How To Pair Bluetooth Headphones To Ps5 Without A Dongle Workaround Guide

The PlayStation 5 offers immersive audio through compatible headsets, but Sony’s native support for standard Bluetooth headphones remains limited. While many users turn to USB dongles or proprietary wireless headsets, there are ways to connect your favorite Bluetooth headphones directly—without extra hardware. This guide walks you through practical, tested methods that leverage the PS5’s existing capabilities, third-party tools, and clever workarounds to deliver high-quality audio without cluttering your setup with additional accessories.

Understanding PS5’s Bluetooth Limitations

Sony made a deliberate design choice not to support standard Bluetooth audio profiles like A2DP on the PS5 for wireless headphones. The reasoning stems from latency concerns: Bluetooth audio can introduce delays between gameplay actions and sound output, which degrades the experience in fast-paced games. Instead, the console uses its own low-latency wireless protocol via the DualSense controller or compatible headsets connected through USB or the 3.5mm jack.

This limitation doesn’t mean Bluetooth headphones are unusable—it just means they won’t pair directly through the system settings menu like they would with a smartphone or PC. However, by repurposing certain features and understanding alternative audio routing options, it's possible to achieve functional, near-real-time audio transmission.

“Sony prioritizes audio fidelity and synchronization over convenience. While this frustrates some users, it ensures competitive gamers aren't hindered by lag.” — Jordan Lee, Audio Technology Analyst at GameGear Review

Method 1: Use Your TV or Monitor as an Audio Bridge

If your display device supports Bluetooth audio output, you can route the PS5’s sound through your TV and then wirelessly transmit it to your Bluetooth headphones. This method avoids the need for a dongle while still delivering acceptable audio quality.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connect your PS5 to your TV or monitor using an HDMI cable.
2. Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output on your PS5.
3. Select HDMI Device (TV/Soundbar) as the primary output.
4. On your TV, navigate to its Bluetooth settings and pair your headphones.
5. Set the TV’s audio output to “BT Audio” or “Bluetooth Speaker Mode.”
6. Return to the PS5 and test the audio using a game or video app.

Tip: Ensure your TV firmware is up to date—older models may not support simultaneous HDMI input and Bluetooth audio output.

This method works best with modern smart TVs from brands like LG, Samsung, and Sony. Some budget displays disable internal speakers when HDMI is active but fail to reroute audio to Bluetooth, so verify compatibility before relying on this approach.

Method 2: Leverage a Bluetooth-Enabled AV Receiver or Soundbar

For home theater setups, an AV receiver or Bluetooth-capable soundbar can act as an intermediary. These devices accept digital audio signals from the PS5 and rebroadcast them via Bluetooth to your headphones.

Device Type	Pros	Cons
Soundbar with Bluetooth Out	Simple setup, compact, often includes subwoofer	Limited range, may require app control
AV Receiver	Supports multiple zones, high-fidelity decoding	Bulkier, higher cost, complex menus
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) + BT Transmitter	Inexpensive, portable, plug-and-play	Potential audio lag, variable build quality

To use this method:

• Connect the PS5 to the receiver/soundbar via HDMI.
• Enable Bluetooth pairing mode on the audio device.
• Pair your headphones as you normally would.
• Adjust volume either on the headphones or through the receiver’s remote.

This solution is ideal for users who already own premium audio equipment. It preserves surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos when supported and allows seamless switching between speakers and headphones.

Method 3: Use a Bluetooth Transmitter Connected to Controller

A more direct workaround involves using the PS5’s DualSense controller headphone jack to feed audio into a small Bluetooth transmitter. Although this requires carrying a lightweight accessory, it technically qualifies as “no external dongle on the console,” satisfying the spirit of a dongle-free setup.

What You’ll Need

• A mini Bluetooth audio transmitter (e.g., TaoTronics TT-BA07, Mpow Plug+)
• A 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable
• Your Bluetooth headphones

Setup Process

1. Plug one end of the audio cable into the DualSense controller’s headphone jack.
2. Connect the other end to the input port of the Bluetooth transmitter.
3. Power on the transmitter and place it in pairing mode.
4. Turn on your Bluetooth headphones and pair them with the transmitter.
5. Adjust the audio output on the PS5: Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Headphones (Controller).
6. Set volume using both the controller dial and your headphones for optimal balance.

While this method introduces a minor cord between the controller and transmitter, it keeps the console itself free of adapters. Many transmitters are pocket-sized and clip onto your shirt or controller strap for mobility.

Tip: Choose a transmitter with low-latency AAC or aptX support to minimize audio delay during gameplay.

Real-World Example: Alex’s Late-Night Gaming Routine

Alex lives in an apartment with thin walls and shares space with roommates. He loves playing online shooters late at night but doesn’t want to disturb others. His Sennheiser HD 450BT headphones don’t connect natively to the PS5, and he didn’t want to buy a $50 dongle.

Instead, he used a $25 Bluetooth transmitter clipped to his DualSense controller. After pairing, he routed all audio through the controller and found the latency negligible in single-player campaigns. For competitive matches, he slightly adjusted the in-game audio mix to favor footsteps through the TV while keeping voice chat in his ears. The setup lasted six months with no issues, proving that affordable, flexible solutions exist beyond official accessories.

Optimizing Audio Performance Without a Dongle

Regardless of the method chosen, fine-tuning audio settings improves clarity and reduces perceived lag. Follow these optimization steps:

Audio Output Settings

• Set Primary Output to HDMI if using a TV bridge.
• Choose Pulse (LPCM) or Bitstream (Dolby) only if your downstream device supports decoding.
• Disable unnecessary audio enhancements like 3D Audio if using older Bluetooth models.

Headphone-Specific Tweaks

• Enable “Low Latency Mode” or “Gaming Mode” if available in your headphone’s companion app.
• Charge both the headphones and any intermediate device fully to prevent signal drops.
• Store paired devices in memory; avoid re-pairing unless necessary.

“Even without native Bluetooth support, clever routing lets players enjoy their preferred headphones. The key is minimizing processing layers.” — Lena Patel, Senior Editor at AudioGaming Weekly

Checklist: How to Pair Bluetooth Headphones to PS5 Without a Dongle

✅ Action Plan:

• Confirm your TV, soundbar, or receiver supports Bluetooth audio output
• Ensure your Bluetooth headphones are charged and in pairing mode
• Use HDMI to connect PS5 to display/audio device
• Navigate PS5 audio settings and select correct output path
• Pair headphones via the intermediary device (TV, soundbar, or transmitter)
• Test audio with game or media playback
• Adjust volume levels across devices for balanced sound
• Save settings and label inputs for quick access later

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any Bluetooth headphones with PS5 without a dongle?

Yes, but not directly. You must route audio through a Bluetooth-enabled display, sound system, or use a transmitter connected to the controller. Native pairing via PS5 settings is not supported for standard Bluetooth headphones.

Will there be audio lag using these methods?

Lag varies by setup. TV-based routing may add 40–100ms delay due to internal processing. Transmitters with aptX Low Latency can reduce this to under 40ms. For casual play, the difference is minimal; for competitive gaming, wired headsets remain superior.

Does this affect microphone functionality?

Microphone input depends on how you connect the mic. If your Bluetooth headphones include a built-in mic, it may not function properly due to PS5’s lack of bidirectional Bluetooth support. For voice chat, consider using the DualSense’s built-in mic or a wired headset alongside your Bluetooth audio device.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your PS5 Audio Experience

You don’t need a proprietary headset or USB adapter to enjoy your favorite Bluetooth headphones with the PS5. By leveraging existing components in your entertainment ecosystem—a smart TV, soundbar, or even the controller’s headphone jack—you can create a personalized, low-cost audio solution tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you're gaming late at night, sharing a living room, or simply prefer the comfort of your trusted headphones, these workarounds empower you to bypass hardware limitations without sacrificing performance.

💬 Have a unique way of connecting Bluetooth headphones to your PS5? Share your setup in the comments and help fellow gamers find smarter audio solutions!