Connecting AirPods to an Xbox can be tricky since Xbox consoles do not natively support Bluetooth audio devices. However, with some creative workarounds, you can get your AirPods to work wirelessly with Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S.
In this ultimate guide, we will cover 4 different methods to connect AirPods to Xbox, from easy to more complex.
Overview of Methods to Connect AirPods to Xbox
Here is a quick summary of the main methods covered in this guide:
Pair AirPods to Your TV‘s Bluetooth – If your TV supports Bluetooth, you can pair your AirPods to transmit sound directly from the TV. This is the simplest method.
Xbox Remote Play App – Use the Xbox app on your smartphone paired with AirPods to remotely connect to your Xbox console. There is some audio lag with this method.
Bluetooth Transmitter – A Bluetooth transmitter plugged into your TV‘s headphone port can transmit Xbox audio to AirPods. But the quality varies across transmitters.
Bluetooth Adapter for Xbox Controller – Attach an adapter to your Xbox controller to pair AirPods directly to the controller. But these adapters can drain controller batteries quicker.
Below we‘ll explore each method in detail, with step-by-step instructions and screenshots walkthroughs.
Method 1: Pair AirPods to Your TV‘s Bluetooth
If your TV has built-in Bluetooth connectivity, this is the easiest way to get audio from your Xbox to AirPods without any cables, dongles orlag.
Here‘s how to pair AirPods to your Smart TV‘s Bluetooth:
On your TV remote, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Bluetooth
Open the AirPods case near TV to put AirPods in pairing mode
Select the AirPods from Available Devices list on your TV
Your TV will now transmit sound wirelessly to the AirPods
Once paired, make sure to set the TV sound output to Bluetooth to ensure the Xbox audio gets sent to the AirPods.
Key Benefits:
- No audio lag makes this ideal for gaming
- Leverages native TV Bluetooth so no need to buy additional accessories
Limitations:
- Your TV must support Bluetooth connections
- Microphone won‘t work for Xbox party chat
But if you purely want wireless Xbox audio minus microphone support with no lag, connecting your AirPods via your Smart TV‘s Bluetooth is the way to go.
Method 2: Xbox Remote Play App
If your TV doesn‘t hav Bluetooth, another great option is the Xbox app using a feature called Remote Play.
Here‘s how it works:
- Pair AirPods to your smartphone
- Use the Xbox app to remotely connect to your Xbox console
- Xbox audio transmits over Wi-Fi to your phone and then to the AirPods
This creates a full wireless experience minus the microphone capabilities.
Here are the step-by-step instructions to get this setup:
Enable Remote Play on Your Xbox
On your Xbox, go to Settings > Devices & Connections> Remote Features
Turn on Enable Remote Feature
Also enable Instant On and Stay Connected to Network in Power Mode & Startup
This allows you to connect remotely when Xbox is powered off.
Connect Your Phone to AirPods
- Turn Bluetooth on for your mobile device
- Open the AirPods case to begin pairing mode
- Select AirPods from the Available Devices list
- Your phone is now paired to AirPods for sound
Launch Xbox App and Connect Remotely
Download and open the Xbox app on your mobile device (Android, iOS)
Tap on the Home icon on bottom menu
Select the Consoles icon in top right corner
Choose Remote Play on This Device
A controller needed warning may appear but tap Continue Anyway
Xbox will remotely connect and you will hear audio from Xbox in your AirPods
This uses Wi-Fi between the devices so try to connect your phone and Xbox to the same network to minimize lag, which runs about half a second.
Key Benefits:
- Completely wireless experience
- Works with any TV that has audio-out port
Limitations:
- Audio lag due to Wi-Fi transmission
- Microphone unavailable for party chat
So while not ideal for competitive multiplayer games, this gets the job done well for wireless sound from your Xbox to AirPods!
Method 3: Bluetooth Transmitter
Another approach is using an audio Bluetooth transmitter that connects to your TV audio output. It then transmits wirelessly to AirPods over Bluetooth.
How a Bluetooth Transmitter Works
A Bluetooth transmitter plugs into the headphone jack/audio output port found on most TVs. It connects via Bluetooth to headphones to transmit TV audio.
The benefit is this wirelessly sends both TV and Xbox audio since everything outputs via your TV headphone jack.
Choose a High-Quality Bluetooth Transmitter
With the wide variety of Bluetooth transmitters available, quality can vary:
- Some have connectivity issues pairing to AirPods
- Others have audio lag or static
- Range can be limited on cheap models
So choose carefully if going this route!
We recommend the UGREEN Bluetooth 5.1 transmitter.
It provides low latency Bluetooth 5.1 audio with support for connecting two headphones simultaneously. This checks all the right boxes for transmitting high quality Xbox audio.
Steps to Connect Transmitter
- Plug 3.5 mm jack from transmitter into TV audio out port
- Connect transmitter to power source via USB
- Put AirPods case next to transmitter then open lid
- Transmitter will automatically pair to the AirPods
- Test Xbox audio playback; adjust volume using controls on transmitter
This offers wireless audio without lag, making it a good solution. It also pairs quickly to AirPods without fussing around in menus on the TV.
Key Benefits
- Solid audio quality without lag
- External device so works with any TV
- Dedicated volume controls
Limitations
- Additional hardware purchase required
- Sound limited by Bluetooth range of transmitter
For less than $20, a Bluetooth transmitter cost-effectively solves how to get Xbox audio into your AirPods!
Method 4: Bluetooth Adapter for Xbox Controller
Our last method involves connecting a Bluetooth adapter directly into your Xbox controller.
Here‘s an overview of how it works:
- Adapter plugs into stereo headset jack on underside of Xbox controller
- Adapter pairs via Bluetooth to AirPods
- Controller audio routes through adapter to AirPods
This puts the wireless connection point right on the game controller for convenience.
Choose an Adapter for Low Latency
With Xbox gaming, reducing audio lag is critical. So choose an adapter designed specifically to minimize Bluetooth latency.
The Skull & Co AudioBox keeps delay extremely low for gaming while providing easy volume control.
Pair Adapter to AirPods
- Slide adapter into underside of Xbox controller
- Put AirPods case next to controller
- Open the AirPods case lid to begin pairing mode
- Adapter auto-pairs to AirPods for wireless sound
Having volume buttons right on the controller is extremely handy with this method.
Key Benefits
- Convenient controls from the controller
- Low latency for lag-free gaming
Limitations
- Can drain controller battery quicker
- Button presses may transmitting over mic
If you want super simple controls, an Xbox controller Bluetooth adapter gets the job done wirelessly.
Troubleshooting Tips
Despite best efforts, AirPods sometimes refuse to connect to these Bluetooth accessories and transmitters.
Try these troubleshooting tips if your AirPods won‘t connect:
Make Sure AirPods Aren‘t Already Paired
- AirPods can only pair to one device at a time
- Open phone Bluetooth settings and select Forget This Device to reset
Confirm Transmitter is in TX Mode
- Transmitters have TX and RX modes
- Toggle switch to TX mode for transmitting to AirPods
Reset the Transmitter
- Unplug and reconnect power to reset the transmitter
- Many have a red blinking light indicating pairing mode
With a bit of trial and error, you should get the AirPods paired. But a wireless Xbox headset is a much simpler route for frustration-free gaming audio!
Recommendation: Wireless Xbox Headset
While the above methods allow you to cobble together a way to use AirPods with Xbox, it‘s not officially supported.
Your best bet is to use a wireless gaming headset designed specifically for Xbox.
Wireless Xbox headsets connect directly to Xbox via proprietary wireless technology to deliver low latency sound.
Benefits of a wireless Xbox headset:
- Easy setup – no pairing just plug in receiver
- Designed for gaming with spatial sound
- Integrated mic for chat
- 30+ ft wireless range
- No audio lag since not using Bluetooth
To make your life easier, grab a wireless headset made for Xbox!
FAQs about Connecting Bluetooth to Xbox
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting Bluetooth devices paired with Xbox consoles:
Can I connect AirPods to my TV?
Yes, if your smart TV has Bluetooth support, you can directly pair AirPods to your TV like any headphones.
Can I connect AirPods to a TV without Bluetooth?
If your older TV lacks Bluetooth, you need an audio Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the headphone jack on the TV to pair with AirPods.
Does Xbox have Bluetooth connectivity?
No. Lack of Bluetooth support is why it‘s tricky to use devices like AirPods on Xbox. Certain Xbox controllers have Bluetooth but it is not available in the consoles themselves.
How do I wirelessly connect speakers to Xbox?
Speakers can connect wirelessly by pairing to the TV‘s Bluetooth, using a Bluetooth transmitter, or buying dedicated wireless Xbox speakers that work on the Xbox wireless protocol.
So while connecting devices like AirPods to your Xbox takes some workarounds, hopefully this guide covered everything you need to make it happen!
