You can pair your AirPods to a PlayStation 5, but there’s a problem

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If you want to play video games without disturbing anyone in your house, you need headphones, or at least headphones. These are essential gadgets for every PlayStation 5 – and Xbox Series X owner, but you can’t wirelessly connect your headphones to Microsoft’s console if you own the wrong model. Meanwhile, the PlayStation 5 is compatible even with Apple AirPods, but you have to jump through a few hoops first.

In order to wirelessly connect a headset or headset to the PS5, you need to pair them with an adapter. This is true for the Pulse Elite wireless headphones and for the AirPods, but unlike the Pulse Elite, the AirPods do not include a dongle: you must provide your own. The Middle Rabbit D1 is a reliable, inexpensive device that can get the job done. You can buy the adapter on Amazon for $22.99. Best of all, once set up, the Middle Rabbit D1 will bridge the connection between your AirPods and countless other entertainment platforms.

To get started, simply insert the Middle Rabbit D1 into your PS5’s USB-C port – or if it’s busy, plug it into the USB-A port using the included USB-C to USB-A adapter. Once powered on, the dongle will automatically enter pairing mode. Now enable pairing mode on your AirPods. Usually, it’s as simple as opening the charging case while the earbuds are inside and pressing or double-tapping a button, depending on the model of your AirPods. Make sure the devices are close to each other and should connect. If you open your PS5 Settings menu, select Herscroll to Audio outputand see “USB Headset (Middle Rabbit D1)” next to “Output Device”, pairing successfully.

Although AirPods are generally considered quality headphones, especially when paired with other Apple devices such as the iPhone 17, they are not technically designed to work with the PlayStation 5. The Middle Rabbit D1 forces the synced AirPods to work, so some issues may arise.

Latency is arguably the biggest problem users may encounter. All wireless headsets have audio delay compared to wired headsets, but because the Middle Rabbit D1 is designed as a bridge for every Bluetooth headset under the sun, it focuses more on stable connections rather than fast ones. Some wireless devices experience less latency than others, so you may experience a slight sound delay when playing games with AirPods, which may be more or less pronounced than the delays you get with other devices connected to the Middle Rabbit D1.

Another issue, depending on your game of choice, is the potential lack of a mic. All modern AirPods include a built-in microphone, which the Middle Rabbit D1 should recognize so you can communicate with your allies during multiplayer matches. If the Middle Rabbit D1 doesn’t connect to the microphones on your AirPods (or you’re using headphones without a microphone), you’ll need to find another Bluetooth device that does. Either that or start playing solo titles that don’t require a microphone. The games “God of War” and “Marvel’s Spider-Man” are excellent choices.