AirPods will connect to PS5, but not the way you might expect

Yes, you can use AirPods with your PS5, but the process is different from connecting them to an iPhone or Mac. The PS5 does not support the standard Bluetooth connection that AirPods use. Instead, you have two working options: connect AirPods through your TV's Bluetooth if it has that feature, or use a USB wireless adapter designed for AirPods. The first method is simpler if your TV supports it; the second works on any PS5 but requires buying an extra piece of hardware.

Neither method is complicated, but both require a workaround because the PS5 uses a different wireless standard than AirPods. Understanding which option fits your setup takes about five minutes and no money if your TV has Bluetooth built in.

Key Takeaways

  • PS5 cannot connect directly to AirPods over Bluetooth the way your phone does, because the console uses a different wireless standard.
  • If your TV has Bluetooth, you can pair AirPods to the TV itself and hear PS5 audio through them without any extra purchases.
  • A USB wireless adapter made for AirPods (like those from Twelve South or Elago) plugs into the PS5 and creates a connection the console understands.
  • Game audio will work through AirPods, but PS5 voice chat through the controller microphone will not — you would need a separate headset for that.
  • Wired headphones or a standard gaming headset remain the most straightforward way to get audio from PS5 into your ears.

Why PS5 does not recognize AirPods directly

The PS5 uses a wireless standard called 2.4 GHz proprietary for its controller and compatible headsets. AirPods use Bluetooth, which is a different wireless technology. Even though both are wireless, they speak different languages — the PS5 cannot translate Bluetooth signals the way a phone or computer can.

This is not a limitation of AirPods specifically. Most gaming consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, do not support standard Bluetooth audio for this reason. They prioritize their own wireless standard because it offers lower latency, which matters for gaming where sound needs to sync with what you see on screen.

Connecting through your TV's Bluetooth

If your television has Bluetooth, this is the easiest route. Pair your AirPods to the TV the same way you would pair them to any device: go into the TV's Bluetooth settings, put AirPods in pairing mode (hold the button on the back until the light flashes white), and select them from the list. Once paired, the TV will send all PS5 audio to your AirPods.

The catch is that not all TVs have Bluetooth, and some that do have it disabled by default. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to confirm. If your TV does have Bluetooth, this method costs nothing and works when ready. If it does not, you will need the adapter method instead.

Using a USB wireless adapter

A USB wireless adapter is a small device that plugs into one of the PS5's USB ports and creates a wireless connection that AirPods understand. Popular options include the Twelve South AirFly Pro and the Elago A2. You pair your AirPods to the adapter once, then plug the adapter into the PS5, and the console treats it as a standard wireless headset.

These adapters typically cost between $25 and $50. They work on any PS5 regardless of your TV's capabilities. The downside is that they add another device to your setup and take up a USB port. Some adapters also support multiple AirPods pairs or other Bluetooth headphones, which can be useful if multiple people in your household use different wireless headsets.

What works and what does not with AirPods on PS5

Game audio plays through AirPods without issue — you will hear all the sound from your game normally. However, voice chat does not work through AirPods alone. The PS5 controller has a built-in microphone for party chat, but the console does not route your voice through AirPods' microphone, even if you are using an adapter. If you need to talk to other players, you would have to use the controller's microphone or plug in a separate gaming headset with a microphone.

Some USB adapters like the AirFly Pro do have a microphone built in, which solves this problem. Check the adapter's specifications before buying if voice chat matters to you. This limitation exists because the PS5 expects voice input to come from the controller itself, not from a separate audio device.

Wired headphones as the simpler alternative

If you want to avoid adapters and TV compatibility questions, a standard wired headset plugged into the PS5 controller works when ready. The PS5 controller has a 3.5mm headphone jack, and any headset with that connector will work for both game audio and voice chat. Wireless gaming headsets made for PS5 also connect directly without any adapter.

This is not the answer if you specifically want to use AirPods, but it is worth considering if you are still deciding what headset to buy. Wired options are often cheaper than adapters, and they eliminate the question of compatibility altogether. Many people find that a $20 wired headset solves the problem faster than researching which adapter to purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my AirPods work for voice chat on PS5?

Not through the AirPods microphone alone. The PS5 will use the controller's built-in microphone for party chat. If you use a USB adapter with a built-in microphone, like the AirFly Pro, you can use that microphone instead. Otherwise, you need a separate headset with a microphone for voice chat to work.

Can I use AirPods Pro or AirPods Max the same way as regular AirPods?

Yes. All AirPods models use the same Bluetooth standard, so they connect to PS5 the same way — either through your TV's Bluetooth or through a USB adapter. The process does not change based on which AirPods model you own.

Do I need to buy an adapter if my TV has Bluetooth?

No. If your TV supports Bluetooth and you pair AirPods to it, you will hear all PS5 audio through your AirPods without buying anything extra. This only works if your TV actually has Bluetooth — check your TV's settings or manual to confirm.

What if I want to use AirPods for PS5 and my phone at the same time?

AirPods can only connect to one device at a time. You would have to manually switch them between your phone and the PS5 (or TV) each time. Some USB adapters claim to support dual connections, but this is not reliable — it is simpler to just reconnect when you switch devices.