How to Pair Any Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox Series X

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Easy workarounds to play game audio through wireless headphones

Co-authored by Hunter Rising Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: November 25, 2025 Fact Checked

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Is Bluetooth supported?

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Bluetooth Adapter

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Xbox Remote Play

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Connecting to Your TV

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Using the Xbox Wireless Headset

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Video

Headphones are great for getting your head into the game, but Xbox limits what you can connect wirelessly. Even though the Xbox Series X doesn’t support Bluetooth connections directly to the console, there are simple workarounds that let you use your headphones. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through how to use an adapter, connect with Remote Play, and pair with your TV so you’re able to hear your game.

Ways to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Xbox

Pair headphones to a Bluetooth adapter connected to your controller or console.
Open Remote Play and connect your headphones to your phone or PC.
Connect your headphones directly to your TV instead of the console.
Use a wireless headset that supports the Xbox Wireless System.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Does the Xbox Series X support Bluetooth headphones?

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The Xbox Series X uses the Xbox Wireless System instead of Bluetooth to reduce input and audio latency. Even though you can connect controllers and the branded wireless headset, other Bluetooth devices can’t connect directly to your Xbox and require a workaround.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

How to Use a Bluetooth Adapter with Your Xbox Series X

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1
Connect the Bluetooth adapter to your controller or console. Depending on the Bluetooth adapter you get, plug it into the ports at the bottom of your controller or an open USB port on your Xbox Series X. Make sure to turn the adapter on so it’s able to receive and transmit a Bluetooth signal.^{[2]
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- Xbox doesn’t sell an official Bluetooth adapter, so they are only available from third parties.
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Pair your headphones with the adapter. Follow the pairing instructions for your headphones, which usually involve pressing a button or holding one down until a light flashes. Each adapter works a little differently, but you’ll usually press a pairing button until your headphones connect. Your headphones or the adapter typically blinks or makes a noise after they successfully pair.^{[3]
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- Can you use party chat? Most adapters don’t let you use the microphone on your Bluetooth headphones. However, some adapters have built-in microphones so you can still chat with people in-game.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Using Bluetooth Headphones with Xbox Remote Play

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1
Enable Sleep Mode and Remote Features on your Xbox. Remote Features lets you control your Xbox using your PC or phone so you can play games from wherever you’re located. However, your Xbox has to be in Sleep Mode so it can power on when you want to play.
- To enable Sleep Mode:^{[4]
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  - Press the Xbox button in the middle of your controller.
  - Select Profile & System and navigate to Settings.
  - Select General and open Power options.
  - Switch to the Sleep option and press A to confirm.
- To enable Remote Features:^{[5]
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  - Press the Xbox button on your controller.
  - Open Profile & System and select Settings.
  - Select Devices & connections and navigate to Remote features.
  - Check the box that says Enable remote features.
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Add your console to Remote Play from your phone or PC. Once you have the features enabled, leave your console turned on and make sure it’s connected to the same wi-fi as your device. Whether you’re on mobile or PC, open the Xbox app and sign in. Click on the Devices button that looks like a box with curved lines next to it near the top of your screen.^{[6]
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- Select Set up a Console or Add an existing console from the menu that appears.
- If you have Remote Features enabled, your console will be visible on the list. Select your console to add it to your devices.
- Alternatively, tap Set Up a New Console and enter the code that appears on your console.
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Start Remote Play from your device. Whenever you want to start playing, open the Remote Play feature on your device. Your console will power on and stream your game to your device.^{[7]
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- iOS/Android
  - Visit the Xbox Remote Play website.
  - Select your console from the list.
- PC
  - Open the Xbox app or visit the Xbox Remote Play website.
  - Select the Devices menu in the top-left and choose your console from the list.
- Using a controller connected to your device may have a little lag or latency.
4
Connect your headphones to the device using remote play. Follow the pairing instructions for your headphones, which usually involve holding down a button. Open the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone, Android, or PC and select your headphones from the list. The game audio will play through your device, but you can still use a controller connected to your Xbox and play on your TV.^{[8]
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- Can you use party chat? Yes, party chat is still available, and you can use the microphone built into your Bluetooth headphones.
- Using a controller connected to the device you’re remotely playing from may cause latency or lag.
- Keep your phone plugged in because your screen will remain on the entire time you’re gaming.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Connecting Bluetooth Headphones to Your TV

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1
Check your TV’s sound settings for a Bluetooth option. Many modern smart TVs let you connect with Bluetooth headphones instead of using the built-in speakers. Open your TV’s settings and look for the sound output options. Alternatively, look through the settings for any option labeled Bluetooth, Devices, or something similar.^{[9]
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- If your TV doesn’t have Bluetooth options, then you can’t connect your headphones to it.
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Pair your headphones with your TV. Put your headphones into pairing mode, which usually involves pressing or holding down a button. Once your headphones are in pairing mode, navigate to the Bluetooth device menu on your TV and select your headphones from the list. Your headphones will make a noise or have a blinking light once they connect.^{[10]
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- Can you use party chat? No, you will not be able to use party chat with your headphones because they’re connected to your TV and not your console.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

How to Connect an Xbox Wireless Headset

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Start your Xbox and let it fully power on. To turn on your headset, press the green power button on the back of the left earpiece. The power light will turn on, and a tone will play.^{[11]
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Press and hold the green power button again. A repeated pairing tone will play, and the power light will start flashing once the headset enters pairing mode.^{[12]
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Press the Pair button on your Xbox Series X. Press the button with 3 curved lines on the front of your Xbox right next to the USB port. The power light on the console will start flashing. Once your headset pairs with the console, the lights on your headset and console will stop.^{[13]
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- Can you use party chat? Yes, you can chat with friends and others in-game with the Xbox Wireless Headset.
- Turning on your headset will also turn on the console.