Although many gamers prefer to use gaming headsets when playing their PS4, PS5, or other preferred console, earbuds and in-ear headphones may also seem like a convenient choice.
iPhone headphones don’t work with PS5 unless you use a DualSense controller. If you’re using another controller, like the DualShock 4, Apple earbuds were only able to receive sound. Sony has now updated the design to make the microphone on Apple earbuds work with the PS4 and PS5.
There are a few different variables that need considering – the type of iPhone headphones you want to use with a PS4 or PS5, the type of controller you have, and whether the headphones are wired or use Bluetooth connectivity.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly why your iPhone headphones aren’t working with your Playstation and provide tips on how to solve this problem.
Do iPhone Headphones Work on PS4/PS5?
For the modern gamer, the audio aspect is almost equally as important as the visual aspect of playing their favorite games. Gaming has become a social activity, meaning that headsets and headphones are an essential part of most people’s setups.
It’s a good idea to invest in a gaming headset with a built-in microphone, as these devices are designed specifically for the purpose of delivering clear gaming audio and allowing you to communicate easily with other people.
However, many gamers have discovered that they can use other types of headphones for this purpose.
iPhone headphones have always been popular, but recently, with the release of AirPods, Apple’s wireless earbuds have taken over. Still, many people own wired Apple earbuds and may wonder whether they can use them with their PS4 or PS5.
Apple headphones used to come with a 3.5mm jack connector with the TRS design. However, these days, the wired headphones have a lightning connector, which unfortunately isn’t compatible with consoles like the PS4.
You can use an adapter to connect this type of iPhone headphones to a PS4. Your controller should have a 3.5mm audio jack, which you can plug the adapter into and then attach the other end to the lightning connector of the headphones.
Some people experience bad sound quality when using iPhone headphones with PS4 or PS5. This is because Apple uses a different wiring method for its jack connectors on older headphones.
Apple wires its headphones using the CITA standard, while Sony uses the OMTP wiring standard for its PS4. This may result in buzzing noises occurring whenever you speak through the mic on the iPhone headphones.
Newer Apple headphones with the lightning connector are less likely to produce noise issues if you use the adapter to connect them to the audio input on your PS4 or PS5 controller.
Do Wired Headphones Work on PS4 and PS5?
The DualShock 4 controller, which is the most popular variety used by PS4 gamers, made it very easy to connect a set of wired headphones to the console. On the front of the controller, there is a 3.5mm jack input, which the headphones can be plugged into and used for gaming.
PS5 uses the DualSense controller rather than the DualShock 4. This controller is different in several ways to ensure its maximum compatibility with the newer version of Sony’s iconic console.
The good news, if you previously used a set of wired headphones with your PS4, the same headphones should work with the PS5 with no issues. Simply plug them into the 3.5mm input in the same way that you did with the DualShock 4 controller, and they should be ready to go.
Some wired headphones, such as those made by Apple, have a different connector to the 3.5mm jack input that Sony installs on its controllers. This may be a lightning USB connector or, alternatively, a ¼-inch jack connector that is too big for the plug on the controller.
If you’ve run into the problem of connector incompatibility, you’ll need to invest in an adapter that makes the connection possible. There are adapters available for most sizes of audio cables, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding the right one for your controller and headphone combination.
Using wired headphones with a PS4 and PS5 limits your movement somewhat, but many believe that it is actually more reliable than using wireless headphones that could run out of power or experience connection interruptions while you are gaming.
If you own a set of wired headphones, there’s no harm in trying them out with your PS4 or PS5 to see whether they are compatible.
Check out this YoutTube video that reviews some of the best gaming headphones for PS5
Does PS4 Support Bluetooth Headphones?
PS4 can be used with some Bluetooth headphones. The console can connect to wireless devices providing that they are compatible, which not all Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, and headsets are.
Standard Bluetooth headphones are unlikely to be compatible with the PS4, but if you look for a set that is specifically for gaming, they will be able to connect to the Sony console with no issues.
Some of the headphones that are compatible with the PS4 require you to use an external Bluetooth dongle that is connected to the controller or the PS4 itself. This transmits the Bluetooth signal to the headphones so that they can be connected for audio playback.
Using Bluetooth headphones with a PS4 offers the obvious benefit of not being tied to the distance of a wire or cord, which is a limiting factor when using wired headphones. You can continue to listen to the audio from your PS4 from anywhere within the Bluetooth operating range, so you have more freedom to move around.
You may be wondering why all Bluetooth headphones aren’t compatible with PS4 – and the simple answer is that it allows Sony to profit by directing users to its own devices. For example, the Playstation Platinum Wireless Headset is one of the few Bluetooth headsets that can be used with the console – and it’s made by Sony.
Once you’ve acquired a set of Bluetooth headphones that are compatible with the PS4, connecting them is simple.
Firstly, you need to put the headphones into pairing mode, which is usually done by holding down the power or Bluetooth button for a few seconds until a light flashes. Then, go to the settings menu on the PS4, and find “Devices.”
Next, go to the “Bluetooth Devices” tab, which will then cause the console to search for any nearby devices that can be paired with it. Once the Bluetooth headphones appear, select them, and the devices should be successfully paired so that you can enjoy audio wirelessly.
Are AirPods Good for Gaming?
AirPods can be used for gaming, but their capabilities are limited. This is because AirPods are predominantly designed to be used with Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, or Mac, rather than a gaming console or PC.
You can use AirPods for gaming on a Windows PC, but using them on PS4 or PS5 is not possible. This is because only a few wireless Bluetooth headphones are compatible with these gaming consoles.
There are many better options available when it comes to headsets for gaming that will provide you with a better audio quality than AirPods for this purpose. Gaming headsets with onboard microphones are a good choice, as they will ensure that your voice is projected to your fellow gamers clearly.
Logitech makes some great gaming headsets, including the G733 Lightspeed. Compared to wireless earbuds like AirPods, this headset will provide you with a more immersive gaming audio experience.
Related Questions
Can you use iPhone headphones with Xbox One?
It is possible to use Apple iPhone headphones with the Xbox One but to do so, you’ll need to tweak some settings. Firstly, plug the headphones into your controller, then you need to go to the settings page. Next, disable the headset mic, and your headphones will be ready to use.
Can you use Bluetooth speakers with PS5?
Although you can’t connect a PS5 to a Bluetooth speaker directly, you can use a device known as a Bluetooth adapter to do this. Alternatively, you could connect the speaker to your TV and play the audio through it that way.
Can Bose Headphones connect to PS5?
Bose headphones that have a 3.5mm jack connector can be connected to the controller of a PS5. For wireless Bose headphones, you’ll need to use a Bluetooth adapter to connect them to a PS5.
