Like myself and many others, you’re probably wondering – does my Xbox One have Bluetooth? Or maybe, can I connect my Bluetooth headphones or headset to an Xbox One?
While the options are limited (but getting better!), this article will look at Bluetooth technology in the Xbox One family of consoles and the options you have for using different Microsoft and 3rd party headphones or headsets.
This This Guide:
What Options Are There for Xbox One and Bluetooth Headsets?
It would seem logical that Microsoft would allow Bluetooth – whether you want to use headphones as a mic or for in-game sound, or both. It’s always nice being able to use a device you already own.
But here’s the problem: You can’t connect a Bluetooth headset or headphones directly to your Xbox One.
The reason is quite simple – the Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One doesn’t support Bluetooth. And unfortunately, the Xbox Series X|and S don’t either.
Why would Microsoft pass on Bluetooth support when its competitor, Sony’s PlayStation 4, has it? There’s many reasons, but we might never know Microsoft’s true intentions with this approach.
The good news is if you play by Microsoft’s rules, or use a workaround below, you can get a pretty decent wireless headphone or headset experience for gaming on your Xbox One, S, X, or Series S|X console.
Option #1 – Buy an Xbox One Headset Adapter and Gaming Headset
The simplest way to get up and running with voice is to purchase a headset specifically designed for the Xbox One. It’s not true Bluetooth, but at least you’re not tethered to the console.
There are numerous headsets available on Amazon that are plug-and-play, and also double as a PC gaming headset, and traditional stereo headset, amongst other things.
My personal favorite is the HyperX Cloud by Kingston. This headset is well built, comfortable to wear, and offers superior audio quality through the 55mm HiFi drivers and directional condenser microphone.
It also has a detachable boom mic if you want to use the headset for listening to movies or music.
If you have a newer Xbox One Controller or Xbox One Elite controller, the headset will plug directly into the aux port. If you have an older Xbox One controller, you’ll need to purchase an Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter.
Option #2 – Use Your Kinect as a Mic and Listen to Game Audio through Bluetooth Headphones
If your TV or home stereo system supports it, you could very easily use your Kinect as a mic while listening to game audio and chat through a set of Bluetooth headphones or headset.
It’s also possible to use a set of wired headphones, with either a single 3.5mm cable or RCA cables, to listen to game audio.
Don’t forget these two important steps:
- Bring up the Xbox Guide > Settings > Kinect > (and check) Enable Kinect as Microphone
- Plug in or connect your headset/headphones via Bluetooth.
- Turn the volume down on your TV to prevent feedback through the Kinect.
Reminder: If you have a newer Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, or Windows PC, you’ll need to use the Xbox Kinect Adapter to use your Kinect (really, Microsoft?)
With any workaround, there are always downsides. You’ll have to sit closer to your TV to help the Kinect pick up your voice, and it’s not possible to mute the mic without going back into the settings and deselecting ‘Enable Kinect as Microphone’.
Related: How to Record Party Chat on Xbox One
Option #3 – Use a Pair of Apple Headphones with Your Xbox One
People who have tried to use Apple Headphones on their Xbox One have reported poor audio quality and static.
Luckily, a few dedicated gamers figured out a way around it.
If you want to use Apple headphones or Earpods on your Xbox One, there’s a workaround you’ll have to perform for it to work.
You’ll need an Xbox One Controller with a 3.5mm audio port built-in, such as a newer Xbox One Controller. This will not work with the older Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter and older Xbox One controllers.
Here’s What To Do:
- Plug Apple Headset into Xbox One Controller
- Double Tap the Xbox Menu Button (You might be prompted)
- Disable “Headset Mic” Option
- Turn “Mic Monitoring” slide down to 0
You can also pair your Apple AirPods (Apple’s Bluetooth headphones) to your Home Theatre system and use your Kinect as a mic, as mentioned above. It’s not great, but it theoretically works in a pinch.
Let us know if this method of using a pair of Apple headphones with your Xbox One worked for you!
You Have Options When It Comes to Bluetooth Headphones, Headsets, and Wireless Audio on Your Xbox One!
I still believe the lack of Bluetooth support from Microsoft that prevents you from using your Bluetooth headphones or headset with an Xbox One is completely uncalled for.
Although you have other options, it’s not a true wireless experience like you can get on the Playstation 4 or 5 (and even the Playstation 3!)
XboxDIY.com provides troubleshooting, repair guides, tutorials, news, and reviews to help make your gaming experience better.
If you’re looking for more information on connecting compatible headsets for your Xbox, check out Microsoft’s help article.
Did you have any luck connecting wireless or Bluetooth headphones to your Xbox One or Xbox Series S|X? Let me know in the comment section below or reach out via the Contact form. Game on!
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