It’s been more than a year and a half since Sony debuted the PlayStation 5, and it seems that the console remains so popular that it’s almost impossible to get one. There are some random times where inventory will just appear at your favorite retailer, giving you a slim window to snag one for yourself.
When it comes to getting a new console, you might not want to invest money into a dedicated gaming headset and instead just use what you have. That’s why it makes perfect sense for you to want to connect AirPods to PS5, but we have some bad news. For one reason or another, Sony did not integrate built-in Bluetooth for the PS5, following in the footsteps of the PS4 series of consoles.
How To Connect AirPods to PS5
So what can you do if you want to connect AirPods to PS5? Well, all hope is not lost, but you will need to plug a Bluetooth adapter into your console in order to pair your AirPods. It’s definitely surprising and frustrating to see a console as powerful and popular as the PS5 be available in 2022 without simply Bluetooth functionality.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Bluetooth adapters below, but first, we’ll take you through the steps to connect AirPods to PS5 after you get an adapter.
Connect the Bluetooth adapter to your PS5 using the USB port on the front of the console.
Make sure that the adapter is set to pairing mode.
Open the AirPods charging case lid.
Press and hold the pairing button on the back until the status light starts flashing.
From here, the Bluetooth adapter that is plugged into your PS5 should automatically recognize and connect to the AirPods. In order to make sure that everything is in working order, you’ll need to follow these steps:
From your PS5, open the Settings app.
Scroll down and select Devices.
Select Audio Devices.
Change Output Device to select the Bluetooth adapter that is plugged in.
Change Output to Headphones to All Audio.
Make sure that the volume is turned up on your PS5 and then try navigating through the system or fire up some apps. This will let you know that the pairing process has been completed properly and you have successfully connected your AirPods to PS5.
Are There Limitations?
Despite the fact that AirPods have a built-in microphone, you will not be able to use your earbuds if you intend to chat with friends. Instead, you are only able to hear the gameplay and interactions that you make with the interface. And of course, you can use these to listen to music or watch a movie with the AirPods connected.
If you want to be able to chat with friends while playing, you will instead need to get a PS5-certified headset that includes a microphone. It’s definitely just another frustration that we have to deal with, and hopefully, Sony will change this with the next generation of consoles.
Best Bluetooth Adapters
In order to connect AirPods to PS5, you’ll want to get a proper Bluetooth adapter. AirPods Max owners can plug in a Lightning to 3.5mm cable to the controller directly, but every other AirPods and Bluetooth headphones will need an adapter to work properly.
Avantree DG80 Wireless Audio Adapter with aptX – This audio adapter from Avantree works with pretty much all of your devices with a USB port, and supports the low-latency aptX codec. With this in-tow, you should not experience latency issues that you might find with other Bluetooth adapters.
Zamia Wireless Bluetooth Adapter – The Zamia Bluetooth Adapter works a bit differently from others, as you’ll need to plug the USB adapter into your PS5 and then 3.5mm adapter into the bottom of your PS5 controller. From there, you’ll be able to easily pair and connect your AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones.
GTRACING Bluetooth USB Adapter – Compared to others on this list, the GTRACING USB Adapter is a bit larger. But that’s for a good reason, as you’ll enjoy Bluetooth 5.1 support as opposed to the older standards provided by other adapters.
Andrew is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US.
He has written for a variety of sites over the years, including iMore, Android Central, Phandroid, and a few others. Now, he spends his days working for an HVAC company, while moonlighting as a freelance writer at night.
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