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The 3-Step Secret To Connecting Your AirPods Pro To PS5 (The 2025 Wireless Gaming Guide)

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Are you tired of cables but devoted to your Apple AirPods? You are not alone. As of December 21, 2025, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) still does not offer native support for standard Bluetooth audio devices like AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, a frustrating limitation for gamers who want to leverage their premium earbuds for immersive sound. This is due to Sony's proprietary system which restricts generic Bluetooth headsets, forcing a simple workaround.

The good news is that achieving flawless, low-latency wireless audio on your console is entirely possible and surprisingly easy, requiring just one essential piece of hardware: a dedicated USB Bluetooth audio adapter. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the absolute latest and most effective method, ensuring you get crystal-clear sound and minimal audio delay for your next-generation gaming experience.

Essential Hardware: Why You Need a Dedicated Bluetooth Adapter

The primary hurdle in connecting your AirPods to the PS5 is the console's lack of support for the universal Bluetooth audio profile. While the PS5 has Bluetooth, it is primarily reserved for the DualSense controller and licensed peripherals.

To bypass this restriction, you must use a third-party Bluetooth transmitter, often called a dongle or adapter. This device plugs directly into one of the PS5's USB ports (either USB-A or the front USB-C port) and acts as a bridge, tricking the console into recognizing your AirPods as a standard USB audio device or "USB Headset."

The Critical Role of Low Latency Codecs

For gaming, not just any adapter will do. The single most important feature to look for is support for a low-latency audio codec, specifically aptX Low Latency or the newer aptX Adaptive.

  • Standard Bluetooth Delay: Without a low-latency codec, you can experience a noticeable audio delay (latency) of around 150ms to 220ms, making fast-paced games unplayable.
  • Low Latency Performance: Adapters featuring aptX technology can cut this delay down to less than 40ms, providing a near-instantaneous audio experience that is crucial for competitive gaming.

Recommended Adapter Entities (LSI Keywords/Topical Authority):

  • Avantree C81-Gaming: A highly-rated USB-C adapter known for its aptX-Adaptive support and low-latency performance.
  • Creative BT-W5: Another popular choice that offers aptX Adaptive and Bluetooth 5.3 technology.
  • Middle Rabbit D1: Features Bluetooth 5.4 and aptX Adaptive Ultra Low Latency.

Step-by-Step Guide: Connecting Your AirPods to PS5 in 2025

This process is universal for all Apple AirPods models, including AirPods 2nd Generation, AirPods 3rd Generation, AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd Gen), and AirPods Max. Always ensure your AirPods are fully charged before beginning the pairing process.

Step 1: Plug In and Prepare the Bluetooth Adapter

First, take your chosen Bluetooth transmitter (e.g., Avantree C81 or Creative BT-W5) and plug it into an available USB port on your PS5 console. The USB-C port on the front is often the most convenient.

Next, put the adapter into Pairing Mode. The method varies by brand, but typically involves pressing and holding a dedicated button on the adapter until an LED light begins to flash rapidly (often blue and red), indicating it is searching for a device.

Step 2: Activate AirPods Pairing Mode

Now, prepare your AirPods for connection. This step is slightly different depending on the model:

  • For AirPods (Standard) and AirPods Pro: Place both earbuds inside their charging case. Open the lid, but do not remove the earbuds. Press and hold the small circular Setup Button on the back of the charging case. Hold it until the status light on the case begins to flash white. This means your AirPods are in pairing mode (Bluetooth discovery mode).
  • For AirPods Max: Press and hold the Noise Control Button (the long, oval button) on the right earcup until the status light flashes white.

Keep the AirPods close to the USB adapter for the best connection. The adapter and the AirPods should automatically find and pair with each other within a few seconds. The adapter's light will usually turn solid (often blue) once the connection is successful, and the AirPods' white light will stop flashing.

Step 3: Configure PS5 Audio Output Settings

The final step is to tell your PlayStation 5 to use the newly connected USB device for all its audio output.

  1. On your PS5 Home Screen, navigate to the Settings menu (the gear icon in the top right).
  2. Scroll down and select Sound.
  3. Select Audio Output.
  4. Under the Output Device setting, you will see a list of options. Select the entry that corresponds to your USB adapter, which will often appear as "USB Headset" or the specific name of the adapter (e.g., "Avantree C81").
  5. You can also adjust the Volume and confirm the Output to Headphones is set to "All Audio."

Congratulations! Your PS5 audio should now be streaming directly to your Apple AirPods, allowing you to enjoy games like Elden Ring, Horizon Forbidden West, or Call of Duty with low-latency wireless sound.

Advanced Troubleshooting and Common AirPods Issues on PS5

While the connection process is straightforward, gamers often encounter two main issues when using AirPods with a PS5 adapter. Addressing these ensures a complete and frustration-free experience.

The PS5 Microphone Not Working with AirPods Pro

This is the most frequent issue. While the audio playback (game sound) is generally reliable, the microphone on your AirPods (especially AirPods Pro) may not work for voice chat in party or game chat.

  • The Cause: Many Bluetooth adapters, particularly those prioritizing low-latency audio transmission (using aptX), operate in a high-quality "Stereo" mode for sound output. When you switch to microphone input (for chat), the adapter often has to revert to a lower-quality "Hands-Free" or "HFP" mode, which can cause connectivity drops or fail to activate the mic entirely.
  • The Fix: If the mic is essential, you will need an adapter that supports both simultaneous low-latency audio and microphone input, often advertised as "FastStream" or "Dual-Channel" technology. Alternatively, use the microphone built into your DualSense controller (if applicable) while still listening through your AirPods.

Dealing with Audio Lag and Latency

If you experience a noticeable delay between the on-screen action and the sound, your adapter is likely not using a low-latency codec.

  • The Fix: Ensure your Bluetooth adapter explicitly supports aptX Low Latency or aptX Adaptive. If your adapter has this feature, you must also confirm that your AirPods model is compatible with the codec, though most modern AirPods Pro models will connect to the adapter's best available mode.

Connecting AirPods Max via Controller Jack

For AirPods Max owners, there is a wired alternative that bypasses the need for a Bluetooth adapter entirely. You can purchase a special Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Audio Cable. By connecting one end to the DualSense controller's 3.5mm jack and the other to the AirPods Max, you can get high-quality wired audio. This method guarantees a mic connection and zero latency, though it sacrifices the wireless convenience.

Final Verdict on AirPods and PS5 Wireless Gaming

While Sony's continued restriction on native Bluetooth audio requires an extra purchase, the investment in a quality aptX-enabled USB adapter is absolutely worthwhile for any dedicated gamer who prefers their AirPods. The seamless connection and near-zero latency provided by modern Bluetooth 5.3 and 5.4 adapters (such as the Avantree C81-Gaming or Creative BT-W5) make the PS5 a truly wireless gaming hub. Enjoy your favorite titles with the clarity and comfort of your Apple earbuds, finally achieving the wireless setup you deserve.

The 3-Step Secret to Connecting Your AirPods Pro to PS5 (The 2025 Wireless Gaming Guide)
how to connect airpods to ps5
how to connect airpods to ps5

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