How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS4

Bluetooth headphones can make playing on the PS4 much more entertaining. It also allows you to stay farther from the screen without hassling with cables. The PS4 has native Bluetooth support, so headphones should connect automatically. If you have any issues connecting your headphones, this article is here to help. Here’s everything you need to know about connecting Bluetooth headphones to your PS4.

Connecting PS4-Compatible Bluetooth Headphones

Sony’s line of Bluetooth headphones are designed to work perfectly with the PS4. You can find a list of compatible headphones here. If your headset model is listed, follow these instructions to connect your Bluetooth headset to the PS4. If your headset isn’t listed as approved, you should still try these steps before moving on to the next section.

Here are the basic steps for connecting your headphones:

1. If your headset came with a brand-specific USB dongle, plug the adapter into the PS4 USB port.
   
2. Make sure your headphones are on and put them in pairing mode. This process will vary depending on your brand of headphones, so you may have to read the instructions that came with them if you don’t know how.
   
3. Once the pairing light stops flashing and becomes solid, your headphones will be paired with the PS4.

If this process does not automatically connect your Bluetooth headphones, proceed with these steps to be sure the PS4 is also pairing:

1. Use a controller to navigate to settings on the console menu.
   
2. Choose “Devices.”
   
3. Select “Bluetooth Devices.”
   
4. Place your headphones in pairing mode again.
5. Select your headphones from the list to connect them.
   

These steps should be enough to get you connected and ready to game, especially for Sony headphones. However, if these don’t work, read on for more solutions.

Connecting Other Bluetooth Headphones

Although Bluetooth technology has been around for a long time, connecting headphones to a PS4 might not work as well if they aren’t on Sony’s official list. Maybe you have AirPods and don’t want to buy new headphones for your PS4, or you find a great deal on non-certified headphones that you can’t pass up.

You can purchase a Bluetooth adapter or “Bluetooth Dongle.” This is a device that connects your Bluetooth device to the console via a plugged-in adapter. Here’s how to use it:

1. Plug the dongle into the PS4 and watch as it enters pairing mode.
   
2. Put your headphones in pairing mode.
   
3. The flashing lights should turn solid, and your headphones are now usable with PS4.

If your headphones are still not paired, follow the same manual pairing steps listed above.

1. Open settings on the console with your controller.
   
2. Choose “Devices” from the menu.
   
3. Select “Audio Devices.”
4. Select “Output Devices” and choose the “USB Headset” option.
5. For “Output to Headphones,” select “All Audio.”

This requires purchasing a dongle but keeps you from having to buy a brand-new headset. This method should work with any Bluetooth headset, even those that aren’t approved by PS4. It is important to note that most Bluetooth adapters will send the audio from the PS4 to your headset, but they will not receive audio, even from your headphones. While you will be able to hear, you probably won’t be able to communicate with other gamers.

What If My Headphones Don’t Show Up in the Bluetooth List?

When you navigate through your PS4 to choose the Bluetooth device to connect, if you don’t see your headphones listed, try some of these troubleshooting steps.

• Are your headphones on and charged? It may seem like an obvious question, but it’s easy to get started in excitement and forget to have your headphones charged. If they are out of battery or turned off, they will not show up in the connections list.
• Try resetting the headset.
• Try resetting the console.
• Check to be sure the headset is PS4 compatible.

What If My Headphones Show in the Bluetooth List but Won’t Connect?

Many PS4 users have found that Bluetooth headphones that are not PS4 certified will still show up on the console’s Bluetooth device list. You may be able to walk through the entire set up process before the connection fails at the very last minute. If this is happening to you, verify that your headphones are listed as those that can connect to PS4. If not, you’ll have to use a Bluetooth USB adapter to connect your headphones.

What If I Can’t Hear Anything Through My Connected Headphones?

If you’ve been through the setup process and everything seems to be connected, but your headphones still aren’t producing sound, there are a few things to try.

• Check your headset volume.
• Go to Settings, Devices, Audio Devices. Check that the Output Device is set to the appropriate device. For instance, if your dongle is plugged into your controller headset jack, this will need to be “Headphones Connected to Controller.”
• Go to Settings, Devices, Audio Devices again. Verify that the Output to Headphones setting is “All Audio.”
• Check your console headphones volume in the same menu to be sure it’s at a reasonable level.

Connect Headphones Through Controller

If all else fails, you’ll need to use the provided audio cable. Luckily, you can still avoid most of the mess. Since most PS4 controllers have an audio jack, you can use it to connect your headset. This keeps you untethered from the console itself. Keep in mind that this might drain your controller battery more quickly.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Plug the provided audio cable into the headset and the controller.
2. Go to “Settings,” then “Devices.”
   
3. Select “Bluetooth Devices.”
   
4. Find your headset on the list to activate it.
   
5. Go back to “Devices” and choose “Audio Devices.”
6. On “Output Device,” select “Headphones Connected to Controller.”
7. Route “All audio” to the headphones in “Output to Headphones.”

Things to Consider When Purchasing Headphones

While any headphones will allow you to hear the sound effects of your games, there are a few things to consider when choosing a pair of headphones. Sound quality and other features can significantly impact the quality of your game play.

1. Comfort. Consider how the headphones will sit on your head, possibly for long periods of time. Are the ear pads comforatble to wear? Does the head band fit? Is the microphone in a comfortable place so that others can hear you? You won’t enjoy using them if the fit bothers you.
2. Sound quality. Evaluate reviews and audio specs to be sure you’re getting the quality of sound that you want. Some headphones are better at directional sound than others. It’s important to know what kind of volume control you want on your headset as well. Be sure these features fit the kind of game play you’re into.
3. Sound proof quality. It’s important to hear the sound of your device clearly, but it’s just as importnat not to hear all the other noise around you. Some headphones perform better than others at blocking out crowd noise around you. Some even have a toggle for complete noise-cancelation while others just dull sound. This is an important feature to fit to your needs.
4. Design. If you are listening to your PC at home in your pajamas, the look of your headset might not matter to you at all. But if you’re hoping for an online following from your gaming videos, design is something you should pay attention to as you purchase. There are limitless options.

Playing PS4 With Bluetooth Headphones

Bluetooth headphones are a great wire-free way to play your favorite games without disturbances. Gameplay is much more immersive and intense when you can hear directional sound. While you play, you can feel like you’re really in the game, and your friends and family will thank you for wearing your Bluetooth headphones.

Although connecting them to the PS4 can sometimes be a chore, troubleshooting the process usually results in success. Have you used these tips to connect Bluetooth headphones to your PS4? Comment below and tell us about it.