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How to Connect AirPods to Xbox in Easy Steps (with Photos)

Connecting AirPods to Xbox may seem simple, but it requires a workaround since Xbox does not natively support Bluetooth audio devices.

In this 2500+ word guide, you‘ll learn several methods to pair AirPods with Xbox using accessories and apps. I‘ll explain the pros and cons of each approach and provide step-by-step instructions with photos demonstrating the set up.

Why Xbox Doesn‘t Support Bluetooth Headsets

Bluetooth support was left out of Xbox consoles to optimize wireless connectivity between controllers and the console itself. Microsoft prioritized low latency connectivity for gaming, which requires a proprietary wireless signal.

Bluetooth audio tends to have more lag and interference issues that would degrade multiplayer gaming performance. So to deliver the best experience, Xbox relies on its own custom wireless technology.

That means AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones won‘t directly connect to the Xbox like they would with your phone or laptop. But with a little creativity, you can still use AirPods wirelessly with Xbox.

Method 1: Pair AirPods with Your TV‘s Bluetooth

If your TV has Bluetooth support, you can pair your AirPods to the TV rather than the Xbox itself. Here‘s how:

Step 1: Check if Your TV Supports Bluetooth

You‘ll typically find Bluetooth options under your TV settings menu, often under Audio settings or Connected Devices. Look for options related to Bluetooth audio or headset connectivity.

If you see options to Add Device or Pair New Device, your TV can connect with AirPods via Bluetooth. Refer to your TV manual for details if you‘re unsure.

Photo: TV settings showing Bluetooth pairing

Step 2: Put Your AirPods in Pairing Mode

Open the AirPods case next to your TV and hold down the small setup button on the back of the case. You should see the status light on your AirPods flash white to indicate pairing mode.

Photo: Holding down AirPods setup button to enable pairing mode

Step 3: Select AirPods to Pair with Your TV

On your TV settings, navigate to the Bluetooth menu and select Search for Devices or Pair New Device. Your TV will scan for nearby Bluetooth devices in pairing mode.

You should see your AirPods listed among the available options. Select them to initiate pairing.

Photo: AirPods discovered in TV‘s list of Bluetooth devices

Confirm pairing on both devices when prompted. Your AirPods status light will turn solid white when connected. The TV may indicate "Connected" or "Paired" next to the device name once pairing is complete.

Now audio from the TV should play directly through your AirPods. When using your Xbox, be sure to have the Xbox HDMI input selected on the TV for the audio to be transmitted.

Pros

  • Completely wireless
  • Simple pairing process
  • Uses existing TV hardware

Cons

  • Won‘t work if TV lacks Bluetooth support
  • Manual control of volume/mute still uses TV remote
  • Can‘t use AirPods mic for Xbox party chat

Method 2: Use Xbox Remote Play App with AirPods

With this method, you‘ll connect your phone wirelessly to your Xbox using the Xbox app‘s Remote Play feature. Then your phone will transmit the Xbox audio to your Bluetooth headphones.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Enable Remote Features on Your Xbox

On your Xbox console, go to Settings > Devices & Connections > Remote Features

Under Remote Features, check the following options:

  • Enable Remote Features – Allows Xbox remote connectivity
  • Enable remote wake – Lets you turn Xbox on remotely
  • Enable low power state – Keeps Xbox in connected standby

Image: Enabling Remote Features options on Xbox

These settings allow you to connect to Xbox from the app anytime.

Step 2: Download Xbox App and Sign In

Download the Xbox app for iOS or Android on your mobile device. Launch the app and sign in using the same Microsoft account associated with your Xbox console.

Image: Download Xbox app from the App Store or Google Play

Step 3: Pair Your Phone with Your AirPods

Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone. Open the AirPods case next to your phone and hold down the setup button on back until the light flashes white.

On iPhone, a popup will appear to connect to the AirPods. On Android, navigate to Bluetooth settings, select your AirPods, and hit Pair. Refer to your phone‘s user manual if you need help pairing over Bluetooth.

Image: iPhone popup to connect AirPods

Step 4: Launch Xbox Remote Play in the App

In the Xbox app, tap the Home icon in the bottom menu. At the top right, tap the Console streaming button next to the notifications icon.

Image: Tapping Console streaming button in Xbox app

You will see a warning that a controller needs to be connected. Tap Continue Anyway to initiate Remote Play.

After a moment, the Xbox will appear on your phone screen! The Xbox audio should now play through your AirPods.

Image: Xbox Remote Play streaming on an iPhone with AirPods connected

Pros

  • Wireless Xbox audio on your AirPods
  • Can move around the room with phone as a remote
  • No extra equipment required

Cons

  • Delay between Xbox audio and video
  • Drains phone battery
  • Still need TV for gameplay video

Method 3: Use a Bluetooth Transmitter

A Bluetooth transmitter connects to your TV‘s audio output port to receive the audio signal and broadcast it via Bluetooth. You sync your AirPods with the transmitter to hear Xbox audio without wires.

I recommend the UGREEN Bluetooth 5.1 Transmitter Receiver.

Here‘s how to set it up:

Step 1: Connect Transmitter to TV

Plug the 3.5mm end of the Bluetooth transmitter into the Audio Out port on the back of your TV. This is the same port where you would connect wired headphones for private listening.

Image: UGREEN transmitter connected to back of TV

Step 2: Pair Transmitter with Your AirPods

With the UGREEN transmitter plugged into a USB power source, hold down the power button until the LED blinks red. This puts it into pairing mode.

Open your AirPods case next to the transmitter then hold the setup button on back. The AirPods should connect after a few seconds. The transmitter LED will change from red to solid blue when paired.

Image: Bluetooth transmitter paired with AirPods

Now Xbox audio will be sent from the console, to the TV speakers, into the transmitter overaux, then finally broadcast to the AirPods over Bluetooth!

Pros

  • No audio lag like using Remote Play
  • Volume controls right on transmitter
  • Continues working if TV lacks Bluetooth

Cons

  • Extra hardware to buy and connect
  • Needs open USB port for power
  • Can‘t use mic for chat

Method 4: Attach Adapter to Xbox Controller

For this method, you‘ll use a Bluetooth adapter designed specifically for Xbox controllers. It plugs into the stereo headset jack on the bottom of the controller.

I recommend the Skull & Co Audiobox Controller Adapter.

Here are the steps to connect it:

Step 1: Attach Bluetooth Adapter to Controller

Slide the Audiobox adapter into the stereo headset port on the bottom of your powered-on Xbox controller. It will click into place and automatically power on.

Image: Skull & Co. Audiobox adapter connected to Xbox controller

Step 2: Pair Adapter with Your AirPods

First unpair your AirPods from any other devices like your phone to make sure connectivity is open.

Open the AirPods case next to the controller and hold the back button to begin pairing mode. After a few seconds, your AirPods should connect to the Audiobox adapter.

The Xbox audio will now play through your AirPods! The controller adapter pulls the audio from the same source as your wired headset.

Pros

  • No cables to TV required
  • Direct wireless connection
  • Integrated volume controls

Cons

  • Drains controller battery life
  • Can‘t charge controller while in use
  • Button presses transmit over microphone

Which Method is the Best?

All these methods accomplish the same goal: Xbox audio in your AirPods. But some options work better than others in certain scenarios.

Here are some recommendations based on your situation:

  • Playing multiplayer games: Use Method 1 to avoid controller power drain or audio lag
  • Want simplest setup: Try Method 2 first since it uses gear you already own
  • Experiencing video/audio delay: Use a Bluetooth transmitter
  • Can‘t connect transmitter to TV: Try the controller adapter
  • Need chat support: Get an Xbox wireless headset

I suggest testing different methods if possible to see what provides the best experience in your gaming environment. The transmitter and controller adapter can be returned if they don‘t work well or become inconvenient over time.

Dedicated Wireless Headsets Work Best

While AirPods can work for Xbox in limited cases, they will never provide an optimal experience compared to headsets designed specifically for Xbox wireless connectivity.

Here are some top reviewed wireless headset options:

These headsets last up to 15 hours on a charge, work up to 30 feet away, and support mic monitoring. They start around $150.

I recommend these wireless Xbox headsets over AirPods for serious gaming. But hopefully this guide gave you some alternative options if headphones aren‘t in the budget!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I hear an echo when using my AirPods mic?

When transmitting Xbox audio to AirPods, some methods pick up the soundplayed through your AirPods via the microphone. This can cause an echoing effect.

Do I need to pair the mobile Xbox app with the console?

Yes, you need to pair the app to your Xbox for Remote Play. Make sure you‘re signed into the same Microsoft account on both devices.

Why does audio lag during Xbox Remote Play?

Any wireless transmission method will introduce a small delay in audio. Using wired network connections can help minimize lag.

Do Xbox Series X/S controllers have Bluetooth?

Yes, newer Xbox controllers support both Xbox wireless and Bluetooth. This allows gaming on mobile devices. Older Xbox One controllers only use Xbox wireless.

Summary

Thanks for reading this 2500+ word guide on how to connect your AirPods to Xbox! I hope these steps, photos, recommendations and troubleshooting tips help you experience wireless audio while gaming.

Although Xbox doesn‘t directly support Bluetooth, with some simple accessories and apps you can untether yourself from the TV without buying a specialty wireless headset.

Let me know in the comments below if you have any other questions connecting your AirPods or Bluetooth headphones to Xbox consoles. Happy gaming!

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