How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS5: Easy Steps
You’d think connecting wireless headphones to a modern console would be quick and easy, but the PS5 does things differently. If you’re searching for how to connect Bluetooth headphones to PS5, it’s worth knowing upfront that direct pairing usually won’t work. Sony limits standard Bluetooth audio to reduce delay and keep gaming audio in sync.
That doesn’t mean you’re stuck with wired headphones, though. There are reliable workarounds that let you enjoy wireless sound without much hassle, and we’ll walk you through them step by step.
Can You Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS5?
Short answer: not directly.
If you’re wondering whether you can simply pair your headphones in the PS5 settings, the answer is no for most Bluetooth headphones. The console doesn’t support standard Bluetooth audio connections, so your earbuds or typical wireless headphones won’t connect the way they do with your phone or laptop.
That might sound limiting, but it’s actually intentional. Sony restricts Bluetooth audio mainly to avoid lag (latency) and maintain consistent sound quality, which are both critical for gaming. Even a small delay between what you see and what you hear can throw off gameplay, especially in fast-paced titles.
It’s also worth knowing that the PS5 does use Bluetooth, but mostly for accessories like controllers, not audio devices.
So, what does work?
- Official or compatible wireless headsets that use a USB dongle, such as the Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset.
- Bluetooth adapters that plug into the PS5.
- Indirect methods like connecting through your TV or another device.
In other words, you can still use Bluetooth headphones—you just need a workaround. And in the next section, you’ll see exactly how to connect Bluetooth headphones to PS5 step by step.
How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS5
Since the PS5 doesn’t support standard Bluetooth audio, connecting your headphones means using a workaround. The good news is that most methods are straightforward once you know what to use.
Here are the main ways to do it, starting with the most reliable.
1. Use a Bluetooth Adapter (Best Option)
This is the easiest and most consistent way to connect Bluetooth headphones to PS5.
A Bluetooth adapter (or transmitter) plugs into your console and acts as a bridge between the PS5 and your headphones.
How to set it up:
- Plug the Bluetooth adapter into the PS5’s USB port (front or back).
- Turn on the adapter and put it into pairing mode (usually a flashing light).
- Put your Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode. The exact steps vary by model, but usually you need to hold the power or pairing button until the light starts blinking.
- Wait for them to connect automatically.
- On your PS5, go to Settings → Sound → Audio Output and select the USB adapter.
Once paired, your headphones should reconnect automatically the next time you use them. This method works with most Bluetooth headphones, including earbuds.
Bluetooth adapters are straightforward to use, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Some only support audio, so your microphone may not work for voice chat. It’s also worth choosing a low-latency model (such as aptX Low Latency) to reduce audio delay while gaming. A reliable adapter with these features typically costs around £25–£40.
2. Connect via Your TV’s Bluetooth
If your TV supports Bluetooth audio, you can route sound through it instead.
How it works:
- Pair your headphones with your TV’s Bluetooth settings.
- Make sure your PS5 audio is outputting through HDMI (your TV).
Your TV handles the Bluetooth connection, while the PS5 simply sends audio to it.
Limitations:
- You may notice slight audio delay
- Microphone usually won’t work for voice chat
3. Use PS Remote Play (Wireless Workaround)
This method lets you route PS5 audio through another device, like your phone or laptop.
Steps:
- Install PS Remote Play on your phone, tablet, or PC.
- Connect your Bluetooth headphones to that device.
- Start Remote Play and stream your PS5.
This works because your device—not the PS5—handles the Bluetooth connection.
Downsides:
- Requires a strong internet connection
- Slight delay is possible
4. Use the PS5 Controller (Wired Workaround)
If your headphones support a cable, this is the quickest fix.
Steps:
- Plug your headphones into the 3.5mm jack on the DualSense controller.
- Go to Settings → Sound → Audio Output.
- Set output to Controller Headphones.
It’s not wireless, but it gives you zero delay and full mic support.
Common Problems and Easy Fixes
Even when you know how to connect headphones to PS5, things don’t always work smoothly. Here are the most common problems and what you can do about them.
Headphones Won’t Pair
If your headphones aren’t connecting at all, the issue is usually with pairing.
What to check:
- Make sure your headphones are in pairing mode (not just turned on)
- Keep them close to the adapter or TV
- Disconnect them from other devices like your phone or laptop
Quick fix:
Restart both the PS5 and your headphones. If you’re using an adapter, try unplugging and reconnecting it, or pairing again from scratch. Re-pairing often fixes connection glitches.
No Sound After Connecting
Sometimes the connection works, but you don’t hear anything.
What to check:
- Go to Settings → Sound → Audio Output on your PS5
- Make sure the correct output device (adapter or TV) is selected
- Check the volume level on both the PS5 and your headphones
Quick fix: Switch the output device manually, then restart the console if needed.
Audio Delay (Lag)
This is one of the most common complaints with Bluetooth audio on PS5.
Why it happens: Bluetooth isn’t always fast enough for real-time gaming audio, especially with standard codecs.
What you can do:
- Use a low-latency Bluetooth adapter
- Avoid connecting through older TVs, which often add extra delay
- Switch to a wired connection for competitive gaming
Microphone Not Working
If you’re using Bluetooth headphones, the mic often won’t work—especially with adapters or TV connections.
Why: Many Bluetooth transmitters only support audio output, not input.
Fix options:
- Use the DualSense controller mic for chat
- Plug in a wired headset when you need voice communication
- Choose a gaming headset with a USB dongle (designed for PS5)
Recommended soundcore Headphones
If you’re looking for reliable wireless headphones, soundcore offers a couple of strong options worth considering. Both models below are easy to live with day to day, whether you’re gaming in the evening, commuting, or just listening at home.
Either can connect to your PS5 easily through a USB Bluetooth transmitter, so you can choose based on how and where you plan to use them.
soundcore Space One
If you’re looking for something that just works well day to day, the soundcore Space One is an easy pick.
It’s designed to handle busy environments—think commuting, working from home, or gaming in a shared space—thanks to adaptive noise cancelling that can reduce a large amount of background noise, including voices and mid-frequency sounds.
The 40mm drivers and LDAC support help keep sound detailed and balanced, so you’re not just hearing louder audio, but clearer footsteps, dialogue, and background effects too.
Battery life is another strong point. You can get through several days of use on a single charge, and even if you forget to charge them, a quick top-up gives you hours of playback.
Best for: You want a strong all-rounder that feels good value for everyday listening as well as casual PS5 gaming.
Key features:
- Adaptive ANC that reduces up to 98% of noise
- 40mm customised dynamic drivers with LDAC for clearer wireless audio
- Up to 40 hours (ANC on) or 55 hours (ANC off)
- Fast charging: 5 minutes for up to 4 hours of playback
- Comfortable fit with rotating ear cups and soft headband
- Multipoint connection for switching between devices
soundcore Space Q45
If you want something that feels a bit more refined, the soundcore Space Q45 is the step up. It’s built with travel and longer listening sessions in mind, with a more advanced noise cancelling system that adjusts automatically depending on your surroundings—useful if you move between quieter rooms and noisier spaces.
Where it really stands out is battery life. You can go for days—sometimes weeks—without needing to charge, which makes it a good fit if you don’t want to think about power at all.
Sound-wise, it leans a bit more towards detail and depth. The double-layer drivers and LDAC support give you more clarity in music and game audio, so things like background ambience or dialogue feel more defined rather than flat.
It’s also built to be practical: foldable, comfortable enough for hours, and flexible with features like multipoint and app-based EQ tuning, so you can tweak the sound to your preference.
Best for: You want longer battery life, stronger travel-friendly ANC, and a more premium listening experience.
Key features:
- Adaptive ANC that reduces up to 98% of noise
- Up to 50 hours (ANC on) or 65 hours (standard mode)
- Fast charging: 5 minutes = around 4 hours playback
- 40mm double-layer drivers with silk and ceramic diaphragms
- LDAC support for Hi-Res Wireless audio
- Customisable EQ and app controls
- Multipoint connection and foldable design
How to connect soundcore headphones to PS5
To use either of these headphones with your PS5, you’ll need a Bluetooth adapter (USB transmitter). Once you have one, the setup is straightforward:
- Plug the Bluetooth adapter into your PS5.
- Put your soundcore headphones into pairing mode. Press and hold the power button for around 5 seconds. Wait for the LED to flash blue, which means pairing mode is active.
- Let the adapter and headphones connect automatically.
- On your PS5, go to Settings → Sound → Audio Output and select the adapter.
After the first setup, your headphones should reconnect automatically when you turn them on, so you won’t need to repeat the process each time.
Final Takeaway
Now you know how to connect Bluetooth headphones to PS5, even though it’s not as straightforward as pairing with a phone. While the console doesn’t support direct Bluetooth audio, simple workarounds like a USB adapter make wireless listening easy. Once set up, you can enjoy smooth, cable-free audio whether you’re gaming, watching, or relaxing. The key is choosing the right method—and headphones that fit your everyday use.
FAQs
Can I connect any Bluetooth headphones to PS5?
While the PlayStation 5 features Bluetooth technology, it does not natively support third-party Bluetooth headphones or earbuds for game audio. To use your favourite wireless pair, you will typically need a compatible USB Bluetooth adapter or a headset specifically designed for the console. This limitation is intended to minimise latency and ensure a stable, high-quality audio experience that keeps up with fast-paced gameplay without any distracting delays.
How to enable Bluetooth on PS5?
Bluetooth is always active on your PS5 to facilitate controller connections, but pairing new accessories is straightforward. Simply navigate to Settings, select Accessories, then choose General and Bluetooth Accessories. Once your device is in pairing mode, it should appear on the screen for you to select and register. Keep in mind that standard Bluetooth audio devices usually won’t show up here without the use of a dedicated USB dongle.
Why won’t my wireless headset connect to my PS5?
Your wireless headset may not connect because the PS5 doesn’t fully support most standard Bluetooth audio devices. It typically requires a USB dongle, Bluetooth adapter, or a wired connection via the controller. Other common causes include incorrect pairing mode, low battery, or interference from nearby USB devices. Double-check your setup and ensure the headset is compatible or connected using a supported method.
