How to connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS4? [The Essential Guide in 2023]

The PS4 is a popular gaming console loved by many. Although it has its own gaming headsets, some users prefer using their own Bluetooth headphones for convenience. However, many people don’t know how to connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS4 – it can be a challenge because the console doesn’t support Bluetooth audio devices by default. Fortunately, there are 4 methods to establish this connection – learn all about them below.

We’ve put together this essential guide to help you connect Bluetooth headphones to your PS4 and elevate your gaming experience.

Why can’t you connect Bluetooth Headphones to your PS4?

So why don’t your wireless headphone devices connect to your PS4?

When PS4 was launched, Sony declared that the console would not support devices that offer A2DP profiles. This includes a wide variety of Bluetooth devices, because most headphones only have the A2DP profile.

A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) has been the default streaming audio Bluetooth protocol for a long time. The A2DP allows headphones to stream stereo audio wirelessly.
 
While you may wonder, “Why did Sony not offer Bluetooth connectivity for PS4?” the answer is simple.
 
A wireless Bluetooth connection with A2DP profile headphones will result in a poor user experience. With A2DP, sound lags of 100ms – 200ms are common.
 
Sony decided not to support Bluetooth devices to prevent sound lags and let you enjoy using the PS4 console.
 
Even so, PS4 allows wired connection, where you can connect a wired headset for gaming or earphones using the 3.5 mm jack on the controller. This gives you the option of keeping the sound to yourself.

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Anything to achieve Gaming Freedom

Gaming freedom is non-negotiable for many gamers. The wireless headphone provides gamers with the freedom they desire.

Many of you might have thought it doesn’t matter if the audio profile is a bit off, if it lets you connect the headset wirelessly to the console.

But there are solutions for enhancing sound quality over Bluetooth devices.

After I explain the methods you can use for connecting Bluetooth devices with PS4, I’ll tell you how to enhance the sound quality too.

How to connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS4 – 4 different ways

Here are 4 effective methods that have worked for many people to connect Bluetooth headphones to PS4.  

1. Have a supported Bluetooth device connect to PS4

This is the simplest method for the problem. If you have compatible devices, you should be good to go.

But how do you know if PS4 supports your device? Luckily, it’s easy to tell – keep reading to find out.

I mentioned this method first because if your own device can pair with PS4 without posing much trouble, then it’s worth trying.

Below are the steps to follow:

• Turn on the headphone’s Bluetooth pairing
• Go to the PS4 settings menu.
• Click on Devices
• Click on Bluetooth Devices
• Choose your headphone
• If it pairs successfully, try playing your favorite game for confirmation
• If the pairing fails, and you get an error prompt like ‘Device not supported’ or ‘Cannot connect within the time limit,’ then try other methods mentioned below.

When to use this method?
 
If your Bluetooth headphone came in a box that says it’s compatible with PS4, you should try this method before anything else.
 
You could likely end up having a Bluetooth headset connected to PS4. This method has been helpful for the majority of people.
 
If you don’t know if your headphones are compatible with PS4, you should give them a shot. This should be the first method you use because it doesn’t require any extra cable or device.
 
The worst that could happen is that an error message will be displayed; it’s not like the console will be damaged.

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Using Method 1

The Good

• Free of cost
• Wireless connection
• Simple to do

The Bad

• Hit and trial
• Might take time
• Uncertain outcome

Headsets Supported by PS4

If you are thinking of buying a new headset, here are some common and popular gaming PS4-compatible headsets:

In this method, we use a 3.5 mm jack cable, like an Aux cable, and then:

This method is very effective, but it’s possible that you might not like this method as it connects an unsupported headphone via wire.

Using Method 2

The Good

• Most probably will be a success
• No sound quality deteriorated.

The Bad

• Wired connection
• Method 3-Using a Dongle/Adapter

3. Using a Dongle/Adapter

In the previous method, the connection was wired, but you might very likely want to establish a wireless connection with PS4. There’s one way, but you will need to buy a Bluetooth adapter/dongle for this method.

The steps are as follows:

Using Method 3

The Good

• Mostly works
• Wireless connectivity

The Bad

• I need to buy a dongle

Best PS4 Bluetooth Adapter/Dongles

4. Using a PlayStation Vita

Still need to know how to connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS4? In this method, you will not need a dongle. If you have a PS Vita, you are all set for this.

Steps:

You are then connected. But note that you will have to use the PS Vita instead of the PS4 controller.

Using Method 4

The Good

• Simple way
• Wireless connectivity

The Bad

• Requires a PS Vita
• PS4 Controller can’t be used

How to avoid sound lags even with a Bluetooth connection

Use a Bluetooth Transmitter

A Bluetooth transmitter is a small device that ensures a strong and stable connection.

They also let you have a good range of connections. This device will minimize sound lags, giving you a great gaming experience.

Will these hacks damage your PlayStation?

All these methods I have mentioned will not damage your PS4, so rest assured. You could have been worried knowing that PS4 does not officially support such Bluetooth connections.

All these methods mentioned are totally safe; you are not downloading harmful software in any of them.

But I must tell you that some methods may require you to download software. If the software is not safe, please avoid it.

This is why I am here to put things straight out in front of you so you can decide for yourself.

Firstly, let me tell you straight that a wired connection offers better sound quality without a doubt. But this does not mean you will hear poor audio if you connect wirelessly to PS4.

If you have a decent pair of headphones offering great sound wirelessly, you can very well connect wirelessly to the PS4.

Secondly, wires usually get in the way while playing video games, so gamers like to have a cable-free connection. In this case, Bluetooth connection offers more gaming freedom.

But not everyone gets annoyed by wired connections. It is certainly possible that you don’t mind having a wired connection as long as you can enjoy it.

So, I think you should pair your Bluetooth headset with the PS4 if you have decent headphones. If your high-end headphones do not offer good sound wirelessly, then using a wired connection is much preferable.

This is all it is to it. So, no need to panic over such a thing; just clear your head and choose for yourself.

Can You Connect an Unconnected Bluetooth Speaker to PS4?

No, Bluetooth speakers will not connect to PS4, whatever method you may try. But you can connect game speakers via wire. Below are the methods:

Method 1: Via Aux Cable:

Connect a 3.5 mm audio cable to the PS4 controller and the speaker.

This will connect your speakers to the PS4. A bit of advice is that you should use a long cable. The cable should be long enough that you do not pull the speaker device while gaming.

Method 2: Using an Audio Extractor

You can connect your speakers to PS4 using an Audio Extractor.

Note: Make sure that the extractor’s audio output suits the speakers’ audio input. If you don’t know, just check what kind of audio inputs are supported by your speakers and what kind of audio output is of the extractor.

You will need an extra HDMI cord and an audio cord to link speakers to the extractor.

Method 3-Using Optical Audio Cable

In this method, we will use an optical audio cable, so if you have a PS4 slim model, then you cannot use this method.

In my experience

In my experience, connecting unsupported Bluetooth devices to a PlayStation 4 (PS4) console can be a bit challenging. From what I understand, the PS4 is designed to work with specific Bluetooth devices that are officially supported by Sony. However, there are certain workarounds that may allow you to connect unsupported devices, although they might not guarantee full functionality.

Firstly, I have found that using a Bluetooth adapter can sometimes help in connecting unsupported devices to the PS4. These adapters essentially act as a bridge between the console and the device, allowing them to establish a connection. However, it’s important to note that not all Bluetooth adapters are compatible with the PS4, so it’s crucial to do some research and find one that is known to work.

Overall, in my understanding, connecting unsupported Bluetooth devices to a PS4 requires some experimentation and a willingness to explore alternative options. It’s important to keep in mind that these solutions may not always work or provide the same level of functionality as officially supported devices. Nonetheless, with some patience and resourcefulness, you may find a workaround that suits your needs.

Conclusion

I have mentioned all the effective methods you can use to connect your headset or speaker to the PS4 gaming console. There may be some other ways too.  
 
Rest assured that all the methods mentioned above are safe and have worked for most people.
 
The main purpose of all this is that gaming is at its best when you can feel the sound. To let you enjoy your time gaming, headsets and speakers play a vital role.

So, now that you know How To Connect Unsupported Bluetooth headphones to PS4, you can figure out the best method to immerse yourself into the gaming world.