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How to Connect Wireless Headphones to Xbox Series X or S

Only certain wireless headsets and headphones work with Xbox

By 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 . lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 22, 2021 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Consoles & PCs Xbox Buyer's Guide

What to Know

Plug the headset into the base station, if it has one. If it doesn't automatically connect, press the sync button on your console. The Xbox Series X or S consoles are only compatible with wireless headsets designed for Xbox One and Xbox Series X or S. Some wireless Xbox headphones and headsets use a wireless adapter that plugs into a USB port on the console. This article explains how to connect compatible wireless headphones to an Xbox Series X or S console. Jeremy Laukkonen

How to Connect Wireless Headphones to Xbox Series X or S Using Xbox Wireless Protocol

This method is relevant only to headsets and headphones that are designed for Xbox One or Xbox Series X or S and don’t have a wireless USB adapter. If that describes your headphones or headset, you can use this method to connect. Turn on your Xbox Series X or S. If your headset has a base station, plug it in. Wait and see if your headphones pair automatically. If the headphones don’t pair automatically, press the sync button on your Xbox Series X or S. Press and hold the power button on your headphones until they connect to your console. If your headphones or headset has a sync button, press that instead. Your headphones should be connected now. If this didn’t work, try connecting your headphones to the Xbox Series X or S using a USB cable, then turn the headphones on. Once they connect, you can unplug the USB cable. You may also need to ensure that your headphones are fully charged first.

How to Connect Wireless headphones to Xbox Series X or S With a Dongle

If your headphones or headset came with a wireless USB dongle, and they are specifically designed to work with Series X and S consoles, then you can plug the dongle into a USB port on the console. If the headset or headphones were designed for Xbox One, they may or may not work. Check with the manufacturer if you have trouble connecting. Here’s how to connect wireless headphones to your Xbox Series X or S using a dongle: Turn the Xbox Series X or S on. Plug the wireless adapter into a USB port on your Xbox. Turn on your headset or headphones. Wait to see if the headset or headphones connect automatically. If they didn’t connect, check your USB dongle for a switch. Headsets designed to work with both Xbox and PC have a switch on the dongle. Switch it to Xbox to connect. Your headphones or headset should connect. If your headphones don't connect, contact the manufacturer. The dongle may not be compatible with Xbox Series X or S.

What Wireless Headphones Work With Xbox Series X or S

In general, most wireless headphones and headsets that worked with the Xbox One will also work with Xbox Series X or S. Headphones designed specifically for Xbox Series X or S will also do the trick. Wireless headphones and headsets that weren’t specifically designed for any Xbox console, unfortunately, won’t be able to connect. The biggest hurdle here is that neither the Xbox Series X or S support Bluetooth, so you can’t just use any Bluetooth headset or headphones. The Xbox Series X and S also don’t support most USB wireless dongles, so there’s a good chance that your headset that’s designed for use with a PC won’t work with your Xbox. Xbox Series X or S has a proprietary wireless protocol, so these consoles primarily work with headphones that were designed to use that protocol. Additionally, some wireless headsets and headphones have a wireless dongle that’s designed to be plugged into a USB port on your Xbox Series X or S, so they can be used as well. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Connect Wireless Headphones to Xbox One How to Connect an Xbox One to a TV How to Add and Use an External Hard Drive with Xbox Series X or S How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS4 How to Connect Nintendo Switch to Bluetooth Headphones How to Fix It When an Xbox One Controller Headphone Jack Isn't Working How to Fix It When Your Xbox Series X or S Headset Is Not Working Xbox Series S and X Backwards Compatibility How to Connect AirPods to PS4 PlayStation 6: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors How to Use External Controllers on Steam Deck How to Fix It When Xbox Series X or S Controller Won't Recognize the Headset How to Connect an Xbox to Google Home How to Speed Up Xbox Series X or S Downloads How to Fix It When an Xbox One Controller Won't Recognize the Headset How to Stream Xbox One to Your PC Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies