How to connect AirPods to your Xbox

A broken headset can’t stop the online gaming session, but it can make hearing the gameplay and chatting with friends impossible.

Don’t worry. We’ve got some workarounds that’ll transform your AirPods® into an impromptu gaming headset.

At Asurion, our experts have the tech know-how to help with any problem. From re-connecting your Xbox controller to changing your Xbox gamertag—we’ve got you covered. Here’s our guide to connecting your AirPods to your Xbox®.

How to pair your AirPods with your Xbox One or Xbox Series S|X

Xbox gaming consoles only support wireless gaming headsets, making it challenging to connect other items. You can’t connect your AirPods to your Xbox directly, but you can connect them using the Xbox app or your TV’s wireless feature (if it has it). We’ll walk you through the pairing process so you can hear game audio.

Pair AirPods using the Xbox app

For this method, you’ll need two things:

• AirPods that are connected to your mobile device
• Xbox mobile app

Before you get started, download the Xbox app from the App Store® or the Play Store® if you don’t already have it. Then follow these steps:

1. From the console, select the Xbox logo.
2. Select Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Remote features.
3. Check the box next to Enable remote features.
4. On your phone, connect your AirPods to your device.
5. Launch the Xbox app and sign in to the same account you’ve used to sign in on your console. Then tap the remote play icon (The rectangle with waves surrounding it ) at the top of the app screen.
6. Tap Remote play on this device.

Want to speak to other players? Tap the eight-dot icon at the top-left corner of your Xbox console’s home screen to reveal a small menu > the three dots. Then, tap Muted > Allow. Now your AirPods can use party chat.

To keep the game—and the sound—going, your iPhone or Android device must remain on for the stream to continue. Consider connecting it to its charger, turning off battery save mode (as it could turn your screen off to help conserve battery), and setting it to the side.

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Pair AirPods using your TV

This method only works if your TV can connect to other items using Bluetooth® or is an Apple TV®. The latter is the easiest way to connect since most Apple products sync with little trouble.

Connect using Apple TV

1. On your Apple TV, click Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
2. Place the AirPods in the charging case, then open the lid.
3. Press and hold the flat button on the back until the light on the front flashes white. The AirPods should appear under Other Devices.
4. Select your AirPods > Connect.

Once paired, all you have to do is use the Apple TV remote to select your AirPods when they appear in the top-right corner of the TV screen.

Connect using a Samsung TV

Connecting via Bluetooth can have varying steps depending on the model of Samsung TV. Though they all have similar steps, having your TV manual on hand might be helpful.

1. Using the steps appropriate for your Samsung TV model (look for these settings under “Sound” or “Bluetooth”), turn on Bluetooth.
2. Place the AirPods in the charging case, then open the lid.
3. Press and hold the flat button on the back until the light on the front flashes white. The AirPods should appear under Other Devices.
4. Once the AirPods appear on your TV, click Connect.