It took a few years, but the Nintendo Switch finally supports Bluetooth headphones right out of the box. It only takes a few moments to set the feature up, but it has a number of limitations.
That's why you can also use a Bluetooth adapter, which is more work but gives you more options.
Here's how to connect Bluetooth headphones to your Nintendo Switch, using either the built-in Bluetooth feature or a Bluetooth adapter.
How to connect Bluetooth headphones to your Nintendo Switch
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Using the built-in Bluetooth
Before anything, make sure that your Nintendo Switch is updated. The Bluetooth pairing feature is only available in the most recent versions of Switch's operating system, so you'll need to update to unlock it.
Your Switch should let you know when there's an update available, but you can check manually by opening System Settings and scrolling down to the System tab.
Once you've updated:
1. Open your Switch's System Settings menu by selecting the gear icon on the home screen.
2. Scroll down to the Bluetooth Audio tab, and then select Pair Device.
3. Put your Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode and hold them close to the Switch.
4. When your headphones appear as an option on the Switch, select them and let the devices connect.
Once connected, all sound will come through the Bluetooth headphones until they're disconnected. In the future, the devices should connect automatically. You can disconnect or unpair your headphones from the Switch by returning to this menu and selecting your headphones.
But connecting Bluetooth headphones to the Switch comes with some restrictions.
- While connected, you can only use up to two wireless controllers (or one pair of Joy-Cons).
- Your headphones will be disconnected during local multiplayer.
- Bluetooth microphones won't work.
Some users have also claimed that using the built-in Bluetooth feature makes the console very quiet. If you feel the same, go to the System menu and make sure that the Lower Max Headphone Volume option is turned off.
If you don't feel like dealing with these restrictions, you can connect your headphones with a Bluetooth adapter instead.
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Using a Bluetooth adapter
Bluetooth adapters are tiny dongles that connect to your Switch's charging port or dock and let you connect Bluetooth devices. These don't just have to be headphones — some, like the 8BitDo Wireless Adapter, will let you connect non-Nintendo controllers to your Switch too.
You can get a good Bluetooth headphone adapter on Amazon for not much money. Once you do, here's how to use it:
1. With the adapter inserted into the Switch, hold the pair button for several seconds to place it into pairing mode. Most will flash once in this mode.
2. Now hold down the pair button on your headphones. When the light on the adapter becomes solid or turns off, you've successfully paired the devices.
Be sure to follow the pairing instructions included in your specific adapter's manual.
Steven John contributed to a previous version of this article.
William Antonelli
Tech Reporter for Insider Reviews
William Antonelli (he/she/they) is a writer, editor, and organizer based in New York City. As a founding member of the Reference team, he helped grow Tech Reference (now part of Insider Reviews) from humble beginnings into a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million visits a month. Outside of Insider, his writing has appeared in publications like Polygon, The Outline, Kotaku, and more. He's also a go-to source for tech analysis on channels like Newsy, Cheddar, and NewsNation. You can find him on Twitter @DubsRewatcher, or reach him by email at wantonelli@insider.com. Read more Read lessncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnpJqwqXvHqK5mrJ9isLC6zZ6arWWSocKmwM6oq6FlmJqupbzHqKWeq12pvG66yKernqaUpHq0w8itmqE%3D