AirPods connect to PS5 through Bluetooth, but PS5 doesn't broadcast Bluetooth to headphones the way phones do
The PS5 console itself has no Bluetooth headphone support built in. Sony designed it to work with their own wireless headsets or wired headphones plugged into the controller. AirPods will not pair directly with the PS5 no matter what you try — there is no setting to enable it and no adapter that bypasses this limitation.
What you can do instead is use your AirPods with your phone or another device while you play, or buy a USB Bluetooth adapter that tricks the PS5 into recognizing AirPods as a compatible wireless headset. The adapter sits in the PS5's USB port and creates a Bluetooth connection the console will accept.
If you want to avoid buying an adapter, your realistic options are connecting wired headphones to the PS5 controller's 3.5mm jack, or using AirPods on a second device while you play on the TV speakers.
Key Takeaways
- PS5 does not support standard Bluetooth headphones like AirPods, even with pairing attempts or settings changes.
- A USB Bluetooth adapter (around $20 to $40) plugged into the PS5 is the only way to use AirPods wirelessly with the console.
- Without an adapter, you can plug wired headphones into the PS5 controller's headphone jack or use AirPods on a phone while the TV plays game audio.
- The USB adapter method works because it creates a wireless connection the PS5 recognizes as a compatible device, not as standard Bluetooth.
Why PS5 blocks standard Bluetooth headphones
The PS5 uses a closed Bluetooth system that only pairs with headsets Sony has approved. This is different from a phone or computer, which will connect to any Bluetooth device. Sony did this to control which devices work with the console and to avoid connection problems with unsupported hardware.
This is a hardware limitation, not a software one. No system update will change it, and no setting buried in the PS5 menu will unlock Bluetooth headphone support. It is the same reason you cannot use most gaming headsets from other manufacturers without their own USB adapter.
Using a USB Bluetooth adapter with your AirPods
A USB Bluetooth adapter is a small dongle that plugs into one of the PS5's USB ports on the back or front of the console. The adapter creates a wireless connection that the PS5 recognizes as a compatible headset. Your AirPods pair with the adapter instead of the PS5 directly.
To set this up, plug the adapter into an available USB port on the PS5. Most adapters have a pairing button or will enter pairing mode automatically. Open the case of your AirPods and hold the setup button on the back until the light flashes white. The AirPods should appear in the adapter's pairing list. Select them and they will connect.
Once paired, your AirPods will connect to the adapter automatically when you turn them on and the PS5 is running. The audio from your games will play through the headphones. You can adjust game volume with the PS5 controller and AirPod volume with the volume buttons on the AirPods themselves.
Popular USB Bluetooth adapters that work with PS5 include the 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2, the Mayflash Magic-NS, and generic USB Bluetooth dongles from Amazon. Check the product description to confirm it supports PS5 before buying — not all adapters work with the console.
Connecting wired headphones to the PS5 controller instead
If you have wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack, you can plug them directly into the PS5 controller. This is the simplest method and requires no adapter or pairing. The controller has a headphone jack on the bottom.
Plug your headphones in and the PS5 will automatically route game audio to them. You can still hear chat audio from other players through the headphones if you have a microphone attached. Adjust the volume using the PS5 controller's volume buttons or your headphone controls.
The downside is that you are tethered to the controller by a cable, which limits how far you can sit from it. AirPods are wireless, so this method only works if you want to stay close to the controller or do not mind the cable.
Using AirPods on a phone while playing PS5
You can pair your AirPods with your phone and listen to music, podcasts, or chat apps while you play PS5 games. The game audio will play through the TV speakers and your AirPods will play audio from your phone at the same time.
This works well if you want to listen to music during gameplay or keep a Discord call open on your phone while you play. The downside is that you cannot hear game audio through your AirPods — only whatever is playing on your phone.
To do this, pair your AirPods with your phone normally through Bluetooth settings. Open the app you want to listen to and play audio. Your AirPods will connect automatically. The PS5 will play game audio through the TV or any headphones plugged into the controller.
Troubleshooting a USB adapter that is not working
If you bought a USB Bluetooth adapter and your AirPods will not pair with it, first check that the adapter is powered on. Some adapters have a light that blinks when they are searching for devices. If there is no light, try a different USB port on the PS5 or plug it into a USB power adapter to see if it needs external power.
Restart the PS5 completely — do not just put it in rest mode. Unplug the power cable from the back of the console, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears the console's memory and sometimes fixes pairing issues with USB devices.
If the adapter still will not work, check the product manual or the seller's website to see if there is a known issue with PS5. Some older Bluetooth adapters were not designed for the PS5 and will not work no matter what you do. If the adapter works with other devices like a computer or phone, the problem is that specific adapter and PS5, not your AirPods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AirPods Max with PS5?
No. AirPods Max are also standard Bluetooth headphones and the PS5 will not recognize them. You would need the same USB Bluetooth adapter to use them with the console. The adapter method works the same way for any Apple headphones.
Will a future PS5 update add Bluetooth headphone support?
Sony has not announced any plans to add this feature. The PS5 has been out for several years and this limitation remains. It is unlikely to change, but you can check the PS5 system settings under Devices to see if a new option appears after a console update.
Do I need a special adapter or will any USB Bluetooth dongle work?
Not all USB Bluetooth adapters work with PS5. Some are designed only for computers or phones. Before buying, search the product name plus "PS5" to see if other people have used it successfully with the console. The 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2 is the most commonly recommended option.
Can I use AirPods with PS5 games on my Mac or iPad?
Yes. If you are playing PS5 games through Remote Play on a Mac or iPad, your AirPods will pair with that device normally through Bluetooth. The PS5 console itself still does not support AirPods, but the device you are playing on does.
What if I want to use AirPods and also hear chat from other players?
If you use a USB adapter, your AirPods will play both game audio and chat audio from other players. If you plug wired headphones into the controller, the same thing happens — you hear everything through the headphones. The USB adapter method is better because you stay wireless.