AirPods don't connect to PS5 the way they connect to your iPhone
Your PS5 cannot pair directly with AirPods using Bluetooth. The console's Bluetooth is locked to Sony controllers and a small list of approved devices — AirPods are not on that list. If you want to use AirPods while playing PS5, you need a workaround: either a USB dongle, a third-party adapter, or connecting them to your TV instead of the console itself.
This is a real limitation, not a bug. Sony designed the PS5's Bluetooth to prevent interference and latency issues during gameplay. The tradeoff is that you lose the convenience of pairing any Bluetooth headset you own.
Key Takeaways
- PS5 does not support direct AirPods pairing — you will need an adapter or alternative method.
- A USB-C Bluetooth dongle (like the Twelve South AirFly Pro) can convert your AirPods to a wired connection the PS5 recognizes.
- Connecting AirPods to your TV's Bluetooth instead of the PS5 works if your TV supports audio output to Bluetooth devices.
- The PS5 controller's built-in speaker and standard PlayStation headsets remain the simplest option for game audio.
- Audio latency (delay between action and sound) is worse with adapters than with wired headsets, which matters for competitive games.
Using a USB Bluetooth adapter with your AirPods
A USB-C Bluetooth dongle sits between your AirPods and the PS5, translating the wireless signal into something the console accepts. The Twelve South AirFly Pro is the most common choice for this — it plugs into one of the PS5's USB ports on the back or front, pairs with your AirPods once, and then stays connected.
Plug the AirFly Pro into the PS5, hold the pairing button on the back until the light blinks, then open your AirPods case near the dongle. Your AirPods will pair with the dongle (not the PS5 directly). After that, every time you turn on your AirPods near the dongle, they connect automatically. The dongle costs around $40 to $50.
The downside: audio delay. Bluetooth adapters add 100 to 200 milliseconds of lag between what happens on screen and what you hear. For story-driven games this is unnoticeable. For fighting games, shooters, or rhythm games, you will notice the gap between a gunshot and the sound, or between a button press and the audio feedback.
Connecting AirPods through your TV instead
If your TV has Bluetooth and supports audio output to Bluetooth headphones, you can pair your AirPods directly to the TV. The PS5 sends audio to the TV, the TV sends it to your AirPods. This works on most modern TVs made in the last five years, but not all — check your TV's manual or settings to confirm it has "Bluetooth audio output" or "Bluetooth headphone mode."
Go to your TV's Bluetooth settings, put your AirPods in pairing mode, and select them from the list. Once paired, your AirPods will connect to the TV automatically when you turn them on. The PS5 still needs to be set to send audio to the TV (not to a headset), which is the default setting.
This method has the same latency issue as the USB dongle — expect the same 100 to 200 millisecond delay. The advantage is that you free up a USB port on the PS5 and the setup is cleaner. The disadvantage is that if your TV does not support Bluetooth audio output, this will not work at all.
Why the PS5 blocks AirPods directly
Sony's Bluetooth implementation on PS5 is intentionally narrow. The console only pairs with the DualSense controller, the PlayStation Link dongle (for certain headsets), and a handful of other devices. This design choice reduces radio interference and keeps latency predictable during gameplay.
AirPods use a different Bluetooth codec and connection protocol than what the PS5 expects. Rather than add support for every Bluetooth headset on the market, Sony chose to keep the system locked. It is the same reason you cannot pair a random Bluetooth speaker to PS5 — the console is not designed to negotiate with unknown devices.
Alternatives that work without adapters
If you want to avoid adapters and latency altogether, the PS5 controller itself has a built-in speaker. Game audio plays through it, and you can adjust the volume with the controller's volume buttons. This is not ideal for immersion, but it works for casual play and single-player games.
PlayStation also makes official headsets that connect via USB dongle or the PlayStation Link standard — the Pulse 3D Headset and InZone H9 are the current models. These are designed for PS5 and have minimal latency. If you already own AirPods and do not want to buy new headphones, an adapter is cheaper. If you are buying headphones specifically for PS5, a PlayStation-branded headset removes the latency problem.
Wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack also work if you plug them into the controller's headphone port (if your controller has one — older DualSense models do, but Sony removed it from newer versions). This gives you zero latency and no batteries to charge, but you are tethered to the controller.
Comparing your options
| Method | Cost | Latency | Setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB Bluetooth dongle (AirFly Pro) | $40–$50 | 100–200ms delay | Plug in, pair once |
| TV Bluetooth output | $0 (if TV supports it) | 100–200ms delay | Enable in TV settings |
| PS5 controller speaker | $0 | None | Already built in |
| PlayStation Link headset | $100–$300 | Minimal | Plug in dongle, pair |
| Wired headphones (3.5mm jack) | $20–$200 | None | Plug into controller |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Sony ever let AirPods connect directly to PS5?
Unlikely. Sony would need to update the PS5's Bluetooth firmware to recognize AirPods, and they have shown no interest in doing so. The company prefers to keep Bluetooth locked to approved devices. If you need AirPods on PS5, an adapter is your permanent solution.
Does the latency from a USB dongle ruin gameplay?
For most games, no. Story games, open-world games, and single-player campaigns are unaffected by 100–200ms of audio delay. Competitive shooters, fighting games, and rhythm games become noticeably harder because your ears and eyes fall out of sync. Test it with a game you care about before committing to the adapter.
Can I use AirPods Pro or AirPods Max with PS5?
Yes — any AirPods model works with a USB Bluetooth dongle or through your TV's Bluetooth. The model does not matter. The limitation is the PS5's Bluetooth, not the AirPods themselves.
What if my TV does not have Bluetooth audio output?
Then the TV method will not work. Check your TV's manual or settings menu for "Bluetooth audio" or "Bluetooth headphone mode." If it is not there, use a USB dongle instead.
Is there a cheaper adapter than the Twelve South AirFly Pro?
Yes — generic USB-C Bluetooth adapters exist for $15–$25. They work the same way but may have worse build quality or shorter battery life. The AirFly Pro is more reliable, but if cost is your main concern, a generic adapter is worth trying first.