How to Connect Nintendo Switch to Bluetooth Headphones

Play without the wiring hassle

by
Daniel Nations
Daniel Nations
Writer

Daniel Nations has been a tech journalist since 1994. His work has appeared in Computer Currents, The Examiner, and other publications. He is a developer who has published apps in the Apple App Store, Google Play marketplace and Amazon Appstore; he also has worked as a data analyst and DB administrator.

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Daniel Nations
Updated on October 15, 2021
The Wireless Connection
The Wireless Connection
Introduction

This article explains how to connect a Bluetooth headset to the Nintendo Switch. While it didn't officially support wireless headphones for years after launch, a September 2021 update added the ability to connect Bluetooth devices to the console. Before that, people had to rely on workarounds or the 4.0.0 update, which allowed certain wireless headsets to connect to the Nintendo Switch via USB. We show you how to connect a headset using both methods below.

Person playing a game using Bluetooth headphones with their Nintendo Switch
​Lifewire / Lisa Fasol

The Switch won't work with all Bluetooth headsets. Consult the verified list (see below) before buying a headset for it.

How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to a Switch

You can connect up to 10 Bluetooth devices to your Nintendo Switch, but you can only use one of them at a time, according to Nintendo. It's audio output only, which means microphones don't work. You also can't connect a Bluetooth device when more than two Joy-Cons are being used. This means if you're playing co-op with three or four buddies your wireless headset won't connect.

  1. Put your headset into pairing mode. How you do this varies by manufacturer, but generally involves holding down the power button until a light starts flashing.

  2. On the Switch, open System Settings > Bluetooth Audio > Pair Device.

    The Pair Device option in the Bluetooth Audio menu of the Nintendo Switch

  3. Choose your headset from the list of available devices. It should then connect to the Switch.

How to Connect Headphones to a Switch via USB

Before Nintendo added Bluetooth functionality to the Nintendo Switch, certain headsets could be connected to the console via USB. The method should still work, but it's possible a future update will remove the ability entirely.

The front of the Nintendo Switch
Nintendo

The instructions for connecting a wireless headset to the Nintendo Switch vary based on whether you are using the Switch while docked or using it unplugged from the docking station.

  1. While the Switch is docked, plug the USB dongle into one of the ports on the side of the dock. The Nintendo Switch should recognize the device. You will see a prompt on the upper-left corner of the screen showing a USB volume control.

  2. If the Switch is undocked, there's only a single USB-C port at the bottom of the device. If you want to go completely wireless, you need a USB-to-USB-C connector. Plug the USB-to-USB-C connector into the USB-C port on the bottom of the Nintendo Switch.

  3. Plug the USB dongle for your wireless headset into the connector.

    It may take a few seconds for audio to transmit whether docked or not docked.

What If Your Headset Isn't Working?

If you have problems with audio, the first thing you should do is consult the list below and ensure that your headset is listed.

If your headset is on the verified list and you have problems, try the following:

  • First, ensure the headset is properly charged.
  • If you have another device that works with the headset such as a computer or another gaming system, hook it up to that system. This step verifies the headset is in working condition.
  • If you're using it in undocked mode, try using it with the Nintendo Switch docked. If this works, you may have a problem with the USB-to-USB-C connector.
  • If the Switch is docked and the headset USB dongle inserted into one of the USB ports on the side, try switching ports. Not only are there two ports on the side, but there is also one hidden in the back. To access this one, open the lid on the back of the dock. This is the area with the power and HDMI cables. Between these two ports is a third USB port.
The back of the Nintendo Switch
Nintendo

Headsets That Work With the Nintendo Switch

You can connect a wireless headset to the Nintendo Switch via USB or Bluetooth, but not every headset is compatible. Below are some of the headsets known to work with the console.

A Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 700 headset.
Turtle Beach

If you own one of these headsets, try it out to see if it works. But if you're planning on buying one to use with the Switch, do some research and make sure it works before spending money on it.

  • Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage
  • Creative Wireless HS-1200
  • Logitech G930
  • Logitech G933
  • Logitech H800
  • LucidSound LS30 (with an optical cable plugged into a wireless dongle)
  • LucidSound LS40 (Requires an optical cable plugged into a wireless dongle)
  • PDP Legendary Sound of Justice
  • Plantronics Audio 510
  • PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo Headset
  • PlayStation Platinum Wireless Headset
  • PlayStation 3 Wireless Headset
  • Skullcandy PLYR 1
  • SteelSeries Arctis 7 (with 3.5 mm 3-pole cable)
  • Steelseries Siberia 800
  • Steelseries Siberia 840
  • Turtle Beach Ear Force P11
  • Turtle Beach Ear Force PX3
  • Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 450
  • Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 500P
  • Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 700

In addition, these headsets work with a slightly different setup:

  • LucidSound LS30, LucidSound LS40. These headsets require an optical cable to be plugged into the dongle.
  • SteelSeries Arctis 7. This headset needs a 3.5mm 3-pole cable that's not included with the headset.

Pay close attention to both the name and model number when buying a headset. For example, while many Turtle Beach Stealth models work with the Switch, the 420X does not.

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