Skip to Content

Can AirPods Work as a Mic on Xbox?

As an AirPods owner, I’m always looking for new ways to get the most out of my device. One question I’ve been asked quite often is whether or not AirPods can be used as a mic on Xbox.

After doing some research and testing, I’m excited to share my findings with you in this blog post. I’ll cover what you need to know about using AirPods as a mic on Xbox, the pros and cons, and some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your AirPods mic when gaming on Xbox. So, let’s dive in!

You can’t directly connect AirPods to the Xbox. Microsoft’s Xbox does not have Bluetooth support. That means it cannot pair with Apple AirPods if you try to connect to the console. Also, you cannot connect Airpods to the Xbox one controller headphone jack.

However, there is a workaround. Fortunately, you can still use Airpods during a gaming session using the Xbox app on iOS or Android. 

Let’s look at how to connect your Apple AirPods to your Xbox.

Key Takeaways
AirPods cannot be directly connected to the Xbox.
You can use AirPods during gaming sessions using the Xbox app on iOS or Android.
To connect AirPods to your Xbox One, use the Xbox app on your iPhone and connect it to the console via Bluetooth.
You can also use a Bluetooth adapter for the Xbox controller to connect AirPods.
The sound quality is excellent when using AirPods as a mic on Xbox, but the microphone isn’t perfect.

Can AirPods Work as a Mic on Xbox?

However, Apple’s Xbox app will allow you to use your wireless earbuds as a mic on Xbox one. The app lets users plug a headset into their phone and then connect it to the console via Bluetooth.

It works with any headset connected through a 3.5mm jack into the phone, a headset connected to the phone via bluetooth or Xbox one’s new official wireless controller with an adapter.

The only downside is that you’ll have to keep your phone nearby, as it will act as a mic switch and volume controller for your headphones. That way, you’ll quickly switch the mic on and off during your gaming sessions.

AirPods
AirPods

Read more: Why are my AirPods not on my device list?

How To Use Your iPhone to Connect AirPods as a Mic on Xbox 

Before you start, be sure you have the latest version of the Xbox app and that it’s up to date.

  • Launch the  Xbox app on your iphone and go to Settings

When you do this, ensure to triple-check the connection status. If the connection fails (poor connection or offline), cancel and try again.

  • Ensure your AirPods are connected to your phone
  • Then, connect it to Xbox One via Bluetooth. This will allow you to use AirPods as a mic for Xbox One games.
  •  Now, you can use your AirPods as a mic on Xbox by clicking the ‘Mic’ button in the upper-right corner of the screen.

Once done, you’ll communicate with other players through your wireless headset!

How To Use AirPods as a Mic on Xbox Controller

Most probably, you will not connect AirPods to an Xbox controller. However, some workarounds could help you if you use the new Xbox One controller with an adapter.

Fortunately, Apple has already made it possible to use wireless headphones on the console after the recent update. Therefore, this should work even without additional adapters. 

You need to have the new Xbox wireless controller with an adapter plugged into your console. Then, connect Apple’s wireless headset to the USB port on the other side of it.

If you don’t have the new Xbox One controller with an adapter, you can get it online or from your local retailer. You’ll connect your AirPods (or any other wireless headphones with a mic) to this controller and use them as a mic on Xbox.

Read more: What do the lights mean on the AirPods case?

Can You Connect AirPods to Xbox Without an Adapter?

You can’t. AirPods do not have a 3.5mm port that generally works with Xbox controllers or consoles. Bluetooth powers Apple’s wireless headset, meaning that you will need to connect it through an adapter of some sort – either through the controller or through an app on your phone (which will make AirPods work as a mic on Xbox One).

Advantages of Using AirPods as a Mic on Xbox One

Below are the advantages of using AirPods as a mic on Xbox One.

  •  You can use them while keeping your phone in a different room.
  • They are wireless, which means that you won’t have to worry about cables or wires getting tangled during your sessions. Also, they offer ambient noise reduction, which makes it easier to hear other players and the game itself.
  • Since Apple’s Xbox application will make your AirPods into a mic on your console, you’ll control the mic and volume levels directly from your phone.
  • This means you won’t have to go through the hassle of constantly connecting and disconnecting cables or wires when switching between gaming and phone calls.
  •  The sound quality is excellent, ensuring that other players will hear you perfectly and that your voice won’t sound muffled or distant.
  • You can use Apple’s headphones with other devices such as Macbook computers or other phones and tablets. Moreover, they are compatible with Android phones, so if, for whatever reason, you want to try these out on Xbox One, you still won’t be out of luck.

Drawbacks of Using AirPods as a Mic on Xbox One

There are only two potential disadvantages to using Apple’s wireless headset with your Xbox.

  • The sound quality is excellent, but the microphone isn’t perfect. Don’t expect it to produce studio-level quality recordings or background noise reduction (it still does a fantastic job, but not as good as actual studio-level microphones).
  • The AirPods are quite pricey, and some people may not be able to afford them.

Give It a Try?

AirPods can’t work as a mic on the Xbox One. However, there might be workarounds that will make it possible for iPhone users to do this.

The iPhone’s Xbox app will let you connect your Apple AirPods to Xbox One and use them as a mic in games (without using any adapters). It essentially turns wireless headphones into a mic on the Xbox.

The only problem is that you’ll have to keep your phone nearby to turn the mic on and off. But, this may be worth it if you can’t or don’t want to buy an official wireless headset for your console.

Pros and Cons of Using AirPods as a Mic on Xbox One

Pros

  • You can use them while keeping your phone in a different room.
  • They are wireless, which means that you won’t have to worry about cables or wires getting tangled during your sessions.
  • The sound quality is excellent, ensuring that other players will hear you perfectly and that your voice won’t sound muffled or distant.
  • You can use Apple’s headphones with other devices such as Macbook computers or other phones and tablets.

Cons

  • The microphone isn’t perfect and doesn’t have studio-level quality recordings or background noise reduction.
  • The AirPods are quite pricey, and some people may not be able to afford them.