The visual quality of video games has changed dramatically. What gamers considered realistic 10 years ago now looks like mud, and that applies to audio quality, too..
Game developers deliver epic sound effects to gamers, as well as quality voice acting. Two things that instantly get better if you use top quality headphones . Using a headset with the Xbox Series X and S is relatively easy, as it is enough to plug a headset or earphones into the controller. The audio transmission with the controller and the console will then be done wirelessly, but it becomes more complicated if you have a Bluetooth headset.
The Xbox Series X and S do not have native support for Bluetooth, which means it will not be possible to connect your Bluetooth audio devices directly to the console. Considering that the controller does not search for nearby devices automatically and only communicates with the console, linking the headset to the controller will not be an option..
But all is not lost. Here's everything you need to know to use the Bluetooth headset on the Xbox Series X and S.
How to connect a bluetooth headset to the Xbox Series X and S?
The stock Xbox Series X and S controller - Image via Microsoft A 3.5mm Bluetooth transmitter - Image via Ugreen Before taking the Bluetooth headset out of its box, you will need to obtain a Bluetooth transmitter compatible with 3.5mm ports..
Once this is done, you will need to connect the Bluetooth transmitter to the Xbox 3.5mm audio port. Turn on the transmitter after attaching it to the controller and grab your Bluetooth headset.
Press and hold the link button with the Bluetooth headset to allow it to find the Bluetooth transmitter. Since you will not see a visual clue indicating that the link has been established successfully, you will have to look at the lights on the headset or on the Bluetooth transmitter to obtain the information, or even do the test directly with the headset.
Your Bluetooth headset should work on the Xbox S Series X and after the link, but it would be possible to have the same procedure after having plugged the Bluetooth transmitter.
Note that you will not be able to use the microphone of the Bluetooth headset because the transmitters are not compatible.
Are there any downsides to using a Bluetooth transmitter on the Xbox Series X and S?
Although a Bluetooth transmitter allows the use of a Bluetooth headset with the console, there is also an additional pole that the audio must pass. This can introduce lag and make a difference on competitive titles such as Fortnite or a Call of Duty .
Hearing footsteps a millisecond later can be the difference between winning and losing. On the other hand, if you don't play competitive games, the difference between using a bluetooth transmitter and wired headphones will be impossible to notice.
Alternative means
Get a wireless headset compatible with the Xbox Series X / S?
If you want to avoid these problems or just need a wireless headset to play, get a headset compatible with Xbox Series X / S is a choice to make.
The enabled headsets come with their own USB transmitters. They can be plugged into the console, and the headset will receive audio automatically at that time. The headset mic will also work without hassle since the adapters can easily transmit voice.
Pay attention to labels when purchasing compatible headsets, as those that will work on the Xbox will need to include its logo to show it. Also check the available range to see where you can go for the best audio quality.
If you stand too far from the console or there are obstacles in the way, the audio quality may drop or even have lag. Most headsets have good range, however, so in most situations it shouldn't be a problem to listen to console audio from the living room in a bedroom, for example.
Check if your TV or screen is compatible with a Bluetooth headset
The HDMI cables transmit sound to the TV, which can be heard through the speakers. Most recent smart TVs and gaming screens are also compatible with Bluetooth headsets, which means that they can be connected to the TV to take audio.
The TV will become the audio source and receive audio from the Xbox through a cable. While this can introduce lag that is difficult to notice, it will be relatively easy to set up. The process will be different for each brand of TV, but if you are sure that the TV is compatible with Bluetooth headsets, you will need to find the menu item that lets your TV scan nearby Bluetooth devices.
If your TV does not automatically see your Bluetooth headphones, you can also keep pressing the reset button, which should make them available for connection to nearby devices.
In case you do not receive audio despite the connection between the headphones and the TV, a menu item can show the audio devices available for the TV. The system could prioritize wired connections instead of the Bluetooth headset, which could be the reason for the problem.
In this case, select the bluetooth headset as the primary device and it should work.