How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to a Switch
The Switch won’t work with all Bluetooth headsets. Consult the verified list (see below) before buying a headset for it, then follow these steps:
Put your headset into pairing mode. How you do this varies by manufacturer, but generally involves holding down the power button until a light starts flashing. From the Switch home screen, go to System Settings. Tap Bluetooth Audio. Tap Pair Device. Choose your headset from the list of available devices. It should then connect to the Switch.
How to Connect Headphones to a Switch via USB
Before Nintendo added Bluetooth functionality to the Nintendo Switch, certain headsets could be connected to the console via USB. The method still works.
While the Switch is docked, plug the USB dongle into one of the ports on the side of the dock. The Nintendo Switch should recognize the device. You will see a prompt on the upper-left corner of the screen showing a USB volume control. Nintendo If the Switch is undocked, there’s only a single USB-C port at the bottom of the device. If you want to go completely wireless, you need a USB-to-USB-C connector. Plug the USB-to-USB-C connector into the USB-C port on the bottom of the Nintendo Switch. Plug the USB dongle for your wireless headset into the connector. It may take a few seconds for audio to transmit whether docked or not docked.
What If Your Headset Isn’t Working?
If you have problems with audio, the first thing you should do is consult the list below and ensure that your headset is listed.
If your headset is on the verified list and you have problems, try the following:
First, ensure the headset is properly charged. If you have another device that works with the headset such as a computer or another gaming system, hook it up to that system. This step verifies the headset is in working condition. If you’re using it in undocked mode, try using it with the Nintendo Switch docked. If this works, you may have a problem with the USB-to-USB-C connector. If the Switch is docked and the headset USB dongle inserted into one of the USB ports on the side, try switching ports. Not only are there two ports on the side, but there is also one hidden in the back. To access this one, open the lid on the back of the dock. This is the area with the power and HDMI cables. Between these two ports is a third USB port.
You can connect up to 10 Bluetooth devices to your Nintendo Switch, but you can only use one of them at a time. The Switch applies audio output only, which means microphones don’t work. You also can’t connect a Bluetooth device when more than two Joy-Cons are being used. This means if you’re playing co-op with three or four buddies, your wireless headset won’t connect.
Headsets That Work With the Nintendo Switch
You can connect a wireless headset to the Nintendo Switch via USB or Bluetooth, but not every headset is compatible. Below are some of the headsets known to work with the console.
If you own one of these headsets, try it out to see if it works. But if you’re planning on buying one to use with the Switch, do some research and make sure it works before spending money on it.
Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D RageCreative Wireless HS-1200Logitech G930Logitech G933Logitech H800LucidSound LS30 (with an optical cable plugged into a wireless dongle)LucidSound LS40 (Requires an optical cable plugged into a wireless dongle)PDP Legendary Sound of JusticePlantronics Audio 510PlayStation Gold Wireless Stereo HeadsetPlayStation Platinum Wireless HeadsetPlayStation 3 Wireless HeadsetSkullcandy PLYR 1SteelSeries Arctis 7 (with 3. 5 mm 3-pole cable)Steelseries Siberia 800Steelseries Siberia 840Turtle Beach Ear Force P11Turtle Beach Ear Force PX3Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 450Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 500PTurtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 700
In addition, these headsets work with a slightly different setup:
LucidSound LS30, LucidSound LS40. These headsets require an optical cable to be plugged into the dongle. SteelSeries Arctis 7. This headset needs a 3. 5mm 3-pole cable that’s not included with the headset.
