AirPods will connect to PS5, but not the way you might expect

Yes, AirPods can work with your PS5, but the PS5 does not support standard Bluetooth pairing like your phone does. Instead, you have two working options: connect AirPods through a USB adapter that converts them to a wireless dongle, or connect them to your TV and use the TV's audio output. The USB adapter route is faster and gives you direct control. The TV audio route works if your TV already has AirPods paired, but adds an extra step and potential audio delay.

The reason for this limitation is that PS5 uses a proprietary wireless protocol for most Bluetooth devices, not the standard Bluetooth that AirPods use. Apple's AirPods are designed for Apple devices first, and the PS5 was not built to speak that language natively.

Key Takeaways

  • PS5 cannot pair AirPods directly through its Bluetooth menu because the console uses a different wireless standard than AirPods support.
  • A USB-C Bluetooth adapter plugged into the PS5 is the most reliable method and costs between $15 and $40.
  • If your TV already has AirPods paired, you can route PS5 audio through the TV and hear it in your AirPods, though this may add a slight delay.
  • Audio delay (latency) is noticeable during gaming and movies, so a wired headset or PS5-compatible wireless headset may work better for real-time gameplay.

Using a USB Bluetooth adapter with your PS5

A USB-C Bluetooth adapter is a small device that plugs into one of the PS5's USB ports and creates a standard Bluetooth connection the console can recognize. When you plug it in, the PS5 treats it like any other wireless accessory. You then pair your AirPods to the adapter itself (not the PS5), and the adapter relays the audio signal to the console.

To set this up: plug the adapter into the USB-C port on the front or back of the PS5, put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white, and then follow the adapter's pairing instructions. Most adapters have a button you press to enter pairing mode. Once paired, your AirPods will automatically connect to the adapter whenever you turn on the PS5 and the adapter is plugged in.

Look for adapters specifically labeled as USB-C and Bluetooth 5.0 or higher. Brands like Avantree, TaoTronics, and ASUS make models that work reliably with PS5. Avoid very cheap adapters under $10, as they often have poor range or drop connection frequently. Budget $20 to $40 for a solid option.

Connecting through your TV if it already has AirPods paired

If your TV has AirPods already paired to it, you can route all PS5 audio through the TV and hear it in your AirPods. This works because the TV is the device actually connected to the AirPods, and the PS5 just sends its audio to the TV like normal.

To do this: make sure your PS5 is set to output audio through HDMI to your TV (this is usually the default). Then on your TV, switch the audio output to your AirPods instead of the TV speakers. The exact steps depend on your TV brand — Samsung, LG, and Sony all have different menus — but you are looking for an audio or sound output setting. Once switched, any sound from the PS5 will play through your AirPods.

The downside is that audio will lag slightly behind what you see on screen. This lag (called latency) is usually between 100 and 300 milliseconds, which is noticeable during fast-paced games or movies with dialogue. For slower games or single-player story games, it is often not a problem. If you play competitive multiplayer games, this delay can affect your reaction time.

Why PS5 does not support AirPods directly

The PS5 uses 2.4 GHz proprietary wireless for most of its controllers and accessories, not standard Bluetooth. This was a deliberate choice by Sony to reduce interference and latency during gameplay. AirPods use standard Bluetooth, which operates on the same 2.4 GHz frequency but with a different protocol, so the two do not speak to each other.

Sony does support some Bluetooth headsets on PS5 — specifically certain gaming headsets made by manufacturers like SteelSeries and HyperX that have drivers built for the console. But consumer AirPods were never on that list. The PS5 will show a Bluetooth menu in settings, but if you try to pair AirPods there, nothing will happen.

Audio delay and why it matters for gaming

When you use AirPods with PS5 through either method, you may notice the sound lags behind the action on screen. This is especially obvious during cutscenes where an actor's lips move but the dialogue comes a split second late. For gaming, the delay can affect your ability to react to audio cues like footsteps or gunfire.

A USB adapter typically has less delay than routing through your TV, because the adapter connects directly to the console. TV routing adds an extra step where the TV has to receive the signal from the PS5, process it, and send it to your AirPods. If audio delay bothers you during gameplay, a wired headset or a PS5-native wireless headset (like the PlayStation Link headsets) will eliminate it entirely.

Alternatives if you want wireless audio without adapters

If you want to avoid buying an adapter, consider a wired connection instead. You can plug standard headphones or earbuds into the PS5 controller's 3.5mm jack, and they will work immediately with no pairing needed. This is the simplest option and has zero latency.

If you want wireless without an adapter, look into PS5-compatible headsets. Sony makes the PlayStation Link headsets, which connect directly to the PS5 without any adapter. Brands like SteelSeries Arctis Nova and HyperX Cloud Flight also make headsets with PS5 drivers. These are more expensive than a USB adapter (usually $100 to $300), but they are built specifically for the console and have no audio delay.

Another option is to use your phone or tablet as an intermediary. You can stream PS5 audio to your phone through the PS Remote Play app, then connect your AirPods to your phone. This works, but you are now playing the game on your phone screen while listening, which defeats the purpose of using a TV.

Troubleshooting if your USB adapter is not working

If you plugged in a USB Bluetooth adapter and the PS5 does not recognize it, try these steps in order. First, unplug the adapter, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Sometimes the PS5 needs a moment to detect a new USB device. Second, make sure the adapter is actually powered on — some adapters have a small LED light that should be on, and a few have a power button you need to press.

Third, restart the PS5 completely. Hold the power button on the console for 10 seconds until it shuts down, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. This clears any connection issues. Fourth, try a different USB port. The PS5 has multiple USB ports, and occasionally one port has a problem while others work fine.

If none of that works, the adapter itself may be faulty or incompatible. Check the product listing to confirm it says "PS5 compatible" — not all USB Bluetooth adapters work with the console, even if they work with computers. If you bought it recently, return it and try a different brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my AirPods connect if I just hold down the pairing button?

No. The PS5 will not find AirPods even if they are in pairing mode, because the console does not support standard Bluetooth. You must use a USB adapter or route audio through your TV. Holding the button longer will not change this.

Can I use AirPods Pro or AirPods Max instead of regular AirPods?

Yes, all AirPods models work the same way with PS5. AirPods Pro and AirPods Max will pair to a USB adapter just like regular AirPods. The active noise cancellation on Pro or Max will still work, though you cannot control it from the PS5 — you control it from your AirPods themselves.

Is there audio delay with a USB adapter?

Much less than with TV routing, but some adapters do have a small delay of 50 to 100 milliseconds. This is usually not noticeable during normal gameplay. If you want zero delay, a wired connection or a PS5-native wireless headset is your only option.

Do I need to pair my AirPods to the adapter every time I use the PS5?

No. Once you pair your AirPods to the adapter, they will automatically reconnect whenever the adapter is plugged in and powered on. You only pair once, unless you unpair them intentionally or pair them to a different device.

What if my TV does not have Bluetooth?

Then you cannot use the TV routing method. Stick with a USB adapter, which is the most reliable option anyway. Many older TVs do not have Bluetooth built in, so this is a common situation.