How To Connect AirPods To Your PS5 (2024)

There's so many reasons why the AirPods make an unexpectedly amazing match for the PS5. We're talking computational audio smarts, beamforming mics that know when you're speaking, wireless freedom from cords, and that Apple magic polish that makes them an audio essential.

Hooking 'em up to your PlayStation is smooth sailing too. Flip on Bluetooth, assign AirPods to your profile, tweak some sound settings to taste, and BOOM...you've got movie-theater-quality game sound pumping into your skull holes with 3D sorcery that actually adjusts as you turn your head! In just a few easy-peasy steps, you can unlock showstopping spatial soundscapes and liberate yourself from cords forever. Check this out!

Updating The Software

First things first, before trying to connect your AirPods to your PS5, you'll want to double-check that both devices are on the latest software. On your PS5, go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update to check for and install any new updates. Give that section a peek to see if your gaming system needs any new firmware downloads or updates installed. Getting that handled ahead of time ensures everything plays nicely together.

Enabling Bluetooth on PS5

Alright, the software is primed, now we can enable Bluetooth on your PS5. Hop back into those settings menus and scroll around until you spy the "Bluetooth" option. Give that a click and double check that the toggle switch inside is flipped to the "On" position. Toggling Bluetooth on gives your PlayStation 5 magical powers to locate and pair with nearby Bluetooth gadgets, like your AirPods earbuds.

Pairing The Airpods

First up, pop your earbuds back into their charging case for safe keeping and close the lid, so they can rest. Next, flip that little white case over to find the even smaller pairing button on the lower backside. Give that button a long press and hold, counting a few seconds, until you see the case's light start blinking white (the flickering means your AirPods are announcing themselves as ready to pair and connect).

Done with that? Awesome! Now connect to your User Profile (you’ll be prompted to assign your AirPods to a user profile). This links them to the specific user profile you choose. That way, whenever you turn on your controller, your AirPods will automatically connect.

Customizing Your Audio

We're in the home stretch! Your AirPods and PS5 are officially connected, but let's tweak a couple sound settings to really make those games shine. Head back to your PlayStation's settings menu and open up the "Sound" section. Now, check out the "Microphone Status" option and make sure it's set to "Allow."

While you're there, take a peek at the 3D Audio setting too. Enable this if you wanna immerse those AirPods in surround sound bliss where available incompatible games. You can also play around with the individual volume sliders for Game Audio, Chat Audio, etc. til you find the perfect balance for keeping sound effects audible while still catching every wisecrack from your teammates.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you run into problems using your AirPods with PS5, try these quick fixes:

AirPods Won't Connect

1. Ensure AirPods are charged and PS5 Bluetooth is on
2. Restart both AirPods and PS5
3. Re-pair AirPods: Forget device in PS5 Bluetooth settings, then pair again

Audio Lag or Stuttering

1. Move PS5 closer to where you're sitting
2. Turn off nearby Bluetooth devices
3. Try disabling 3D audio in PS5 sound settings

Poor Mic Quality

1. Check PS5 microphone settings and levels
2. Ensure AirPods are seated correctly in your ears
3. Test in a quiet environment to isolate the issue

Battery Drains Quickly

1. Lower volume to conserve battery
2. Use one AirPod at a time, swapping as needed
3. Keep the charging case nearby for quick top-ups

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use one AirPod for chat and the other for game audio?

That's a really cool idea, but unfortunately, the AirPods aren't quite THAT customizable. Both the left and right AirPod will receive the combined gameplay sounds + voice chat audio at the same time in stereo format.

This is due to the Bluetooth stereo audio connection that AirPods use to transmit sound from devices like the PS5. It sends audio in a standard left/right stereo channel method, not discrete mono game and chat channels that can be split between sides.

Do I need the optional PS5 Pulse 3D wireless headset adapter to connect my AirPods?

Nah, you can skip that accessory. The Pulse 3D adapter is meant for wireless headsets that use a USB dongle to connect. Since your AirPods pair directly to the PlayStation through Bluetooth, they can chat with the PS5 no problemo without any middleman. Leave that adapter in the box!

Do my AirPods need to support spatial audio for 3D formats?

Nah, your AirPods do not require built-in spatial audio drivers or speaker setups to handle 3D, 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound coming from the PlayStation 5. The PS5 console itself has an advanced 3D audio engine that handles taking surround sound signals from compatible games and processing the positional audio to deliver immersive 360 degree soundscapes. As long as you enable 3D audio output in the console settings, you're good to go.