Why Aren’t My Headphones Connecting to My Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series S console is designed to provide an immersive gaming experience, and a key component of this is the ability to connect headphones for private, high-quality audio. If your headphones are not connecting to your Xbox Series S, it could be due to a variety of reasons, including issues with the pairing mode, problems with the headphone jack or USB connection, or incompatibility with the Xbox Series S console.
Troubleshooting Headphone Connection Issues
To resolve the issue, try rebooting your Xbox Series S and headphones, ensure that both devices are in pairing mode, and check for any software updates. Additionally, verify that your headphones are compatible with the Xbox Series S and that the audio settings are configured correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How Do I Put My Headphones in Pairing Mode?
To put your headphones in pairing mode, usually, you need to hold down the power button; the headphones often need to be turned off first. Many pairs trigger a blinking light after a few seconds to indicate the pairing mode is on, and sometimes there’s also an audio cue.
Q2: Why Is My Headset Not Working on My Xbox Series S?
Problems like frayed cords and broken wires, damaged or dirty connections, and unplugged wireless adapters are all commonly associated with Xbox Series X or S headsets that stop working. Clean the plug on the headset cable with a clean cloth, and then reconnect the headset to the controller.
Q3: How Do I Connect My Headphones to My Xbox Series S?
To connect wireless headphones to Xbox Series X or S, turn on the Xbox Series X or S, plug the wireless adapter into a USB port on your Xbox, turn on your headset or headphones, and wait to see if the headset or headphones connect automatically.
Q4: Why Are My Wireless Headphones Not Connecting to My Xbox Series S?
If your Bluetooth devices won’t connect, it’s likely because the devices are out of range, or aren’t in pairing mode. Try resetting your devices, or having your phone or tablet “forget” the connection.
Q5: Can I Use Any Headphones with My Xbox Series S?
Xbox Series X or S consoles are only compatible with wireless headsets designed for Xbox One and Series X|S. Some wireless Xbox headphones and headsets use a wireless adapter that plugs into a USB port on the console.
Q6: How Do I Fix My Headset Not Working on Xbox Series S/X?
To fix your malfunctioning Xbox Series X or S headphone jack, follow these instructions: Disconnect and reconnect the headset. You may just have a bad connection, which can make it seem like the jack is bad. Try gripping the headphone plug firmly, unplugging it, and then reinserting it.
Q7: Why Won’t My Headphones Work When I Plug Them into My Controller?
If your Xbox One controller won’t recognize your headset, first make sure the headset isn’t muted and increase the console audio input. Then, clean the controller and headset, update the controller firmware, and power cycle the console.
Q8: Does Xbox Series S Have Audio Output?
Note Optical audio out is not supported by Xbox Series X|S consoles. Connect your console to your TV using the provided HDMI cable, and then connect your TV to your stereo receiver or soundbar using the TV’s optical (S/PDIF) out port.
Q9: Why Is My Headset Connected but No Sound?
Check the volume level and connection of your headphones and audio source. If your headphones connect via Bluetooth, ensure that the headphones and your audio source are paired and connected properly.
Q10: How Do I Reset My Headphones?
Connect the headphones to the USB port of a computer using the USB cable provided as though you were charging them. Disconnect and then reconnect the USB charging cable to reset the product.
Q11: Where Is Headset Settings on Xbox?
To change headset audio settings: Press the Xbox button to open the guide and select Profile & system > Settings > General > Volume & audio output. Under Headset audio, choose one of the options in the Headset format dropdown menu.
Q12: Can Xbox Series S Use USB for Audio?
Soundbars and headsets that don’t receive updates may be connected directly to your display’s optical port. Any officially licensed Xbox One accessory that connects to your console wired or wirelessly via USB works on Xbox Series X|S.
Q13: What Outputs Are on Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series X|S console has six ports on the back: Power cord port, Ethernet port, USB ports (2), Storage expansion port, and HDMI port.
Q14: Is There a Headphone Jack on Xbox Series S Controller?
The Xbox Series X and S controller has a 3.5mm audio jack. This allows you to directly connect your headphones to the controller for a more personalized gaming experience.
Q15: How Do I Turn On My Mic on My Xbox Series S?
Press and hold the Xbox button and go to ‘Audio‘. Turn on ‘Headset mic‘. From now on, you can communicate via the microphone. You turn this function off the same way, even when you’re in the middle of a game.