Using Airpods With PS4: Keys to Making a Connections

Wired headphones are pretty easy in the sense that you can just plug them in and get going. But if you want the convenience of connecting your wireless Apple AirPods to your gaming console, that is where things get a bit tricky. So, this guide will be all about can you use Apple headphones for PS4.

You will need a Bluetooth adapter to connect your Apple headphones to your PS4. The console does not support all Bluetooth devices natively. Keep in mind that in-game chat functionality is not available.

A good Bluetooth adapter can be used to solve the problem. And the biggest benefit of it is that it can be used for other things as well. But first, let’s see why PS4 does not connect with AirPods out of the box.

Do Wireless Headphones Work With The PS4?

When you go to connect your AirPods to your PS4, the first stumbling block you might face is finding the wireless settings on the console. No, Sony has not made it intentionally harder for you to connect your AirPods.

The thing you need to know is that to connect your Apple AirPods to your PS4, you need a wireless adapter. This will let you easily connect not only AirPods but any other wireless headphones to your PS4.

If you are asking, can I use AirPods with PS4? Yes, you can. The trick is very simple, though. And you do not need to be very technically savvy to do it. So, let’s get into the easy and step-by-step guide on how to connect them.

How To Connect AirPods With PS4?

If you have tried to connect your Apple wireless headphones to your console, you might have noticed that it does detect them. However, when you follow the steps on the screen, they will often be interrupted at the very last moment. 

I am sure you do not need me to tell you that it is super annoying. A simple PS4 Bluetooth adapter with support for Bluetooth audio will do the trick in this case. What do you do now? Just follow these steps:

Step 1 – Pause here a bit. Depending on the kind of adapter you have, it might connect slightly differently. Some will plug into the audio jack while others will go into the USB port. 

Step 2 – Put the adapter in pairing mode. This will get it ready to start pairing up.

Step 3 – Open up your AirPods case with the headphones in it and hold the syncing button.

Step 4 – Keep the syncing button held till you see the pairing light indicator stop blinking. Once it stops blinking, your AirPods are connected to the adapter.

Step 5 – On your PS4, go to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices to double-check that your AirPods are indeed connected to your PS4.

And voila! You have connected your AirPods to your PS4. How ridiculously simple was that? There is still some housekeeping you need to do to ensure that everything is working perfectly. 

Settings You Need To Check

After you have connected your AirPods, you need to change the audio output settings to get things back up.

The steps for these are pretty easy as well. What you need to do is set the ‘Output Devices’ devices and ‘Output to Headphones’ to the right settings. Here is how to do it:

Step 1 – Go to Settings and then to Devices. Then click on Audio Devices.

Step 2 – Select ‘Output Device’ and choose the option that says ‘Headphones Connected to Controller’.

Step 3 – After you have done this, click on the Output to Headphones option and set it to ‘All Audio’.

Now you can use your AirPods as an audio output for your games. It is pretty easy and does not take much time.

Can You Chat Using AirPods?

The short answer is no. This is the disappointing part. When you are gaming online, a big part of the fun is communicating with your friends and teammates. You cannot do that with your AirPods connected though. 

So, you do miss out on that functionality. Most adapters, when connecting with AirPods are only capable of sending an audio signal to your AirPods. They are not able to receive voice input. 

If you want to be able to talk with your teammates, you need to use headphones that are specifically made to work with your gaming console–in this case, the PS4. However, not being able to chat is not a big problem for single-player games, though. 

In single-player games, you do not need to talk that much. There is no need to talk at all. The limitation is only with online multiplayer games.

Best Bluetooth Adapter For PS4

Choosing the right Bluetooth adapter is important. Since this is the device that will carry the audio signals and allow you to pair your console with your AirPods. If you are looking for a simple and quality adapter, I suggest going with the Twelve South AirFly Pro.

The AirFly lets you connect your Apple headphones seamlessly. And I might add that the design is also pretty nice. It looks like something Apple themselves would design. The sleek design combined with the cool features makes the AirFly Pro one of the best Bluetooth adapters you can buy for connecting your AirPods to your PS4. 

AirFly Pro Features

This handy little adapter has tons of features that make connecting and using it a complete breeze.

Bluetooth 5.0: It supports the latest version of Bluetooth 5.0 which is the latest version. You can expect an interruption-free connection at all times.

Add Bluetooth to Devices: You can use this adapter to add Bluetooth connectivity to devices that do not support Bluetooth natively, i.e., the PS4.

Long Battery Life: With a battery life of over 16 hours, you can game as long as the battery in your controller or headphones is there. This kind of longevity means you can also use it for other devices when you are on a flight.

Wide Coverage: The Bluetooth signal is good for a solid 33ft. That gives you plenty of room to stretch and enjoy your games from the couch or anywhere in the house.

All in all, as you can see, this little adapter is pretty cool. On the other hand, it might not be the best for everyone. If you are looking for something else, you can choose whichever you like. You just need to make sure it has a couple of fundamentals down.

Choosing The Right Adapter

Choosing the right adapter depends on a couple of small things. When picking out the perfect Bluetooth adapter for your PS4 that allows you to connect your AirPods, you need to keep in mind these things:

Compatibility

Compatibility is the most important thing. Check out the specs to see whether it supports the PS4 and Apple’s AirPods. 

There really is no point in spending hundreds of dollars on a fancy Bluetooth adapter only to find out it does not meet the right specifications. You can easily check the product description to see whether it will work or not.

Battery Life

Then there is the battery life. Good battery life will make it easier for you to use the adapter. You will not need to worry about charging the thing all that frequently.

An adapter that has a good battery life also means you can carry it with you on flights and similar trips. It is not just tied to your PS4.

Wrapping Up

So, can you use Apple headphones for PS4? Well, by now the answer should be pretty clear. Connecting your AirPods to your PS4 is not that difficult. The only minor inconvenience is investing in a Bluetooth adapter. 

Get a good one and you should be all set.