Sony makes things a bit more complicated when it comes to Bluetooth audio, and the PlayStation 4 doesn’t support wireless earbuds like AirPods right out of the box. The fix is a Bluetooth adapter that bridges the gap between your PS4 and Apple’s wireless ecosystem. With the right accessory, you can enjoy crisp, low-latency audio from your AirPods while gaming, but you won’t be able to use the AirPods mic to chat with your teammates (more on that later). Here’s how to connect AirPods to your PS4 console.
- Related: How to Connect AirPods to PS5
Why You Need an Adapter to Connect AirPods to PS4
Sony’s decision to restrict Bluetooth audio support on the PS4 is a technical barrier. The console reserves Bluetooth bandwidth for its own peripherals like DualShock controllers, which means audio devices often trigger lag, echo, or complete connection failure.
That’s where a Bluetooth audio adapter comes in. These small transmitters plug into your PS4’s USB port or headphone jack and handle the wireless pairing that Sony’s console can’t. Good adapters from brands like Twelve South, Avantree, or GuliKit are plug-and-play and work with most Bluetooth headphones, including every generation of AirPods and AirPods Pro.
How to Connect AirPods to PS4
Once you’ve got a compatible Bluetooth adapter, then the process is really simple. Follow these steps to set up a successful connection between your PlayStation 4 and AirPods:
- Your AirPods and the Bluetooth adapter must be charged. Plug the adapter into your PS4’s USB port or controller headphone jack, depending on the model.
- Most adapters blink when they’re ready to pair. If not, check the manufacturer’s instructions because some require holding a button for a few seconds.
- Open the AirPods case (keep the buds inside) and press and hold the button on the back until the status light flashes white. That’s when earbuds are ready to connect.
- Once the adapter light turns solid or stops blinking, you will be connected. The PS4 should now automatically route game audio through your AirPods.
To make sure the connection process is done properly, go to your PS4’s Settings → Devices → Audio Devices:
- Set Output Device to Headphones Connected to Controller (if you’re using a jack-based adapter).
- Set Output to Headphones to All Audio.
From here, you can adjust your volume and confirm that sound is streaming properly to your AirPods. If you don’t hear anything, unplug the adapter and try again — some models need the AirPods in pairing mode before the console detects them.
What You Can (and Can’t) Do
While adapters handle audio output with no issue, they don’t send microphone input back to the console. That means you’ll hear everything, but you can’t use the AirPods mic for in-game chat.
This isn’t a bug; it’s just how one-way Bluetooth transmitters work. If voice chat is important to you, you’ll need a PS4-certified gaming headset or an external mic connected to your controller. Still, for solo play or to use streaming apps on your console, AirPods deliver the clean, lag-free experience you expect from Apple devices.
