AirPods don't connect to PS5 the way they connect to your iPhone
The PS5 does not support standard Bluetooth audio pairing. When you hold down the button on your AirPods case to put them in pairing mode, the PS5 will not see them. This is a hardware limitation — Sony built the PS5 to use only specific Bluetooth profiles, and Apple's AirPods use a proprietary connection method that falls outside those profiles.
You have three working paths: use a USB wireless adapter designed for AirPods, connect AirPods through the PS5's USB port using a third-party dongle, or route audio through your TV or receiver instead. Each has different trade-offs in cost, setup time, and audio quality.
Key Takeaways
- The PS5 cannot pair with AirPods using its built-in Bluetooth — you need a separate adapter or workaround.
- A USB-C wireless adapter (like the Twelve South AirFly Pro) plugs into the PS5 and lets AirPods connect to it instead of the console.
- Connecting audio through your TV's Bluetooth or optical output is free if your TV already supports it, but adds a step to your setup.
- Some third-party USB dongles claim PS5 compatibility but may have lag or connection drops — test return policies before buying.
Using a USB wireless adapter with your AirPods
A USB-C wireless adapter sits between your PS5 and your AirPods. The adapter receives the Bluetooth signal from your AirPods and sends audio to the PS5 through USB. The most common option is the Twelve South AirFly Pro, which is designed specifically for this purpose and costs around $50.
To set this up: plug the adapter into the USB port on the front or back of your PS5. Put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes white. The adapter will search for nearby Bluetooth devices. Select your AirPods from the list on the adapter's display (if it has one) or wait for automatic pairing. Once paired, the adapter remembers your AirPods — you won't need to pair them again unless you reset the adapter.
The trade-off is cost and an extra piece of hardware. The adapter works reliably for most players, but some report occasional disconnections during long sessions. Keep the adapter within six feet of your AirPods for the strongest connection.
Routing audio through your TV instead
If your TV has Bluetooth, you can pair your AirPods directly to the TV rather than the PS5. The PS5 sends audio to the TV through HDMI, and the TV forwards that audio to your AirPods. This costs nothing if you already own the equipment.
Check your TV's manual or settings menu to see if it supports Bluetooth audio output. Most newer TVs do, but older models may not. Go to your TV's Bluetooth settings, put your AirPods in pairing mode, and select them from the list. Then go to your PS5 settings, navigate to Sound and Screen, and change the audio output to HDMI. The PS5 will now send sound through the TV, which passes it to your AirPods.
The downside is latency — the delay between what you see on screen and what you hear in your ears. For single-player games this is usually unnoticeable. For competitive multiplayer games where timing matters, this delay can be frustrating. You also lose the ability to adjust PS5 volume directly; you'll control it through your TV or AirPods instead.
Using an optical audio cable with a Bluetooth transmitter
If your TV has an optical audio output (a small square port labeled S/PDIF or Optical Out), you can connect a Bluetooth transmitter to it. The transmitter receives the audio signal from your TV and sends it wirelessly to your AirPods. This setup is more complex than the others but gives you more control over audio routing.
Plug the optical cable from your TV into the Bluetooth transmitter. Put your AirPods in pairing mode and pair them to the transmitter. Make sure your PS5 is set to output audio through HDMI to your TV. The transmitter will receive the audio and send it to your AirPods.
This method works well if you want to use the same AirPods for both PS5 gaming and other devices without constantly re-pairing. The main drawback is that you need a TV with optical output and a separate transmitter device, which adds cost and clutter.
Why the PS5 won't recognize AirPods directly
The PS5 uses a limited set of Bluetooth profiles — essentially a list of approved connection types. It supports controllers, headsets designed for gaming, and a few other devices, but not the specific Bluetooth profile that AirPods use. Apple designed AirPods to prioritize connection to Apple devices, and the PS5 was not on that list.
This is different from connecting AirPods to an Android phone or Windows computer, which often works because those devices support a wider range of Bluetooth profiles. The PS5's narrower approach was a deliberate choice by Sony, likely to reduce interference and may support stable connections for gaming.
Troubleshooting a USB adapter that won't stay connected
If your adapter pairs with your AirPods but then loses connection during gameplay, try these steps in order. First, move the adapter closer to your AirPods — interference from walls or other devices can break the connection. Second, check that your AirPods have enough battery; a low battery sometimes causes drops. Third, restart the adapter by unplugging it from the PS5 for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.
If the adapter still disconnects, the issue may be USB power. Some PS5 USB ports deliver less power than others. Try plugging the adapter into a different USB port on your console. If you have a powered USB hub, you can plug the adapter into that instead — the extra power often solves connection problems. If none of these work, the adapter itself may be faulty; check the manufacturer's return policy.
Comparing your three options side by side
| Method | Cost | Setup Time | Audio Lag | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB wireless adapter | $40–$60 | 5 minutes | Minimal | Competitive gaming, consistent connection |
| TV Bluetooth pairing | Free | 10 minutes | Noticeable | Single-player games, casual play |
| Optical transmitter | $30–$80 | 15 minutes | Minimal | Multi-device use, TV with optical output |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AirPods Pro or AirPods Max with PS5?
Yes, both work with the same methods as standard AirPods. The USB adapter approach works identically. If you use TV Bluetooth pairing, AirPods Pro and Max will pair the same way. The audio lag through TV Bluetooth affects all AirPods models equally.
Will a USB adapter work with PS5 games that require a headset mic?
Most USB adapters only transmit audio from the PS5 to your AirPods — they don't send your voice back to the console. If a game requires voice chat through a headset, you'll need a gaming headset with a built-in mic or a separate USB microphone. Check the adapter's specifications before buying.
Do I need to pair the adapter every time I turn on my PS5?
No. Once you pair your AirPods to the adapter, that pairing is saved in the adapter's memory. The next time you plug the adapter into your PS5, your AirPods should connect automatically. If they don't, unplugging and replugging the adapter usually reconnects them within seconds.
What if my TV doesn't have Bluetooth?
You can still use an optical transmitter if your TV has an optical audio output port. If your TV has neither Bluetooth nor optical output, your only option is a USB wireless adapter plugged directly into the PS5.
Is there lag when using a USB adapter for gaming?
Most USB adapters have minimal lag — usually under 100 milliseconds, which is imperceptible in most games. Some cheaper adapters report higher lag. Read reviews from other PS5 players before buying, and check the return policy in case lag is noticeable with your specific setup.