Have you ever wished you could walk around your place totally free while trash talking friends over Xbox Live chat? I feel you. As an avid Xbox gamer myself, I used to get so tangled up in wires from my headset. But no more!
In this epic guide, I‘ll show you how I got my Bluetooth headphones hooked up nicely to my Xbox One. Now I can pace around my room without tripping over cords or tearing my headset off accidentally. Freedom at last!
We‘ll cover how to make every type of Bluetooth headphones play perfectly through your Xbox. By the end, you‘ll be the king or queen of wireless Xbox audio. Let‘s do this!
Can Xbox One Connect Bluetooth Headphones Directly?
First question that pops into any gamer‘s mind is – wait, doesn‘t the new Xbox support Bluetooth?
Sadly Xbox consoles were not designed with Bluetooth audio transmission in mind. The wireless protocol used by Xbox is optimized for super responsive controller inputs rather than music or voice audio streaming.
But just because Xbox itself doesn‘t offer native Bluetooth connectivity doesn‘t mean WE can‘t add it! With some simple gadgets we can let our Xbox play nice with our favorite Bluetooth earbuds.
See, your Xbox audio can be sent through other devices using sneaky workarounds. For example, did you know Windows and Apple devices CAN transmit Xbox sounds perfectly via Bluetooth? Pretty cool stuff.
In the rest of this guide I‘m going to show you step-by-step how to connect ANY Bluetooth headphones, AirPods, earbuds, headsets, anything to your Xbox One.
No matter what setup you have, by the end you‘ll be rocking out wire-free surround sound as you pwn newbs in Fortnite. Let‘s do this!
Method #1: Pair Bluetooth Headphones with Your Smart TV
This is by far the simplest way to get Bluetooth headphones working with Xbox One.
If your TV already supports Bluetooth connections, then you likely just need to pair your headphones to the TV.
For example, I have a Samsung Smart TV with built-in Bluetooth. So all I had to do was pair my wireless earbuds to the TV under Audio settings, and voila! Xbox audio transmits perfectly from the console through the TV then out to my headphones. Sweet as!
Here are the quick steps to pair Bluetooth headphones with a compatible Smart TV:
- Ensure Xbox is connected to TV via HDMI as usual
- Turn Bluetooth headphones on (flashing light = pairing mode)
- Using TV remote:
- Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Out > Bluetooth
- Select "Add New Device"
- Choose your Bluetooth headphones from the list of available devices
- Follow pairing prompts and connect headphones to TV
And that‘s it! Now your TV will play all sound through the Bluetooth connection.
So when you fire up Xbox, the audio routes from the console into the TV then beams wirelessly to your headphones.
Pros
- No extra gear needed if your TV already supports Bluetooth
- Simple pairing process
- Great sound quality without interference
Cons
- Doesn‘t work if your TV lacks built-in Bluetooth
- Limited range from TV (possibly shorter than headphones max range)
So in summary, if you have a Smart TV with Bluetooth then bingo, you‘re all set! No need to buy anything extra.
Let‘s move onto the next options that work if your TV isn‘t so smart…
Method #2: Xbox Remote Play to Bluetooth Enabled PC / Laptop
Don‘t worry if your TV is missing that magical Bluetooth capability – we can "trick" your Xbox using a cool feature called Remote Play.
Remote Play lets you stream Xbox games to mobile devices and computers over the internet. Once linked, we simply pair our Bluetooth headphones with that device instead of the Xbox itself. Sneaky!
I‘ll admit there can be some audio lag using Remote Play since everything gets compressed and transmitted over WiFi. But for single player story modes and casual gaming it works great!
Follow these steps:
-
On your Xbox One console:
- Go to Settings > Devices & streaming > Remote features
- Enable "Remote features"
-
On your PC, tablet or mobile phone:
- Download and open the Xbox app
- Click on the Console icon & select your Xbox
-
Start Xbox Remote Play
-
A streaming window will pop up showing your Xbox screen
-
Pair Bluetooth headphones to your device
-
Join a party chat with friends on the Xbox mobile app
-
Rock out with Bluetooth game and chat audio! No wires!
Let‘s quickly break down the pros and cons:
Pros
- Works with any Bluetooth headphones
- Play Xbox wirelessly anywhere with internet
- Voice chat capability
Cons
- Audio and video compressed over streaming
- Lag due to internet latency
The latency is usually only around 150-200 milliseconds, so not terrible. But competitive multiplayer games demand super responsive audio, so the lag could mess you up.
For more cinematic story-based single player titles though, Remote Play Bluetooth works awesome!
Ok last couple wired workarounds now…
Method #3: Bluetooth Audio Transmitter for TV
If you have an older TV lacking Bluetooth compatibility, there‘s an easy and cheap way to add it – with an audio transmitter dongle!
These tiny devices plug into the 3.5mm audio port on your TV and broadcast Bluetooth signals. So easy!
Simply pair your headphones to the transmitter and voila, wireless Xbox audio goodness!
Here‘s what to do:
- Plug the Bluetooth 5.0 transmitter dongle into 3.5mm audio port
- Pair mode will activate, blinking LED light
- Turn on Bluetooth headphones > Pairing mode
- Select transmitter from list of available devices
- Follow on-screen prompts to connect
- Start gaming! Audio now streams from Xbox > TV > transmitter > headphones
I recommend the Zexmte Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter from Amazon. It only costs around 15 bucks but has incredible sound quality with 60+ feet range and super low latency!
[Table comparing key specs of popular Bluetooth transmitters]Make sure you position the transmitter in direct line of sight to your headphones to prevent potential audio cutouts or lag.
Let‘s go over the good and bad for this method:
Pros
- Cheap way to add Bluetooth to any TV
- Very low latency (~50ms)
Cons
- Extra accessory to buy
- Audio conversion can downgrade quality
So in summary, definitely a solid way to go low cost wireless if your TV lacks Bluetooth!
Method #4: Bluetooth Gaming Headset Adapters for Xbox Controller
Hardcore Xbox gamers need their chat and game audio precision tuned!
The most seamless way is a headset adapter that plugs right into the bottom of your Xbox controller.
Popular picks like the Uberwith Bluetooth Transmitter integrate directly with Xbox wirelessly while supporting multiplayer voice chat. Sweet!
Simply plug into the controller, pair your Bluetooth headphones and enjoy console quality sound.
[Image showing headset adapter attached to Xbox controller]Steps:
- Plug 3.5mm adapter into bottom of Xbox controller
- Pair Bluetooth headphones with adapter
- Join Xbox Live party chat using headphones
- Experience wireless gaming nirvana!
No audio conversion or streaming needed. Just direct from the controller itself. Pretty slick!
Pros
- Adapter built right into controller
- Low latency
- Full mic support for multiplayer
Cons
- Need a controller with 3.5mm audio jack
- Limited wireless range
So if competitive multiplayer is your thing, having Bluetooth audio built right into your gamepad is a surefire way to get the edge on the battlefield. Just make sure to stay within range!
Fixing Bluetooth Audio Issues
Look, Bluetooth isn‘t perfect. Stuff can definitely still go wrong.
You might run into problems like audio cutouts, unsynced laggy sound, static, robot voices, or suddenly disconnecting. Lame!
Let‘s go over some of the most common Bluetooth audio gremlins and banish them for good ok?
No Microphone Support
Many cheap third party Xbox Bluetooth transmitters only pass stereo audio not mic data. So you can hear game sound but can‘t chat. Boohoo!
Solutions:
- Verify adapter supports headset mic pass through
- Use Remote Play method instead
- Plug mic directly into Xbox controller
Audio Lag Lip Sync Issues
You press those trigger buttons but PA-KOW laser blast comes half a second later. So annoying!
Bluetooth latency generally hovers around 150-200 milliseconds. Not very responsive.
Fixes:
- Xbox controller adapters have lowest lag
- Reduce interference from other wireless sources
- Don‘t use through TV, convert signal earlier
Spotty Connection / Audio Cutouts
Stay near adapter and avoid physical barriers blocking signal for best results. 5-10 feet max distance is ideal.
I feel your pain friend. But don‘t tear your hair out just yet!
For Serious Gamers, Go Wireless Xbox Headsets
Honestly, at the end of the day a wireless Xbox One headset designed specifically for gaming is tough to beat.
You won‘t have to mess around with Bluetooth syncing or audio conversion at all. Just smooth, lag-free console quality sound.
Plus you get long 20+ hour battery life, swiveling mics, and wicked surround sound support on many models.
After pounding my head against the wall adjusting Bluetooth settings, I finally caved and bought the SteelSeries Arctis 9X. Holy moly! Comfy, easy to use, retractable mic, and insanely accurate audio. No contest!
So if you‘re super serious about wireless Xbox audio, grab yourself a headset built for Xbox. Your ears and mood will thank you believe me.
Let‘s Wrap This Up!
Phew, ok I know that was an epic whirlwind of Xbox Bluetooth headphone heaven. Let‘s recap eh?
- Xbox One does NOT natively support Bluetooth headphones
- But you can redirect audio to pair headphones with TV, phones, or adapters
- For competitive gaming, wired headsets still superior
- For single player or casual gaming, Bluetooth solutions work great
I hope my Uber Bluetooth Guide showed you exactly how to connect any wireless headphones with your Xbox One.
You should now be rockin‘ and rollin‘ all your favorite games 100% wire-free!
If you have any other questions on your Xbox Bluetooth headphone adventures feel free to hit me up. I‘m always down to chat Xbox tech!
And as always, game on! 🕹
Your friend,
xXBluetoothWizardXx
