The PS5 only connects to certain wireless headphones — not all of them

The PlayStation 5 does not support most standard wireless headphones. It has no built-in Bluetooth for audio devices, which means headphones that work with your phone or laptop will not automatically work with your PS5. Instead, you have three real paths: use a USB wireless adapter that came with your headphones, connect through the controller's 3.5mm jack with a wired headset, or use a headset designed specifically for PlayStation.

This limitation frustrates many people, but it exists because the PS5's Bluetooth is reserved for controllers and other gaming accessories. If you already own wireless headphones, the fastest way forward is usually checking whether they shipped with a USB dongle — many gaming and premium audio brands include one.

Key Takeaways

  • PS5 does not have Bluetooth audio, so most wireless headphones will not connect without an adapter.
  • If your headphones came with a USB wireless dongle, plug it into the PS5's USB port and the headphones will work when ready.
  • PlayStation Link headsets (made by SteelSeries, Corsair, and others) connect directly to the PS5 without a separate dongle.
  • The PS5 controller has a 3.5mm headphone jack, so wired headsets plug directly into the controller itself.
  • USB adapters go into the front USB-A port on the PS5, not the back ports used for storage expansion.

Connecting headphones with a USB wireless dongle

If your wireless headphones came with a small USB adapter or dongle, this is the simplest connection method. Locate the dongle — it is usually a small rectangular device about the size of a USB thumb drive, often stored in the original box or a pocket on the headphone case. Plug it into one of the PS5's front USB-A ports (the two horizontal slots on the front of the console, not the USB-C port).

Once the dongle is plugged in, turn on your headphones. The PS5 should recognize the dongle automatically within a few seconds. You may see a notification on screen, or the headphones may straightforward begin working. Test the audio by starting a game or playing a video. If you do not hear sound, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output and confirm that your headphones are listed as the active device.

Common headphones that ship with USB dongles include SteelSeries Arctis, HyperX Cloud, and many Corsair models. Check your headphone manual or the manufacturer's website if you are unsure whether yours included one — some brands sell the dongle separately if it was lost.

Using PlayStation Link headsets for direct connection

Several headset manufacturers now make models with PlayStation Link, a wireless standard built into the PS5. These headsets connect directly to the console without needing a USB dongle. SteelSeries, Corsair, PDP, and Turtle Beach all make PlayStation Link headsets. The advantage is one less cable and a cleaner setup, though these headsets typically cost more than standard wireless options.

To connect a PlayStation Link headset, turn it on and hold the pairing button (usually on the side or bottom of the headset) for three to five seconds until you see a pairing indicator light. Go to Settings > Accessories > General > Wireless Headsets on your PS5. The headset should appear in the list. Select it to complete pairing. Once paired, the headset will reconnect automatically when you turn it on.

If pairing does not work, restart both the headset and the PS5, then try again. Some PlayStation Link headsets require a firmware update before first use — check the manufacturer's website if you bought the headset recently.

Connecting a wired headset through the PS5 controller

The PS5 DualSense controller has a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom. Any wired headset with a 3.5mm connector plugs directly into this jack. This is the most reliable method because it requires no setup — plug in and audio flows when ready.

Plug the headset cable into the jack at the bottom of the controller. The PS5 will recognize it automatically. Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output and select Headphones Connected to Controller from the dropdown menu. You can now hear game audio and chat through the headset.

This method works with any standard 3.5mm headset, including earbuds, gaming headsets, and even regular headphones. The downside is the cable running from your hands to your ears, which some people find restrictive during long gaming sessions.

Troubleshooting when headphones do not connect

If a USB dongle is plugged in but the PS5 does not recognize it, try these steps in order. First, unplug the dongle and wait ten seconds, then plug it back in. If that does not work, try a different front USB port — sometimes one port is faulty. Restart the PS5 completely (hold the power button for ten seconds, then turn it back on) and try again.

If the headphones still do not appear, check whether the dongle is actually for audio or for something else (some gaming mice and keyboards use similar-looking dongles). Consult the headphone manual or manufacturer's support page to confirm. Some older wireless headphones use proprietary dongles that may not be compatible with PS5 — in that case, you would need a different connection method.

For PlayStation Link headsets that will not pair, make sure the headset is fully charged and within three feet of the console. Hold the pairing button longer — some models require five to ten seconds. If the headset pairs but then disconnects during use, check for firmware updates on the manufacturer's website.

Audio settings to adjust after connecting

Once your headphones are connected, you may want to adjust how audio flows through them. Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output. Here you can choose whether to send all game audio to the headphones, or to split audio between the headphones and your TV or external speakers.

If you are using a gaming headset with a microphone, go to Settings > Sound > Microphone to set it as your input device for chat. You can also adjust microphone volume and enable or disable voice chat from this menu. Some headsets have their own software on a computer that lets you customize EQ and other features — check the manufacturer's website to see if yours does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones with PS5?

No, the PS5 does not support Bluetooth audio headphones. AirPods, most Samsung Galaxy Buds, and similar devices will not connect. Your only options are a USB dongle (if the headphones came with one), a PlayStation Link headset, or a wired headset plugged into the controller.

What if my wireless headphones did not come with a USB dongle?

You can purchase a USB dongle separately if the manufacturer sells one, but not all brands do. Otherwise, you would need to use a wired headset or switch to a PlayStation Link model. Some third-party universal wireless dongles exist, but compatibility varies — check reviews before buying.

Can I use the same USB dongle on my PS5 and my PC?

Yes, most USB dongles work on any device with a USB port. You can move the dongle between your PS5 and computer. Just unplug it from one device and plug it into the other. The headphones will reconnect automatically once the dongle is powered.

Do I need to buy a special PS5 headset?

No. Any headset with a USB dongle or a 3.5mm jack will work. PlayStation Link headsets are convenient but not required. Standard gaming headsets from brands like SteelSeries and HyperX work fine as long as they include a dongle.

Why does my headset keep disconnecting?

For USB dongles, try moving the dongle to a different front USB port or moving the headset closer to the console. For PlayStation Link headsets, check that the battery is charged and look for firmware updates on the manufacturer's website. Interference from other wireless devices can also cause drops — move routers or other wireless devices away from the PS5 if possible.