Can you connect AirPods to PS5?

[Freya]

I keep hearing mixed answers about whether can you connect airpods to ps5 directly or if an adapter is needed. Has anyone successfully done it and what method works best?

 

[AnnisHayma]

Yup you can connect AirPods to a PS5, but not all at once depends on what exactly you want. If you just want audio (game sound, chat, etc.), the most dependable way is via a Bluetooth dongle/adapter plugged into the PS5 controller or into the console’s USB port. I tried it with a generic Bluetooth adapter and my AirPods Pro — works like a charm, low latency and everything. Without an adapter, I didn’t get any sound.

 

[AnnP111966]

I got them working no adapter needed… kind of. I plugged in a regular 3.5 mm headset jack to my DualSense controller and then used a Bluetooth transmitter that connects to 3.5mm. AirPods connected to that, and boom game sound + chat. It’s not “direct PS5 → AirPods,” but it feels nearly seamless. If you care about clarity and especially mic quality, this method works best (chat worked fine with friends).

 

[megamind]

I tried just pairing normally PS5 says “Searching…” but never finds my AirPods. So yeah, PS5 doesn’t support AirPods via its built-in Bluetooth stack (PS5 doesn’t allow arbitrary Bluetooth audio device pairing). You need a third-party dongle / transmitter / adapter.
Once I got a cheap USB-Bluetooth adapter, plugged into the console then AirPods connected immediately, audio was fine (though mic didn’t work, but that’s expected).

 

[ethanwalker]

Lol the “some say it works, some say adapter” debate is real. I tried plugging my AirPods directly through PS5 got nothing. But then I discovered that if you have a “Bluetooth audio + mic dongle for consoles,” it works. For me, the adapter I got is small, plugs into controller, and doesn’t block anything. Game chat + sound both as long as you set audio output to the controller.

 

[jimmy]

Honestly if somebody tells you “Yes, you can connect AirPods directly to PS5” they’re probably wrong or using a weird hack. Officially, PS5 doesn’t support arbitrary Bluetooth headphones (only licensed headsets). So if your AirPods connected at all, it’s because of an adapter or a transmitter.
My advice: save yourself the headache buy a good PS5-compatible headset, or get a cheap adapter if you really want to use AirPods. That way you don’t waste time.

 

[Brayan]

Bruh, just tried it last night plugged my AirPods into the controller with one of those cheap adapters from Amazon, and boom: full volume, no latency (on shooters like Warzone it was fine). My teammates heard me in party chat too.
10/10 would recommend. Honestly for casual gaming it’s easier than dealing with some giant gaming headset.