Learn How to Connect Bluetooth Speaker to Xbox & Xbox One

It’s no secret that my girlfriend, Michelle, and I have bonded over our shared passion for gaming in more ways than one. I have already mentioned the details of the sweet deal I struck with her in my “Are Airpods Good for Gaming?” under the pretext of teaching her how to connect the Nintendo Switch to a TV without a dock. The crux of the deal is that I facilitate her curious musings regarding tech and electronics, and she does the same for my unusual cravings. It’s a win-win situation for both. 

Recently, she asked me, “Can you connect a Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One?” 

Her question was a long time coming because while she struggled with her Xbox One’s Audio Output, I juggled between Bluetooth adapters to enhance my Xbox S’s audio quality. 

The one thing all gamers have in common is this constant need to improve their gaming experience. I prefer my gaming to be immersive and stimulating, so I hardly ever skimp on investing in a high-quality sound system. 

If you want to connect Bluetooth speakers to your Xbox One, use a Bluetooth adapter, also known as a Bluetooth dongle. You can buy it for a reasonable price online, but if you want a quick fix, then access your Xbox via Xbox Live App remotely using a phone, tablet, or iPad. 

Still, your investments need some creative manoeuvring to be fruitful when it comes to gaming. Buying Xbox is every gamer’s dream, but not everyone can work their way around its settings, and that’s when the tech-savvies step in. 

How to Connect Bluetooth Speaker to Xbox

I was initially disappointed by the lack of Bluetooth settings in the console’s Kinect & Devices and Display & Sound options in my Xbox S. I checked all tabs thinking they must have been added somewhere else, but to my dismay, the manufacturers had skipped on it completely. I knew there was no way I was sending my dream console packing, so I hopped on the search engine lifeline and started firing up queries after queries. 

After several failed attempts, I finally knew how to connect Bluetooth speaker to Xbox though the process was tiring but rewarding. I had to contemplate long and hard to decide the best course of action as what came next involved a dubious purchase. In the end, with the help of a few detailed reviews and a credible site, I bought a good-quality Bluetooth adapter for my Xbox S. 

I knew how to deal with my model, but now I had to teach Michelle how to connect Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One. I was a bit skeptical about one solution working for both models, but I wanted to try my hand before answering Michelle’s inquiry. I did, and the results were promising. 

The answer to her “Can you connect a Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One?” question is: Yes, you can! And I will tell you exactly how, so stick with me. 

How to Connect Bluetooth Speaker to Xbox One With Adapter

Most gamers prefer using the auxiliary port in their controllers to attach their headsets to the console. Admittedly, that’s a neat setup, but gaming is more fun and accessible with Bluetooth speakers. It minimises the strain on your ears and allows them to remain cool even after hours of gaming. A good sound system goes hand in hand with a gaming console despite the brand, and if you are an avid gamer, chances are you have spent a lot on your equipment. 

Why should anyone put aside what they already own to accommodate a new purchase? 

If anything, I prefer my old and new purchases to coexist and enhance my overall gaming experience. I always prefer finding ways around the capitalist hurdles to make the most out of my purchases. I don’t mind keeping things quiet in my head when I play on small devices like Nintendo Switch, but if I am going big with my console, I need the rest of my equipment to step up. 

Unfortunately, sometimes companies skip on a few essential features to improve the interface of the overall model. And while I appreciate their thoughtfulness, their “improvements” often leave me in a  pickle. However, I always come on top because of my tenacious nature.

1. Connect Xbox With Bluetooth Adapter

The one fix I knew I must try before pulling the extremes was also the one that worked immediately. Guaranteed, I had to search far and wide for the best Bluetooth adapter brand that offered Xbox One connectivity. There are cheaper options available in the market, but the one I bought was comparatively more expensive.

Now, you might wonder why I made this conventional choice when I could have gone for the cheaper options. Fret not; my actions are not driven by some consumerism obligation. I simply picked the brand that met my needs and had good reviews, and it just happened to be expensive. 

If you haven’t used an adapter before, I have outlined the process for you:  

• Step 1: Make sure to buy an adapter with a Toslink because the Xbox One has Digital Optical Audio Output instead of the usual Audio Output. Some of the adapters look like USBs, but my experience with them wasn’t good.  I’d suggest buying the ones with good reviews; that’s Online Purchase 101 for you. 
• Step 2: Insert the Toslink in the Optical Port of your Xbox.
• Step 3: Press the power button on the device and wait for it to light up. A blinking light indicates that the device is connected and working. 
• Step 4: Turn on your Bluetooth device and use its application to connect both devices. 
• Step 5: Play a video to check if it’s working or if there is any delay in the audio. 

I realized there is no need to install drivers for the Bluetooth adapter when I searched “Does Xbox One have Bluetooth capability?” online. The affirming answer helped me understand that the system is built to support Bluetooth adapters. 

Still, I must caution you against buying adapters with drivers; these can be tricky to incorporate. If you’ve ever set up the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, you know that most of the time, it happens automatically though you can always do things manually. I must point out that both adapters are different and cannot be used interchangeably, and that’s where Xbox’s ability to connect with Bluetooth adapters comes into play.

2. Bluetooth Adapter for Controller 

Bluetooth adapters for controllers are pretty much the same as the one mentioned above. The only difference in these adapters is that they don’t come with a Toslink. Since Xbox doesn’t have Auxiliary Port, one end of these adapters goes into your controllers while the other (USB cable) connects with your Xbox controller. 

If your Bluetooth speakers don’t break their silent vow despite everything, I am listing down a few fixes you can try to make your Bluetooth adapters work.

1. Checking Adapter Connectivity in Settings

When your Bluetooth adapter is connected with your Xbox Controller, then there is a chance then you’ll have to tinker around with its settings to make it work. 

• Step 1: Look for a headset logo at the top right of your screen.
• Step2: Go to Kinect & Devices, then Devices and Accessories in the Settings options. 
• Step 3: Once the Xbox Wireless Controller is in front of you, click on the three dots at the bottom. 
• Step 4:  Move down the list on the left and look for Connected Device(s). 
• Step 5: If it shows “Headset,” your Bluetooth adapter is connected.
• Step 6: Raise the volume to enjoy a working Bluetooth speaker. 

I advise against these as the wired connection between the system and adapter restricts movement. 

2. Powering Your Bluetooth Adapter 

If your Bluetooth adapt fails to connect with your Xbox, then it might be a power supply problem. To counter this, I suggest turning on your Xbox first before plugging the Toslink and USB cable in their respective portal. 

How to Connect Bluetooth Speaker to Xbox One Without Adapter

I usually don’t mind cables and adapters, but I know some people like their gaming counter clean. They will go the extra mile to get rid of any cables attached to their electronics, Xbox or not. Michelle is the same because once I was done setting up her Bluetooth speakers, she wanted to know how to connect Bluetooth speaker to Xbox one without adapter?I got down to the grind once again and found the answers. Here’s how to hook up Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One without adapter:

1. Access Your Xbox Live App Remotely

Despite the hassle-free process of connecting a Bluetooth adapter with your Xbox, people don’t want to invest in something they can do without. I am to share how to connect Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One without an adapter. 

Here’s how you can access your Xbox via your phone, laptop, and tablet (Android and iOS):

• Step 1: Click on your user profile in the top left corner. 
• Step 2: Navigate to your settings. 
• Step 3: Click on Devices & Connections, then go to Remote features. 
• Step 4: Check the box for “Enable remote features” and change the status for “Power Mode” to “Instant-On”
• Step 5: Download Xbox Live App on your phone, tablet, and laptop.
• Step 6: Log in to your user profile. 
• Step 7: Click on the Xbox icon on the top right of your screen. It will have a WiFi icon beside it; click on it.
• Step 8: A pop-up window will appear. Click on “Continue.”  
• Step 8: Use the same WiFi connection, preferably of 5GHz strength, for both your phone and console for better performance. 

Once you are able to access the Xbox Live App remotely, all you need to do is connect the other device with Bluetooth speakers, and you’ll have a booming sound system facilitating your gaming experience. Most people use their phones for remote access, but I suggest using a tablet if you have one to spare. That way, your game will not get interrupted by incoming calls, resulting in an instant disconnect.

FAQs

Q1. Does Xbox Series S have Bluetooth? 

Answer – Yes, the Xbox Series S has Bluetooth, but it only connects the console with the controller. You cannot connect to Bluetooth speakers or headsets directly. 

Q2. Does the Xbox Series X have Bluetooth?    

Answer – Yes, the Xbox Series X has Bluetooth, but it only connects the console with the controller. You cannot connect to Bluetooth speakers or headsets directly.

Q3. Can you connect Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One?

Answer – Yes, you can connect Bluetooth speakers to Xbox One but not without an adapter or phone on hand. 

Q4. Can I connect a Bluetooth speaker to my Xbox?

Answer – Yes, you can connect a Bluetooth speaker to your Xbox using a Bluetooth adapter and accessing Xbox Live App remotely. Buy a Bluetooth adapter from a credible online seller, connect it with your Xbox console, and make sure it has a light blinking somewhere on its body. Now, connect that adapter with your Bluetooth speaker. 

Download Xbox Live App on your mobile or any other device for remote access. Check the box in front of Enable remote feature in your console’s User Profile Settings and switch Power mode to Instant-On. Then, connect your mobile to a Bluetooth speaker. 

Conclusion:

I believe that there is always a way around the most unconventional problem in the world of technology. After all, improvement is the asset of this field, making stagnation regressive in the long run. Compared to what Xbox offers through its many series models, I don’t mind making amends on my end on behalf of the brand. I know the same is true for many gamers, though I hope the manufacturers don’t make a habit out of our inconvenience. I don’t want to search, “Does Xbox Series X have Bluetooth?” or whatever they are planning to launch next, only to find out all our uproar has fallen on deaf ears. Despite my reservations, I am excited to know what’s next, just like all other gamers. One thing is for sure: Come rain or thunder, I will find a way to beat the system for my girlfriend’s waffles. See you next time!