How to Connect Unsupported Bluetooth to PS4?

On the launch of PlayStation 4, Sony announced that it will not support A2DP (Advanced Audio Profile Distribution). Since most of the Bluetooth audio devices fall into A2DP class, PS4 doesn’t support them. According to Sony, it’s done to prevent lagging and improve the user experience with PS4.

Since it is official, you cannot connect the Bluetooth devices to PS4 in a straightforward manner. But the good news is that there are multiple ways to connect unsupported Bluetooth to PS4. In this Guide, I’ve discussed some reliable and simple methods you can adopt to connect the unsupported Bluetooth to PS4.

How to Connect Unsupported Bluetooth to PS4? – Getting Started

Before we jump to the guide, here are some of the questions that pop up in your mind regarding the Bluetooth connectivity of PS4.

Why Sony PlayStation 4 doesn’t Support Bluetooth Devices?

PlayStation 4 does not support A2DP audio devices which include a wide range of Bluetooth audio devices. The reason behind this is to minimize the lagging issues. A2DP audio profiles connected through Bluetooth connection lead to lagging issues between 100-200 ms, resulting in a poor user experience.

Are there Any Bluetooth Devices Supported BY PS4?

Yes, Bluetooth devices other than A2DP audio profiles are supported by PS4. These devices include Pulse Elite Wireless Stereo Headset, Gold Wireless Headset, Platinum Stereo Wireless Headset, and many more.

Methods to Connect Headphones to PS4

It is quite disappointing when you are unable to connect your favorite pair of headphones/Headsets with your gaming console. To help you out there, I’ve shared some easy yet tricky methods to connect the unsupported Bluetooth to PS4.

Method 1: Connecting Unsupported Bluetooth Headphones (Wired)

This wired method requires a special type of cord with a built-in mic. This cable is easily available in the market and you can ask for a male-male audio cable with a built-in mic.

Follow these steps to connect your headphones with PS4.

• Link the device and headphones with the device using a male-male audio cable.
• Now open the setup on your gaming console and then select the option “devices”.
• Now search for Audio devices instead of Bluetooth devices.
• Here you will see an option “Output devices”, click on it.
• Now you will see the option “USB Headphones”. Click on the option and then set for “All Audio” and you are all set to go.

Method 2: Connecting Unsupported Bluetooth Headphones (Wireless)

The next method I’ve shared is a wireless method to connect unsupported Bluetooth to the PS4. It is one of the most advanced and reliable methods that offers quality audio output and does not support lagging for enhanced user experience. Follow this guideline to wirelessly connect the unsupported Bluetooth to PS4. For this method, you will need a USB adapter and Bluetooth dongle. It is advised to buy a Bluetooth adapter/dongle that is fully compatible with PlayStation 4.

• Insert the Bluetooth Adapter into your PS4 USB port.
• Turn on your Bluetooth headphones and let the sync take place.
• Once your headphones are paired, insert the Dongle in Audio Jack on your Gaming Console PS4.
• Then navigate to the settings in your gaming console and select the option “Devices”.
• On clicking this option you’ll see an option “Audio Devices”.
• When you click Audio Devices, you will see “Input Devices”. Select the option and then select the option Headset Connected To Controller.
• Now navigate back to the main menu and select the option “Output Devices” and then select the option “USB Headset”.
• Now both of your devices are configured and your unsupported Bluetooth Headphones are connected with PS4.

Methods to Connect Speakers to PS4

Just like headphones, you will face challenges while connecting speakers with your PS4. Most of the Bluetooth speakers are not supported by PS4, but some tricky methods let you connect the unsupported Bluetooth speakers with your PS4. Here are the three main ways in which you can do that.

Method 1: Connecting Speakers to PS4 with 3.5 mm Audio Cable

This is probably the simplest and easiest method you can go for. In this method, you will need a 3.5 mm audio cable to make a connection between Speakers and PS4. This cable is easily available in the market.

• Insert one end of the cable into your PS4 audio jack and connect the other end with Speakers.
• Now open the settings and go to “Devices”.
• In the menu select the option “Output Devices” and then select the option “Headset /Speaker Connected to Controller”.
• Now configure them with output devices and navigate back to the “Devices” menu. Select the option “Output to Headphones/Speakers” and ensure it is set to “All Audio”.

Method 2: Connecting Speakers to PS4 using Audio Extractor

An audio Extractor is a device that lets you play the audio from a separate audio device. It delivers the crispiest audio output without lagging and affecting your HDMI video quality. In this method, you will need an audio extractor, Audio Cord, and HDMI cord. While buying an audio extractor make sure its audio output form is the same as that of your speakers.

• Connect the audio extractor and speaker through an Audio cord.
• Now plug in the HDMI cable into your PS4 and then make a connection between the audio extractor and PS4 by using an extra HDMI cord.
• Since the speakers and audio extractor are already connected with a microphone/audio cord, your setup is ready. Turn on PS4 and adjust the speaker’s volume to enjoy the best audio output for your favorite games.

Method 3: Connect Speakers to PS4 Using Optical Audio Cable

This is another simple and interesting method that allows you to connect unsupported Bluetooth devices to your PlayStation 4. This method is especially helpful when your speakers have a built-in optical output. Also, you can also use the optical adapter to connect your speakers with Optical Audio Cable.

• Insert one end of the optical cable to Optical output on the Playstation 4 gaming console.
• Now connect the cable’s other end to the speakers/headphones.
• Turn on PS4 and enjoy the uninterrupted audio output from speakers or headsets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bluetooth audio device not supported by PS4?

Sony on the launch of PlayStation 4 announced that it will not support A2DP devices. It was done to prevent lagging issues. A2DP audio profiles will be lagged around 100-200 ms leading to poor user experience. In order to enhance the user’s experience with PS4, it doesn’t allow you to pair A2DP Bluetooth Audio devices.

Can you connect any Bluetooth device to PS4?

Yes, there are some audio devices that are fully compatible with PS4. These devices include Gold Wireless Headset (CECHYA-0083), and Platinum Stereo Wireless Headset (CECHYA-0090). Also, you can connect unsupported Bluetooth devices to PS4 using various methods like Bluetooth Adapter Dongle, Audio Extractors, and Optical Audio Cables.

Will any Bluetooth dongle work with PS4?

PS4 is not compatible with A2DP Bluetooth devices, but fortunately, it supports a wide range of Bluetooth Dongles. It is compatible with almost all advanced USB Bluetooth adapters and lets you connect your favorite Bluetooth headphones and speakers to the gaming console.

Can I use Air Pods with PS4?

Air Pods are strictly incompatible with PlayStation 4 so you cannot directly pair them with PS4. However, you can use a third-party Bluetooth Adaptor or Bluetooth Dongle to connect unsupported Bluetooth to the PS4.

Are there wireless ear buds for PS4?

Yes, there are wireless ear buds like Pulse 3 Wireless ear buds that are fully supported by PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. These wireless ear buds don’t feature A2DP and deliver the best audio quality with no lagging issues.

Final Words

Being unable to connect your favorite Bluetooth audio devices to your gaming console is pretty disappointing. PS4 doesn’t support Bluetooth Audio devices for a good reason, but it leads to serious distress in users. So these methods to connect Unsupported Bluetooth to PS4 are pretty helpful and let you enjoy your favorite games with the best audio output.

All the methods we discussed above are fully tested and they actually work. However, you need to be very careful while buying third-party devices like Bluetooth Dongles, Audio Extractors, and Optical Cords to avoid incompatibility issues.