Can You Connect AirPods to Xbox Series X or S?

No, but the Xbox app offers you a workaround to use your AirPods

By
Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen
Writer
  • Shoreline Community College
Jeremy Laukkonen is automotive and tech writer for numerous major trade publications. When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles .
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Updated on December 2, 2022
Reviewed by
Jessica Kormos
Jessica Kormos
Reviewed by Jessica Kormos
  • Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others.
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What to Know

  • You can't pair AirPods directly to an Xbox Series X or S.
  • Use the Xbox app on your phone or tablet to chat with your Xbox Series X or S friends while using your AirPods.
  • Alternatively, stream Xbox Series X or S games to your phone with your AirPods connected.

This article explains how to use AirPods with an Xbox Series X or S.

How to Connect AirPods to Xbox Series X or S Using the Xbox App

Here’s how to use the Xbox app with your AirPods while you’re gaming on your Xbox Series X or S:

  1. Pair your AirPods to your Android, iOS, or iPadOS device.

  2. Download and install the Xbox app on your device.

    Download for:

  3. Open the Xbox app on your device, and tap Sign in.

  4. Log in using the same account you use on your Xbox.

  5. Tap LET’S GO.

    The Xbox app on Android.

  6. Tap the people icon (Second icon from the left at the bottom).

  7. Tap the headset icon in the upper right corner.

    The social options in the Xbox app on Android.

  8. Tap ADD PEOPLE.

  9. Select friends to add.

    Adding friends to Party Chat on the Xbox app.

  10. You’re now chatting with your Xbox Series X|S friends using your AirPods.

How to Use AirPods With Xbox Series X or S Via Streaming

If you stream your Xbox Series X or S console to your phone with the Xbox app, you can use your AirPods with your console. The catch is that you have to play on your phone instead of a television.

Here’s how to use your AirPods with your Xbox Series X or S via console streaming:

  1. Pair your AirPods to your phone if you haven’t already.

  2. Pair a controller to your phone, or connect one via USB if your phone supports that.

  3. Turn on your Xbox Series X or S.

  4. Launch the Xbox app on your phone.

  5. Tap the console icon in the upper-right corner of the app.

  6. Tap Remote play on this device.

  7. Tap Next.

    Remote play on the Xbox Android app.

  8. With your Xbox Series X or S, select Enable.

    Enabling remote play on an Xbox Series X|S.

  9. Wait for the process to finish.

    Xbox Series X|S testing remote play.

  10. Your Xbox Series X or S will now stream to your phone. Once that happens, select a game to play.

    Xbox Series X|S streamed to a phone.

  11. Start playing your game on your phone.

    Dirt 5 on Xbox Series S streaming to a phone.

    Game audio and voice chat will both utilize your AirPods if you have them paired.

Why Don’t AirPods Work With Xbox Series X or S?

Unfortunately, the Xbox Series X and S don’t support Bluetooth for audio connectivity. That means you can’t just connect any Bluetooth headphones, headset, or earbuds. It needs to support Microsoft’s wireless standard or have a compatible USB adapter to connect a wireless audio device to your Xbox Series X or S.

The best way to get around the fact that you can’t pair a set of AirPods directly to your Xbox Series X or S is to download the Xbox app to your phone, log in with your Xbox network account, and then join Party Chat using the app. You can then chat with your friends just like your AirPods were connected directly to your Xbox Series X or S console.

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