How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Your PS5

Yes, you can connect Bluetooth headphones to PS5, but with limits

Your PS5 supports Bluetooth headphones, but not all of them will work. Sony restricts which Bluetooth devices pair with the console — it accepts some gaming headsets and a few consumer headphones, but rejects many popular models. Before you buy or dig out old headphones, you need to know whether your specific model is on the PS5's compatibility list.

The PS5 will connect to Bluetooth devices, but the pairing process is different from pairing to a phone or computer. You cannot simply put headphones in pairing mode and expect them to show up in your PS5 settings. Instead, you initiate the pairing from the console itself, and the headphones must be in pairing mode at the same moment.

Key Takeaways

The PS5 only pairs with certain Bluetooth headphones — check Sony's official compatibility list before attempting to connect your headphones.
You start the pairing process from the PS5 Settings menu under Accessories, not from the headphones themselves.
Once paired, Bluetooth headphones work for game audio and chat, but some features like noise cancellation may not function during gameplay.
If your headphones are not compatible, a USB wireless adapter or a 3.5mm cable connected to the controller are your alternatives.

Check if your headphones are compatible first

Sony publishes a list of compatible Bluetooth devices on its support website. Search for "PS5 compatible Bluetooth devices" and open the official Sony page. Look for your exact headphone model — the brand and model number both matter. A Sony WH-CH720N will work, but a Sony WH-CH710N may not, even though they are similar.

If you cannot find your headphones on the list, they will not pair with the PS5. Sony's Bluetooth implementation is restrictive by design. This is frustrating if you own popular headphones like AirPods or most Bose models, because those brands are largely absent from the compatibility list. Gaming-focused headsets from brands like SteelSeries, HyperX, and PDP are more likely to be listed.

If your headphones are not compatible, stop here and move to the alternatives section below. Attempting to pair incompatible headphones will waste time and may confuse your headphones' pairing settings.

How to pair compatible Bluetooth headphones to your PS5

Step 1: Put your headphones in pairing mode. Consult your headphone manual for the exact button combination — this varies widely. Usually you hold the power button for several seconds until a light flashes, or you press a dedicated pairing button. Leave the headphones in pairing mode and move to the next step immediately.

Step 2: Open PS5 Settings. From the PS5 home screen, scroll up to the top menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.

Step 3: Navigate to Accessories. In Settings, scroll down and select Accessories, then select Bluetooth Accessories.

Step 4: Select "Find Bluetooth Devices" or "Pair Bluetooth Device". The exact wording depends on your PS5 firmware version, but the option will be in this menu. The PS5 will begin scanning for devices in pairing mode.

Step 5: Select your headphones from the list. Your headphones should appear within 10 to 15 seconds. Tap the model name to complete pairing. The PS5 will confirm the connection with an on-screen message.

Once paired, your headphones will reconnect automatically when you turn them on near the PS5. You do not need to repeat this process unless you unpair them intentionally or pair them to a different device.

What works and what does not work with Bluetooth headphones

Bluetooth headphones on PS5 will play game audio and chat from party members. You can hear everything the game produces and communicate with friends in voice chat. The audio quality is the same as wired headphones — Bluetooth does not reduce sound quality on the PS5.

However, some headphone features do not work during PS5 gameplay. Noise cancellation may turn off automatically or function only partially. Touch controls and voice assistants built into the headphones will not respond to PS5 commands. If your headphones have a companion app on your phone, those settings do not carry over to the PS5.

Battery drain is faster on PS5 than on phones or computers because the console uses continuous Bluetooth transmission. Expect your headphones to lose 10 to 20 percent more battery per hour of use compared to normal listening.

Use a USB wireless adapter if your headphones are not compatible

If your headphones are not on Sony's compatibility list, a USB wireless adapter is your best alternative. Many gaming headsets come with a USB dongle that connects to one of the PS5's USB ports. The dongle creates a wireless connection that the PS5 recognizes as a standard audio device, bypassing Bluetooth entirely.

Check whether your headphones came with a USB adapter in the original box. If they did, plug it into the USB port on the front or back of the PS5 console. The PS5 will recognize it automatically — you do not need to install drivers or change settings. Your headphones will connect to the dongle the same way they connect to your computer or phone.

If your headphones did not come with a USB adapter, you cannot use this method. Third-party universal USB adapters do not work reliably with the PS5 because the console has strict requirements for USB audio devices.

Connect headphones with a 3.5mm cable to your controller

The simplest method that works with almost any headphones is a 3.5mm cable plugged directly into the PS5 controller. The DualSense controller has a 3.5mm jack on the bottom. Plug any wired headphones or a 3.5mm cable into that jack, and the PS5 will route all audio through the headphones.

This method works with every headphone model because it does not rely on Bluetooth or wireless technology. You will hear game audio and chat clearly. The only drawback is the cable — you are tethered to the controller, which limits how far you can sit from the console.

If your headphones have a 3.5mm connector, this is the fastest way to get them working. If your headphones only have a USB-C or Lightning connector, you will need a 3.5mm adapter cable, which costs between $10 and $20.

Troubleshoot if your compatible headphones will not pair

If your headphones are on the compatibility list but will not pair, the issue is usually timing or a forgotten pairing. First, unpair the headphones from any other device — phone, computer, or tablet. Headphones can only pair with one device at a time, and if they are connected to your phone, the PS5 cannot claim them.

Next, restart your headphones completely. Turn them off, wait 10 seconds, and turn them back on. Then put them in pairing mode again and immediately start the PS5 pairing process from Settings. Do not delay between putting the headphones in pairing mode and starting the PS5 scan — most headphones exit pairing mode after 30 seconds of inactivity.

If pairing still fails, restart the PS5 itself. Hold the power button on the console for 10 seconds until it shuts down completely, then turn it back on. Attempt pairing again once the PS5 has fully booted.

If the headphones still will not pair after these steps, they may have a firmware issue or a defective Bluetooth chip. Contact the headphone manufacturer's support team — they can confirm whether the model is truly compatible and whether a firmware update is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't my AirPods connect to my PS5?

Apple AirPods are not on Sony's PS5 compatibility list. The PS5 uses a different Bluetooth standard than iPhones and iPads, so AirPods will not pair. Use a USB wireless adapter if your AirPods came with one, or plug headphones into the controller's 3.5mm jack instead.

Can I use one pair of Bluetooth headphones on multiple PS5 consoles?

Yes, but you have to unpair them from one console before pairing them to another. Go to Settings > Accessories > Bluetooth Accessories, find your headphones, and select the option to unpair or forget. Then pair them to the second console using the same process.

Do Bluetooth headphones work for PS5 game chat?

Yes, compatible Bluetooth headphones will transmit and receive party chat. You will hear friends' voices and they will hear you through the headphones' built-in microphone. Test the microphone in a private party before playing with others to confirm it is working.

Will my Bluetooth headphones work if I'm playing a PS4 game on PS5?

Compatibility depends on the specific headphones and game. Most headphones that work with PS5 games also work with PS4 games running on PS5, but some may disconnect or have audio issues. Test with a PS4 game you own to confirm before relying on them for extended play.

What should I do if my headphones keep disconnecting from the PS5?

Disconnections usually mean the Bluetooth signal is weak or the headphones are running low on battery. Move closer to the console, charge the headphones fully, and remove any obstacles between the headphones and the PS5. If disconnections continue, the headphones may have a defective Bluetooth module and should be replaced.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.