Need to connect your Bluetooth headphones to your PS4? Follow these simple steps and get connected ASAP!
Gaming without a headset is fine if you live alone and can crank up your TV volume to dizzying heights. But even then, without headphones you may be missing out on a truly immersive gaming experience. PS4, like other platforms, recommends wireless headphones that are specifically designed to be compatible with our PS4. These are:
- NEW Gold Wireless Headset
- Gold Wireless Headset
- PULSE Elite Wireless Stereo Headset
- Platinum Wireless Stereo Headset
- PS3™ Wireless Stereo Headset
If you don’t have one of these headsets, don’t worry. You can still connect other Bluetooth wireless headphones to your PS4 if they are not on this list. It just requires a few more steps and possibly some extra hardware.
How to Connect Compatible Bluetooth Headphones to PS4
Before doing anything else, you should make sure your headset is charged. Then follow these steps:
STEP 1:
Plug your headset’s USB adapter into the USB port of your PS4 or your PS4 console
STEP 2:
Turn on your headset and put them into pairing mode. To do this press the pairing mode button until the blue light flashes. You should see the light stop flashing and turn to solid blue. This means your headset is successfully connected and ready to play audio. If you are unsure how to put your headset into pairing mode, check the manual.
If you have no sound after following these steps, then try the second method.
Change the Settings
Usually, your PS4 compatible headset should connect automatically, but if it doesn’t after the following the steps above you may need to manually connect them.
STEP 1
Go to your PS4 Settings using the controller. Scroll down to Devices.
STEP 2
On the Devices page, you’ll see a list of possible devices to connect to your PS4. Select Bluetooth Devices.
STEP 3
Select Bluetooth Devices.
STEP 4
Check that your headset is still in pairing mode (the blue light should be flashing) and wait while your PS4 searches for Bluetooth devices.
STEP 5
Your headset should appear in the list of possible devices. Select them and wait for a moment while they connect.
You may need to register your device to complete the set up. If so, you will be prompted to do so. Fill in the necessary details and you’re ready to go.
How to connect regular Bluetooth headphones to PS4
If you don’t have a headset listed above, it’s OK. It is still possible to connect a standard pair of headphones or earbuds to your PS4. You can connect them:
- Wirelessly via Bluetooth
- Connect them using an audio cable
- Use a Bluetooth adapter
- Use the PS4 Remote Play App
- Or a Bluetooth Dongle.
Depending on the strength of your internet connection, you may experience some lagging in play. But you will be connected and be able to play and communicate with team mates online.
Most wireless earbuds and headsets should work with the PS4 by following these steps:
STEP 1
Turn on your headset and set it to pairing mode. If you don’t know how to do this you can check the manual, but you should find a button or a switch that allows you to do this. There should be an LED light that flashes to let you know you are pairing mode.
STEP 2
Go into the PS4 home menu and select Settings and Devices, Bluetooth Devices.
STEP 3
Select your headset from the list to pair it with your PS4.
If your headset doesn’t appear in the list, reset the headset or the console.
How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to a PS4 Controller
If the steps above have not worked, you need an audio cable with a built-in microphone. This should have been included with your Bluetooth headset. Follow these simple steps to get connected:
STEP 1
Plug one end of your audio cable into the PS4 and the other into your headset.
STEP 2
Go back to the PS4 screen and select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices.
STEP 3
A list of available devices should appear. Select your headset from the list.
STEP 4
Once you have done this, go to Devices > Audio Devices.
STEP 5
Scroll down to Output Device. You should see the name of your headset.
STEP 6
You can adjust the volume via the Volume Control (Headphones).
STEP 7:
Select Output to Headphones and choose All Audio.
You should now be connected. But if that hasn’t worked try a USB Adapter.
Use a USB Adapter to Connect Your Headset to Your PS4
If nothing else has worked, this just might. Here’s how to connect your PS4 and Bluetooth headphones using a USB Bluetooth adapter.
STEP 1
Insert the Bluetooth adapter into a USB port on the PS4.
STEP 2
Go to the PS4 menu and select Settings > Devices > Audio Devices.
STEP 3
Select Output Device and USB Headset.
STEP 4
Adjust the volume with the Volume Control (Headphones) setting.
STEP 7
Select Output to Headphones and choose All Audio.
Using the PS4 Remote Play App
If you don’t want to have to spend money on a Bluetooth dongle, and don’t mind playing using a phone or tablet, then this is a good option. Please be aware though that this option may not work for all games and all devices, but it’s still worth a go.
The PS4 Remote Play app allows you access to your PS4 through your mobile device using a Wi-Fi connection. Your mobile devise will need to be Android version 5.0 or iOS 12.1 or above. With the app you will be able to play PS4 games on your phone. You can use the on-screen controller and phone display. You can even join chats using your phone’s mic.
STEP 1
Download and install the PS4 Remote Play app.
STEP 2
To activate the Remote Play feature, head to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings. You need to Enable Remote Play on your PS4.
STEP 3
Select Add Device > Code. An 8-digit code should show on the screen.
STEP 4
Head back to the PS4 Remote Play app on your phone and enter the 8-digit code.
Using a Bluetooth Dongle
A Bluetooth Dongle will give you the bets gaming experience if you are using non-compatible PS4 headphones or earbuds. It will also come with a microphone so you can access the chat features. Here is an easy step-by-step guide to get connected.
It is important to note that there are different standards when it comes to the microphone jack, you will need to connect your headphones to your PS4 via the dongle. The important ones to note are the CTIA, AHJ and OMTP standards. The CTIA and OMTP have the microphone connector point and the ground connector in different places. This means that if you connect a CTIA headset to an OMTP port, the audio will be too quiet. The sme applies the other way. Newer smartphones and your PS4 will use the CTIA standard, so if you want to use OMTP standard headphones, you will have to use an OMTP to CTIA converter or adapter.
STEP 1
Plug the USB dongle into our PS4 and wait for it to go into pairing mode. If you are unsure how to do this, check the manual.
STEP 2
Turn on your Bluetooth headset and put that into pairing mode as well. Once the devices are paired, the LED light should stop flashing. This means your headset is connected.
STEP 3
Insert the included microphone into your controller’s 3.5mm port.
Let the Games Begin…
Hopefully one of these solutions has got you connected to your PS4 and you are well on your way to gaming glory and endless immersive sessions. Still having issues with the sound? This how-to-guide Bluetooth Headphones Connected to PC But Not Working should help you. If you are using an Xbox, head over to our article on how to connect your headphones to your Xbox one.
