How to Connect Wireless Headphones to Xbox One

You need a headset that uses Microsoft's wireless protocol

By
Evan Killham
Evan Killham Lifewire
Evan Killham
Writer
  • University of Nebraska
Evan Killham has been writing about tech and pop culture since 2008. His work has appeared in publications that include Fandom, VentureBeat, and ScreenRant.
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Updated on December 25, 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

  • Obtain a headset that uses Microsoft's wireless protocol. The Xbox One doesn't support Bluetooth.
  • If it comes with a wireless adapter or a base station, connect it to the Xbox One and switch on the headset.
  • To sync manually, press the sync button on the Xbox One and hold the power button on the headphones.

This article explains how to connect wireless headphones to an Xbox One.

How Do I Connect Wireless Headphones to My Xbox One?

Unfortunately, none of the several versions of the Xbox One (including the S and X models) support Bluetooth, so only headsets that use Microsoft's wireless protocol can connect to the console.

Depending on the model of headset you buy, you'll either use an included wireless receiver that plugs into a USB port on the hardware or connect to it directly, similarly to how you sync an Xbox One controller.

If Your Headset Has a Wireless Adapter

If your headset comes with a USB adapter, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure your headphones are fully charged.

  2. Turn on the Xbox One.

  3. Plug the adapter into the USB port on your Xbox One.

  4. Turn on your headphones and put them into pairing mode. They will connect automatically, and the Xbox One will immediately switch the audio output to your headphones.

If Your Headset Has a Base Station

If your headset comes with a base station, you might have to take an extra step.

  1. Make sure your headphones are fully charged.

  2. Turn on the Xbox One.

  3. Plug the base station into the USB port on your Xbox One.

  4. If your base station has an optical cable, attach the base station to the optical cable port on the back of the Xbox One.

    The optical audio port on an Xbox One console

  5. Turn on your headphones and put them into pairing mode. Your headset will automatically pair with the base station.

How to Sync Headphones With an Xbox Manually

If your headset doesn't have an adapter or base station, follow these steps:

These are general directions that may not apply to all models of headsets. Refer to your device's documentation for specific instructions.

  1. Press the sync button on the left side (Xbox One) or lower-right corner (Xbox One S and Xbox One X) of the console.

    Xbox Connect Buttons

  2. Hold the power button on the headphones until it pairs with the console.

  3. Alternatively, connect your headset to the Xbox One via the USB, and then turn it on. Once the Xbox recognizes the headset (usually the power indicator will stop blinking), you can unplug it.

Do You Need a Wireless Headset?

The main appeal of going wireless with your sound is that you won't have cords lying all over the place, but the Xbox One's setup means that's not necessarily going to be an issue. A wired headset plugs directly into the controller and lets you receive both game and chat audio without running a longer cord to your TV or soundboard. The only cord involved goes between your headphones and the controller you're already holding, which can still help with the clutter.

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