited for music and mobile games. But what if you want to use them for more heavy-duty gaming? For instance, can you connect your AirPods to a PS5?

Therein lies the problem, because the PS5 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio.

This can be annoying, especially if you prefer using AirPods for their quality, convenience, and portability. And instead of being able to enjoy that, you’re left with no choice but to use (or worse, buy) wired headphones.

Don’t stress – we hear you! We’ve got solutions on how to connect your AirPods to your PS5 with and without adapters. We’ll also explain exactly why the PS5 doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones like AirPods. So, let’s dive in!

Do AirPods Work With PS5?

No, your AirPods won’t work with your PS5 right out of the box.

More specifically, you can’t simply connect your AirPods to your PS5 console as you can with a smartphone or laptop.

To be clear, the PS5 does use Bluetooth “at a system level.” This allows you to connect peripherals like keyboards, mice, and DualSense controllers. But when it comes to audio, Sony restricts this to USB and analog headsets or PS5-compatible headsets like the Pulse 3D Wireless.

Why doesn’t the PS5 support Bluetooth audio?

Well, there are two reasons for this: interference and latency.

Bluetooth 5 transmits over the 2.4 GHz band, a frequency used by everything from security cameras to baby monitors and even some household appliances. Since this frequency gets quite overcrowded, your Bluetooth connection becomes susceptible to interference. This causes periodic disconnections, audio dropouts, and static noises, thus affecting your gameplay.

Latency is another issue. Despite the improvements in Bluetooth technology, audio delays can still happen because transmitting and converting digital audio data into audio signals takes time.

The speed at which this happens also depends on Bluetooth versions, codecs, and the distance between the audio source and receiver.

For instance, typical wireless Bluetooth latency is between 34 to 300 milliseconds, which isn’t noticeable when listening to music.

But if you’re playing a fast-paced multiplayer game, even the slightest delay can impact your gameplay and in-game communication.

That said, if you’re still determined to use your AirPods for gaming, either due to personal preference or because buying new headphones isn’t in the budget, there are a few ways to connect them to your PS5.

How to Connect AirPods to PS5 With Bluetooth Adapter

As mentioned, PS5 consoles don’t have built-in Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headsets. So the quickest way to get around that is by using an adapter that adds Bluetooth functionality to your console.

Here are three Bluetooth adapters that’ll work well with AirPods and PS5:

• Antank Bluetooth Audio Transmitter: This adapter features Bluetooth 5.0 and AAC codec support. It can connect two headphones simultaneously and lets you access in-game voice chat. You can also connect up to eight wireless controllers or four JoyCons.
• GTRACING Bluetooth USB Adapter: This features Bluetooth 5.1 and is compatible with AirPods and PS5. It also supports two simultaneous Bluetooth connections.
• Uberwith PS5 Bluetooth Adapter: This Bluetooth 5.0 adapter connects directly to the DualSense controller via its 3.5mm jack. It’s compatible with most Bluetooth headphones, including AirPods, and supports ultra-low latency audio. It also has built-in buttons for pairing, volume control, and mic muting.

Bluetooth adapters are easy to use. Most are driver-free, meaning you can simply plug them in and use them without installing additional software.

For a more detailed guide on how to connect your AirPods to PS5 using a Bluetooth adapter, check out the steps below:

1. Place your AirPods in their charging case.

   

2. Plug the Bluetooth adapter into the PS5’s USB port.

   

3. If your adapter has a pairing button, press that first. If not, go to step 4.

   

4. Open your AirPods case (with the AirPods inside) and press the setup button to initiate pairing mode.

   

The pairing process may be different for other Bluetooth adapters. So, check your Bluetooth adapter’s pairing instructions to be sure.

How to Enable AirPods on Your PS5

Once your AirPods are connected, you’ll need to enable them in your PS5 console’s settings to make them usable. Here’s how to do that:

1. Press the Playstation button on your dual sense controller to open up the quick menu.

   

2. Then, navigate to Sound.

   

3. Next, click on Output Device.

   

4. Under Output Device, select your AirPods.
   In some cases, your Bluetooth adapter is the one listed. Click that instead.

   

How to Connect AirPods to PS5 Without an Adapter

If you’re not keen on buying a Bluetooth adapter, you can use your smart TV instead. Most smart TVs have built-in Bluetooth functionality, so taking advantage of that is an excellent way to save money.

Here’s how to connect your AirPods to a PS5 via a Samsung smart TV:

1. 1. Open Settings on your smart TV’s home screen.

      

1. Select Sound.

   

2. Then select Sound Output.

   

3. Next, tap on the Bluetooth Speaker List to prompt your smart TV to search for Bluetooth devices.

   

4. Open your AirPods case (with the AirPods inside) and press the setup button to initiate pairing mode.

   

5. Select your AirPods under Bluetooth Speaker List on your smart TV.

   

6. Click OK on the confirmation prompt.

   

FAQs for Using AirPods With PS5

Can I talk with other gamers on PS5 with AirPods?

No, you can’t use your AirPods’ mic to chat while connected to your PS5.

Remember that when you go from listening to music to taking a call on your AirPods, the Bluetooth profile changes from Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) to Headset Profile (HSP). The former handles high-quality stereo audio signals, while the latter does not.

Since in-game audio and chat happen concurrently, it would mean that your AirPods would be perpetually using the low-quality HSP.

HSP isn’t ideal for immersive gaming. And this is why Sony doesn’t support third-party Bluetooth headsets. Instead, they recommend their brand of headsets that can handle high-quality chat and in-game audio at the same time.

The good news is: you can use your DualSense controller’s built-in mic. It works surprisingly well and is easily accessible via the mic button on the controller. However, using this feature reduces haptic feedback on the controller. If that doesn’t bother you, it’s an alternative worth considering.

Do AirPods Max work with PS5?

Yes, but you’ll have to use them in wired mode.

All you need is Apple’s Lightning to 3.5mm cable to connect your AirPods Max via the 3.5mm jack on the DualSense controller. This method lets you access the AirPods Max’s mic for chatting, and you can even use the headphones’ Digital Crown to adjust the in-game volume.

Conclusion

If buying PS5-compatible headphones isn’t in the cards for you, or if you just enjoy and prefer using AirPods, no worries. The solutions we shared above should help you connect your AirPods to a PS5 with or without an adapter, so you can continue gaming the way you choose.

How did you find this article? Have you tried any of these methods? If so, let us know how they worked for you in the comments below.