Can I use my Apple AirPods with my gaming console?

Okay, so you’ve bought some AirPods to use with your iPhone and the rest of your Apple gear.

Now, Apple doesn’t make a console (yet), so you might be wondering if you can use your swanky new AirPods with your existing gaming console.

Unlike the Apple ecosystem, the answer to that is kinda complicated, depending on which console you own.

So, can I use my Apple AirPods with my console or not?

• Short answer: Maybe, depending on which console and if you’re willing to buy adapters

Let’s face it, you own Apple stuff so you’re no stranger to buying adapters or dongles, so the second part of that shouldn’t be an issue.

Okay, so this depends on which console you own:

Xbox One:

No, you can’t.

That’s because of a few things, mainly that Xbox has a locked-down ecosystem on the console so AirPods would have to go through the Wireless for Xbox certification process.

READ MORE: Is Apple working on its own gaming controller?

Plus, the console doesn’t actually have Bluetooth, even though the new controllers do have it for connecting to PCs.

PS4:

Yes, but… So the PS4 is nice enough to let some USB Bluetooth adapters, like this $30 Avantree one, work as a sound device.

All you need to do is plug it into one of the PS4‘s USB ports, pair your AirPods to it, and make sure that your PS4 sound settings are using the USB dongle.

Due to restrictions, you’ll either get game audio or voice chat though, so you’re better off plugging your old wired headset into your controller.

Nintendo Switch:

The Switch already has Bluetooth onboard, but Nintendo only uses it for connecting your controllers. To use Bluetooth audio devices like your AirPods, you’ll need an adapter.

What do you think? Surprised that the AirPods don’t really work with gaming consoles? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere. His hobbies include photography, animation, and hoarding Reddit gold.