How Do You Connect Bluetooth Headphones to a PS4 Easily?
How Do You Connect Bluetooth Headphones to a PS4 Easily?
3 Answers
Trying to get your Bluetooth headphones hooked up to a PS4 can be a bit of a headache. Unlike pairing with a phone or laptop, Sony’s gaming console has its quirks. It’s mainly because the PS4 likes to stay cozy with only Sony-certified devices, like their own controllers and headsets. But don\’t worry; there are ways around this. Let’s dive into some handy methods you can use to get your headphones working wirelessly with your PS4.
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1. Going Old School with a Wired Connection
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The simplest trick in the book? Just plug your headphones right into the PS4 controller using the 3.5mm jack. It might not be wireless, but hey, it works like a charm with zero audio delay.
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What you do:
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- Jam those headphone plugs into the controller’s audio port.
- Head over to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices on your PS4.
- Choose Headphones Connected to Controller for Output Device.
- Tweak the volume levels on the controller or your headphones.
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Why it’s cool:
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- It’s super easy. No geeky setup needed.
- Perfect for game audio and chatting.
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But, there’s a catch:
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- You’re tethered by the cable. No roaming around the room.
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2. The Magical Bluetooth Adapter (Seriously, Try This)
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Since PS4 decides to snub most Bluetooth headphones, grabbing a USB Bluetooth adapter is the way to go. This little gadget lets you bypass the PS4’s Bluetooth snobbery.
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Here’s the play:
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- First, you\’ll need a nifty adapter, preferably one with low-latency codes like aptX LL. Check out options like the Creative BT-W3 or Avantree DG80.
- Plug it into a USB port on your PS4.
- Time to pair:
- Set your headphones to pairing mode.
- Hit the adapter\’s pairing button until it blinks.
- Finish up the pairing from the headphones\’ Bluetooth settings.
- Back to the PS4’s Settings > Devices > Audio Devices, and select USB Headphones.
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Problems? Here’s the lowdown:
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- If you don’t hear squat after pairing, make sure to set the adapter as the default and maybe restart the PS4 for good measure.
- Experiencing lag? Stick with adapters using aptX Low Latency or go old school with a wired connection if you\’re in a competitive mood.
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3. Using an HDMI Audio Extractor (Because Why Not)
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Planning on watching your game on TV but listen through Bluetooth? Split the audio signal with an HDMI audio extractor. It\’s a bit more setup but can be just what you need.
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What’s involved:
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- Connect the PS4 to the extractor’s input via HDMI.
- Send the extractor’s HDMI output to your TV.
- Link a Bluetooth transmitter to the extractor’s audio out port.
- Pair up those headphones with the transmitter.
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Why you’ll love it:
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- Compatible with any Bluetooth headphones.
- Hear audio through the TV and headphones at the same time.
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Bummers:
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- Could introduce minor lag.
- More gear to buy (extractor and transmitter).
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4. Battling Connection Gremlins
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Problem 1: Can’t Find Headphones During Pairing
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Why it happens:
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- Too much distance or obstacles between the adapter and headphones.
- Low battery on either device.
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What to do:
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- Keep the headphones close to the adapter when pairing.
- Give both devices a good charge.
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Problem 2: Audio Cutting Out or Static
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Why it happens:
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- There are too many devices crowding the airwaves, like routers.
- Adapter firmware is outdated.
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What to do:
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- Scooch the PS4 away from Wi-Fi routers and microwaves.
- Update the adapter’s firmware using a computer.
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Problem 3: Mic Not Playing Ball
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Why it happens:
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- PS4 might prioritize audio out over mic input for non-certified stuff.
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What to do:
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- Consider using a separate USB mic or dive into the controller’s built-in one.
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The PS4’s Bluetooth Aversion
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Why does PS4 do this dance? To keep the performance of their controllers and fancy Sony peripherals top-notch. Also, built-in Bluetooth latency can really throw off your game. If latency is your enemy, you might want to eye Sony’s own headsets like the Pulse 3D, but the above hacks should serve most gamers just fine.
Alright, let\’s get those Bluetooth headphones hooked up to your PS4 in no time! Here’s how you do it.
Step 1: Check Your Gear
First off, make sure your headphones are compatible with the PS4. Sony\’s kind of picky about which Bluetooth profiles they support, so double-check your headphones aren\’t on the no-go list. And while you’re at it, give them a good charge and flip through the manual for any pairing tips.
Step 2: Get Your Headphones Ready
You\’ll want to activate pairing mode on your headphones. Usually, you just hold down the pairing button until those little lights start blinking like a disco (either blue or a festive mix). Once that\’s done, they’re ready to connect.
Step 3: Dive into PS4 Settings
Now, grab your PS4 controller and do this:
- Head to the main menu and find “Settings.”
- Scroll to “Devices.”
- Click on “Bluetooth Devices.”
Your PS4 will start scanning for nearby devices, so give it a sec. Once your headphones pop up on the list, just select them to pair up.
Step 4: Time to Tweak the Audio
After you’ve got them connected, it’s all about getting the sound just right. Here’s what to do:
- Go back to “Settings,” then “Devices,” and finally “Audio Devices.”
- Click “Output Device” and select “Headset Connected to Controller” if you’re using a cable, or choose the right option if it’s through a dongle.
- As for “Output to Headphones,” switch it to “All Audio” to funnel everything through your headphones.
Step 5: If Things Get Tricky
Now, if things aren\’t working out like you planned, don\’t worry! Here are a few workarounds:
- Try a USB Bluetooth Adapter: If your headphones aren’t direct-connect friendly, a USB dongle can usually do the trick. Just plug it in and repeat the pairing steps.
- Go Old-School with an Audio Cable: Sometimes, the Bluetooth route isn’t worth the hassle. Just use an audio cable with a mic option, and adjust the output in the settings.
- Turn it Off and On Again: Sometimes, a simple restart of your PS4 or resetting the headphones works wonders.
And there you have it! With this setup, you should be jamming out to both game sounds and chat in no time. Remember, Sony’s a bit selective with Bluetooth, so if things don’t work out, those backup options can save the day. Enjoy!
So, you want to pair up your Bluetooth headphones with a PS4? Let’s get into it with a couple of tricks.
Trying a Bluetooth Adapter
- First off, grab a Bluetooth adapter that can work with audio through USB or a 3.5mm jack.
- Pop that USB adapter into a USB port on the PS4. If it’s a 3.5mm, just stick it into the controller’s headphone jack.
- Check the adapter’s manual for pairing instructions and sync it up with your headphones.
- On the PS4’s main screen, jump into Settings > Devices > Audio Devices.
- For Output Device, pick USB Headset or whatever your adapter shows up as.
- Adjust the volume to your liking, and you’re set!
Using Compatible Bluetooth Devices
If you’ve got Bluetooth headphones that actually play nice with the PS4, here’s the scoop:
- Head over to Settings > Devices > Bluеtooth Devices on your PS4.
- Put those headphones in pairing mode (your headphone manual’s got the details).
- Select your headphones from the list that shows up on the screen.
- Follow through any prompts, and you’re good to go.
Feeling Wired? Connect Directly
If going wireless is being a hassle, go the old-school way:
- Just plug your headphones right into the PS4 controller with a 3.5mm audio cable.
- On the PS4, dive into Settings > Devices > Audio Devices and choose Headphones Connected to Controller.
If all else fails, it’s worth peeking at the PlayStation support page or the headset manufacturer’s instructions for more insights.