The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Yes, you can use earbuds with a PS5—but ordinary Bluetooth earbuds generally will not connect directly as an audio device. Plug wired 3.5 mm earbuds into the DualSense controller, or use earbuds that connect through a PS5-compatible USB audio adapter. Sony’s PULSE Explore earbuds use PlayStation Link with their included USB adapter.
Check how your earbuds connect
Choose the row that matches your earbuds before trying to pair them. A USB plug or Bluetooth logo alone does not guarantee PS5 audio compatibility.
| Earbud type | Can it work with PS5? | Connection to try |
|---|---|---|
| Wired earbuds with a 3.5 mm plug | Usually, for audio; microphone support depends on the plug and adapter. | Connect them to the DualSense controller’s headset jack. |
| USB-A or USB-C wired earbuds | Possibly. The earbuds must present supported USB audio hardware; connector shape alone is not enough. | Connect to the console and check whether they appear as an output and input device. |
| Wireless earbuds with a USB receiver | Yes, if the receiver and earbuds are compatible with PS5. | Use the supplied receiver and the manufacturer’s console or PS5 mode. |
| PULSE Explore | Yes. | Use the included PlayStation Link USB adapter. |
| Bluetooth-only earbuds for phones or computers | Not as a standard, direct PS5 Bluetooth audio connection. | Use a wired connection, a confirmed-compatible USB transmitter, or another supported setup. |
Sony says Bluetooth wireless headsets are not supported as a direct PS5 audio connection, while most USB and analog headsets are supported. Individual USB products can still vary in compatibility. Sony’s PS5 FAQ explains the distinction.
Connect wired 3.5 mm earbuds to the DualSense
- Turn on the PS5 and connect the DualSense controller.
- Insert the earbuds’ 3.5 mm plug into the headset jack on the bottom of the controller.
- Press the PS button to open the Control Center, then select Sound. If needed, choose the connected headset as the output device.
- For more options, open Settings > Sound > Audio Output and check Output Device.
- Set Output to Headphones to the audio you want routed to the earbuds, such as all audio or chat audio.
- If the earbuds have a microphone, open Settings > Sound > Microphone, select the headset microphone under Input Device, then use Adjust Microphone Level to test it.
The DualSense has a headset jack for compatible analog earbuds and headsets. A four-pole TRRS plug is normally needed for audio and microphone through one connector. Earbuds with separate headphone and microphone plugs need an appropriate adapter, and not every adapter is guaranteed to work. If the earbuds play sound but do not transmit your voice, check the plug standard, adapter wiring and selected input device. Sony’s PS5 support hub covers the controller and sound settings.
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Also check the controller’s mute button: a muted microphone will not transmit. Holding the mute button affects sound output as well, so check its state if audio unexpectedly stops.
Connect wireless earbuds with a USB adapter
This method applies to earbuds supplied with a USB receiver or transmitter designed to work with PS5. Do not assume that any USB Bluetooth dongle will carry game audio or party-chat microphone input.
- Charge the earbuds and transmitter if required.
- Insert the receiver into a PS5 USB port.
- Set the earbuds’ switch or connection mode to PS5 or console mode if the manufacturer requires it.
- Turn on the earbuds and wait for the receiver and earbuds to indicate a connection.
- On the console, open Settings > Sound > Audio Output and choose the USB headset or receiver under Output Device.
- Choose the desired setting under Output to Headphones.
- Open Settings > Sound > Microphone, select the transmitter’s input if available, and run Adjust Microphone Level.
Sony’s instructions for its compatible wireless headsets similarly call for connecting the USB adapter, turning on the headset and waiting for the connection indicator. See Sony’s headset-pairing steps. For other brands, verify on the manufacturer’s product page that the exact model supports PS5, whether both game audio and chat work, whether its microphone works on PS5, which USB connector it uses, and whether firmware updates are required.
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Connect PULSE Explore earbuds with PlayStation Link
PULSE Explore uses PlayStation Link for its normal PS5 connection; it is not relying on ordinary Bluetooth pairing for console audio. The included PlayStation Link USB adapter is paired with the earbuds out of the box.
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- Turn on the PS5 and make sure both earbuds are charged and docked in their case.
- Insert the included PlayStation Link USB adapter into a PS5 USB Type-A port.
- Remove both earbuds from the charging case and wait for them to connect to the adapter.
- If an on-screen setup prompt appears, follow it.
- Open Settings > Sound > Audio Output and confirm the PlayStation Link device is selected.
- If necessary, open Settings > Sound > Microphone to select the input, then test game audio and party chat.
Sony describes PULSE Explore as PS5-compatible earbuds using PlayStation Link, with the USB adapter included. See the PULSE Explore product page and Sony’s accessory support page.
Pair with a second PlayStation Link adapter
This is optional, for a second adapter or another PlayStation Link setup. PULSE Explore can pair with up to eight PlayStation Link USB adapters, but it can use only one adapter for audio at a time.
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- Insert the second adapter into the PS5.
- Keep both earbuds in their charging case.
- Hold the PlayStation Link button on the case for about eight seconds, releasing it when the case indicator quickly blinks blue.
- Press the PlayStation Link button on the USB adapter and wait for pairing to complete.
Follow Sony’s instructions for connecting PULSE Explore to another adapter if the indicator sequence differs or pairing does not complete.
Why ordinary Bluetooth earbuds do not pair directly
Being able to pair earbuds with a phone does not mean they can pair with a PS5 for game audio. The console supports Bluetooth for some accessories, but Sony does not support ordinary Bluetooth wireless headsets as a standard PS5 audio connection. The earbuds may fail to appear as an audio option or may not be offered for use, and that alone does not indicate a fault with the earbuds.
Instead of treating Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories as a dependable way to route game sound, choose a supported connection: the DualSense jack, a PS5-compatible USB audio receiver, or PlayStation Link earbuds. A TV Bluetooth transmitter is another possible route for listening to TV audio, but it adds a device and may introduce latency. It does not guarantee PS5 party-chat microphone support; the outcome depends on the TV and transmitter.
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Set game audio, party chat and the microphone
Game sound and voice chat are separate checks. A successful audio connection does not prove the earbuds’ microphone works or that party voices are routed as you want.
- Choose where sound goes: Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Output Device.
- Choose what goes to the earbuds: Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Output to Headphones.
- Choose the microphone: Settings > Sound > Microphone > Input Device.
- Check microphone pickup: Use Adjust Microphone Level and speak at your usual volume.
For a quick party-chat test, press the PS button, select Mic, confirm the intended input and make sure it is not muted. Join or open a party, speak and ask another player whether your voice is clear. Adjust the microphone level if you sound too quiet or distorted. If game audio overwhelms voices, use the party card’s chat-audio balance where available. Controls can vary by connected audio device. Sony’s voice-chat support guidance describes the input, level and chat-audio settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use PS5 3D Audio with earbuds
Connecting earbuds does not by itself guarantee that a game will produce a particular surround effect. PS5 3D Audio is a console feature that can work with compatible headphones connected by USB or through the DualSense’s analog headset jack; the result also depends on the game and system settings. Stereo earbuds can still provide left-right separation for the console’s 3D Audio processing. Find the 3D Audio controls in the PS5 sound settings, then adjust them to your preference. Sony explains supported headset connections in its PS5 FAQ.
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Troubleshoot common earbud problems
No sound from the earbuds
- Check that the plug or USB receiver is fully inserted and the earbuds are powered on.
- For wireless models, confirm that the earbuds and receiver are paired and that the earbuds are in console mode rather than mobile Bluetooth mode.
- Open Settings > Sound > Audio Output and select the connected headset, receiver or controller headset under Output Device.
- Check Output to Headphones and the game’s own audio settings.
- Connect the receiver directly to the PS5 instead of an unreliable USB hub, and temporarily disconnect competing USB audio devices.
- Check for firmware updates. If the device still is not detected, restart the PS5 with the receiver attached.
The TV still plays game sound
Set Output Device to the earbuds’ receiver or the controller headset, then check Output to Headphones. If the console does not list the device, the connection may not be compatible or fully established.
Game audio works, but party chat cannot hear you
- Check Settings > Sound > Microphone > Input Device and select the intended microphone.
- Make sure neither the headset nor DualSense microphone is muted.
- Confirm that the earbuds include a microphone and that their USB adapter supports microphone input on PS5.
- For wired earbuds, check whether a four-pole TRRS plug or compatible adapter is needed.
- Test the microphone level and party/game chat balance.
The microphone sounds quiet or distorted
Use Adjust Microphone Level, speak at your normal distance from the microphone and check that any adapter has the right wiring standard. Testing with the controller microphone or another known-compatible headset can help identify whether the issue is the earbuds, adapter or input selection.
Only one PULSE Explore earbud connects
Put both earbuds in the charging case and confirm they are charging, then remove them together. If one still does not connect, repeat the PlayStation Link pairing process and check for firmware updates using a supported PS5 or PC setup.
Chat/game balance controls are missing
Not every USB audio device exposes the same chat/game balance controls as a dedicated PlayStation headset. If the option is unavailable, check the connected product’s PS5 features rather than assuming the console or earbuds are faulty.
Quick Recap
Which connection should you choose?
- You already own wired 3.5 mm earbuds: Try the DualSense jack first; it requires no separate wireless adapter.
- You want wireless audio and already own earbuds with a receiver: Use that receiver only if the manufacturer confirms PS5 support, including microphone behavior if you need chat.
- You want official PlayStation earbuds: PULSE Explore is the earbud option designed for PS5 with PlayStation Link and its included USB adapter.
- You need dependable party chat: Prioritize confirmed PS5 microphone support over a product’s Bluetooth label or USB connector.
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