As a gamer, connecting your headphones to your console for chats and calls with other players online is always a fun experience. Therefore, whether you can use Beats with Xbox One or not, I understand it is a matter of concern that requires your attention.
So, can you use Beats with Xbox One? The Xbox One does not support Bluetooth; hence, it’s impossible to use the Beats headphones on them directly. However, if you have a USB adapter, then this connection will be possible, as you only need to attach it to the controller. Another option you can explore is using the 3.5 audio cable. You will connect this cable to the audio port of your controller during use for uninterrupted sound transmission.
Despite being the most commonly used gaming platform, Xbox has not yet solved the Bluetooth complaint from its customers. This problem has over the years frustrated consumers, with most wondering how they can connect their Beats headsets with Xbox One.
The good news is that you can use your Beats as a mic or headphones with Xbox One with a few adjustments. The Xbox One does not support Bluetooth, and its controller uses the Android phone’s CTIA adapter. On the other hand, the Beats headphones use the OMTP wiring, which is a different standard from the Xbox controller, which uses the CTIA, a standard used by Android phones. This feature does not imply the device’s inferiority. Rather, the manufacturer opted to take a different path in Xbox One wireless connection.
Given that Android phones use the OMTP standard, the OMTP headsets will work fine with your phone. However, they will not work with your controller since it needs a CTIA compliant headset.
The presence of the CTIA adapter flips the mic and ground wire such that when you plug your Beats into the controller, you can hear others, but your mic will not work or will make noise; hence, they will not hear you. To sort out this issue, search online or purchase a CTIA to OMTP adapter. This adapter will cross the Microphone and Ground Pin, enabling you to use your Beats on your Xbox.
To get your beat headphones working on your Xbox One, you will need a 3.5 RCA female adapter and a 2.5mm male to 2.5mm female audio adapter. You can listen to the audio from your Xbox by connecting your Beats headphones to the TV or console. Xbox uses a 2.5mm audio connection for Xbox Live, and you can also use your headsets to communicate with other players online.
The Beats headphones use a 3.5mm connector; therefore, you will use an adapter if you want to connect them for Xbox Live. Otherwise, if you use them for audio only, an RCA will come in handy to the 3.5mm if your TV lacks the headphone jack.
In order to connect your beat headphones on your Xbox, start by plugging the 3.5mm connector on your headphones into the 3.5mm jack on the adapter and the 2.5mm connector on the adapter into the 2.5mm audio connection on the Xbox Controller. Next, confirm whether your TV has a headphone jack.
The jack is usually on the front or side panel, but you can have it on the back for smaller televisions. You can then plug your Beats headphones on the headset jack directly, but if your TV lacks the headphone jack, you will use an RCA female 3.5mm to the 3.5mm female adapter. Also, plug in the red and white cables from the Xbox into the red and white ports on your adapter and the headphones into the 3.5mm female jack on the adapter, and they will be ready to use.
Given that it is possible to connect your beat headphone to your Xbox One, it is also worth noting that Xbox consoles have a limitation on the headsets they are compatible with. Hence, the Xbox compatible headsets are available in two forms. The first type uses a wireless dongle, while the other one will connect automatically to the console without requiring the controller. The latter eliminates the need for a dongle and is slightly expensive, but its efficiency makes the cost worthwhile.
To connect your Xbox One compatible headsets to your console, start by turning on your headphones to pairing mode by holding down the power button until the LED button light is on. Next, you will turn on your console by pressing the power button and locate the Pairing button on your console. If you are using an older Xbox One model, you will find this button on the left side, but you will find it on the lower right part of the front panel if you are using the newer version.
To enable pairing, press the pairing button until the LED light blinks, indicating readiness. You will then go back to your headphone and search for the Connect Button, then press and hold until the LED light flashes rapidly, indicating readiness to pair. Upon successful pairing, you will hear the game audio.
When pairing your Xbox One with incompatible headphones, you will need to explore options including using a PC connection, connecting through the TV, using the Xbox App, and using Bluetooth transmitters. This way, you will enjoy the full audio features, which would not be the case if you forced the connections.
Configuration through your PC is much easier, given that Windows PC and Xbox One are Microsoft-powered devices. You should ensure that both devices are using the same network connection for a successful connection, preferably an Ethernet connection. Also, you should use the Xbox Companion app alongside this option. This app is usually preinstalled by Microsoft on your PC as part of their integration move. However, if not installed on your PC, you can download it on your Microsoft Store.
To connect your Xbox One to your PC, sign in to your Microsoft account and click the Connection icon to enable the Xbox app on your PC. Next, click on the Add a Device tab, and windows will start an automatic search for your Xbox One. Once it detects it, click the Connect tab. Upon successful connection, you can start using your Bluetooth headphones by connecting them to your PC.
If you still have difficulties connecting your Bluetooth headsets using the above hacks, you can try the Xbox App. This option is also ideal for individuals who want to use their headsets to party chat, as they will not hear the game audio through their headphones.
Start by connecting your Bluetooth headset to your mobile phone, and on your Xbox One App, click the social icon containing two people. To start a party, you will click the Headset icon and then agree with the permissions. This action will open the party chat screen, and you can invite your teammates and enjoy the game.
Lastly, you can use Bluetooth transmitters. These transmitters allow you to use your headphones on the console. However, they are limiting and will only let the audio go through your headphones.
This implies that you will not be able to use your microphone. To use the Bluetooth transmitters, turn on the transmitter by pressing the power button until the LED light appears. You can then put the transmitter into your Xbox Controller’s 3.5mm port. Next, power on your headphones and set them to pairing mode.
Given that the pairing instructions on your headphones may vary, it is best to consult your manual for this stage. To do the pairing, press and hold the multifunction button on your transmitter to put the dongle in pairing mode. While doing this, you can bring your headsets closer to the transmitter for a faster connection. Upon successful connection, you can listen to the game as you play.
Can You Use USB Headset with Xbox One?
Given the procedures you need to follow to use your Beats headphones with Xbox One, players opt to switch to the USB headsets. However, the concern remains whether this option will sort the issue and how easy it is to use.
Using your USB headset with Xbox One is not easy, and every time you untangle your annoying wires, you will remember how much your Xbox One is incompatible with your headsets. This is because Xbox One does not support USB headphones, even though it is possible to connect your USB headset to your Xbox One console. For a successful connection, you will need a connector since the console will only accept headphones designed for Xbox One.
This is so because Microsoft uses unique communication chips in this console. Thus, when purchasing a headset, it is worth checking to ensure it bears the Xbox logo, as this is an assurance that it will work on your Xbox One. If your USB does not meet this criterion, it will not work on your Xbox One.
The reason why Microsoft designed its headsets in this manner was to deal with latency. Normally, headsets can experience a latency of up to 100ms, which can cause crosstalk and mess the game. Thus, to deal with this problem, Microsoft limited its USB headsets for Xbox One. The console has 3 USB ports, and all you will need to do is insert the USB headset and enjoy gaming.
If your USB headsets are incompatible with your Xbox One, you can explore one of two solutions. First, you will need to purchase a gaming USB headset compatible with your Xbox One, and, secondly, you will need to buy a headset supporting the 3.5mm audio jack. Thereafter, you will also need to purchase the Xbox One Stereo Adapter. The latter solution will enable you to connect your headphone to the Xbox One controller.
Also, with this adapter, you will be able to change the chat volume easily, making your gaming much easier and interesting. However, whether you chose to purchase from an online or local store, you should compare the price tags of the regular headset with those of the adapter and settle for the one that gives you value in the long run and still fits within your budget.
When using the audio jack to connect your USB headset with Xbox One, it is worth noting that not all 3.5mm audio jacks have the same standard. The audio jacks are of two types, the CTIA and the OMTP. When using the OMTP headset, you will likely experience chat and audio issues, but you can purchase an adapter and convert your device to CTIA.
While the 3.5mm jack input enables you to connect your USB headset with Xbox One, some Xbox joysticks lack this feature. However, this should not worry you, as the manufacturer intended the use of the original headset with your Xbox One.
Other problems you might experience when connecting your USB headset to your Xbox One include microphone issues, as other players will not hear you, sounds playing quietly, extraneous noise, failure of both earphones working. These problems may arise during connection or after some time, with the reasons for their appearances varying.
However, I may attribute these issues to your headset, console, controller, chat mixer, or the sound chat balance. The easiest way to resolve these issues would be to reconnect your console if there was a crash. Restarting your console and plugging back the headset may also help solve this problem. Updating your console could also solve these issues to some extent.
Finally
Using Beats with your Xbox One is possible but will require you to adjust some settings and use an adapter with your console. This is because these headsets use the OMTP wiring while your Xbox controller requires a CTIA compliant headset. Thus, using your headsets without an adapter will result in sound issues with other players not hearing you or hearing a lot of noise from your microphone.
Equally, if your USB headset does not match your Xbox One console design, you will not use it effectively. However, you can explore other options, such as, purchasing a compatible headset or using an adapter. Whatever option you pick, you should check your budget to ensure you are within your budget and get value for your money.
