AirPods deliver excellent sound quality, making them an ideal choice for enhancing your gaming experience on an Xbox console. Nonetheless, they are not directly compatible with Xbox gaming consoles. However, there are alternative methods to use AirPods while playing Xbox games. You can rely on the TV’s Bluetooth connection, the Xbox app’s Remote Play feature, or a Bluetooth adapter to connect AirPods with Xbox.
How to Connect AirPods to Xbox Without Phone
You can’t directly pair AirPods to an Xbox console since it doesn’t support Bluetooth audio. Instead, you can pair AirPods directly to the TV that has Xbox connected.
1. Set up HDMI Connections: Start by connecting your Xbox to the Smart TV with an HDMI cable.
2. Power On Devices: Turn on both your Xbox and TV. Change the TV input to the HDMI port linked to your Xbox.
3. Access Bluetooth Settings: Go to your TV’s settings and find the Bluetooth option.
4. Pair AirPods: Put your AirPods in pairing mode and connect them to your TV.
5. Listen to Game Audio: After pairing, you will be able to listen to game audio through your AirPods.
Play your game and enjoy the audio seamlessly through your AirPods.
How to Connect AirPods to Xbox Using the Xbox App
1. Access Xbox Settings: Start by navigating to Settings under Profile & system on your Xbox console. From there, select Device & connections to continue further.
2. Enable Remote Features: Within the Device & connections menu, choose Remote features. Check mark the Enable remote features text box in the menu.
3. Install the Xbox App: Next, head over to your smartphone’s Play Store or App Store and install the Xbox app.
4. Set up Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure your smartphone and Xbox are connected to the same Wi-Fi connection.
5. Sign In to the Xbox App: After that, run the Xbox app on your phone and sign in with the same Xbox account that you use on your console.
6. Open Remote Play: Look for the small icon next to the notification icon in the app interface. Tap on it to proceed to the remote play options.
7. Select Remote Play: Once you get a popup on the screen, select Remote play on this device and click Continue to proceed.
8. Link Your Console: At this stage, you will need to pair your Xbox console to your iPhone. Follow the on-screen messages on the phone screen to finish the setup.
9. Pair Your AirPods: Finally, ensure your AirPods are paired with your iPhone. Once connected, you will be all set for gaming.
From now on, you can hear the game audio of your Xbox console through AirPods.
How to Connect AirPods to Xbox Using a Bluetooth Adapter
Another way to connect your AirPods to an Xbox is using a Bluetooth adapter. You should have a wireless audio transmitter for this method. If you don’t have one, you can buy it from Amazon.
1. Prepare Your AirPods: Ensure your AirPods are disconnected from any devices and put them into pairing mode.
2. Connect the Bluetooth Adapter: Insert the Bluetooth adapter’s 3.5mm audio jack into the audio port on your Xbox controller.
3. Activate Pairing Mode on the Adapter: Toggle the adapter’s button to PAIR, and you will see a flashing light, noting that it is in pairing mode.
4. Pair with AirPods: After a few seconds, the Bluetooth adapter will automatically sync with your AirPods.
5. Confirm the Connection: Once paired successfully, you will see a “Headset Assigned” message on your Xbox-connected TV screen.
Now, you can enjoy playing Xbox games with the audio streaming directly to your AirPods.
How to Use AirPods for Xbox Game Chat
You can only use AirPods for Xbox Game Chat if they are connected through the Xbox app. This method won’t work if you’ve paired your AirPods via TV settings or a Bluetooth adapter.
1. Access Remote Play and Xbox App
After setting up remote play and connecting your AirPods using the Xbox app, navigate to your console screen and tap the eight-dot icon in the top-right corner.
2. Open Additional Options: From the expanded menu, click on the three-dot icon to access more settings.
3. Unmute the Microphone: Select the Muted option and choose Allow from the prompt to enable the microphone.
Now, you can engage in Xbox Party Chat and talk with your friends using your AirPods’ microphone. You can mute or unmute the microphone whenever needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re having trouble connecting AirPods to your Xbox, it could be due to interference from other Bluetooth devices. Turn off Bluetooth on all other nearby devices to prevent connection issues between AirPods and Xbox.