This article will show you how to connect wireless headphones to your Nintendo Switch. You cannot connect headphones directly to the Switch, but you can use wireless headphones that come with a USB dongle and support USB-C. If your headphones don't have a dongle at all, use a Bluetooth transmitter with audio input.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using a USB dongle in portable mode
Step 1. Remove the USB to USB-C adapter
If your wireless headset does not support USB-C, you will need to purchase a USB to USB-C adapter to run it in handheld mode. These adapters can be found in any electronics store or in the relevant department of the hypermarket, and can also be purchased from online stores.
- Some wireless headphones come with a USB-C adapter. If in doubt, check the accessories that came with the headphones.
- Click here for a list of headphones that definitely work with the Switch, as well as those that don't.
Step 2. Connect the Joy-Con controllers to the Nintendo Switch
If you haven't already, attach each controller to the sides of the Switch.
The controller with the “-” button is attached to the left side, and the controller with the “+” button is attached to the right
Step 3. Press the power button on the Switch
It's on the top edge, next to the volume buttons. The Switch can also be turned on by pressing the Home button on the right Joy-Con.
Step 4. Connect the USB to USB-C adapter to the Switch
The corresponding port is located at the bottom of the Switch.
Step 5. Turn on the headphones
Usually, you need to press a button somewhere on the device to do this.
If the headphones require a dongle connection, follow the instructions that came with the headphones. Usually, to connect, you need to press a specific button on the headphones and / or dongle
Step 6. Connect the headphone USB dongle to the adapter
The dongle supplied with the headphones has a USB plug that must be inserted into the dongle's USB port. As soon as the Switch recognizes the wireless headphones, a notification appears in the upper left corner of the screen. From now on, audio from the Switch will go through the headphones.
Method 2 of 3: Using a USB dongle while playing on a TV
Step 1. Disconnect the Joy-Con controllers from the Switch
If your headphones came with a dongle that plugs into a USB port, this method will allow you to use wireless headphones while playing on your TV. Start by disconnecting the controllers from the Switch (if connected) by following these steps:
- pinch the circular release button on the back of the left controller;
- without releasing the button, gently slide the left controller upward until it detaches from the device;
- repeat the same steps for the right controller.
Step 2. Attach the Joy-Con controllers to the mount or straps
Use the holder if you want to hold one controller, or the straps if you want to play with both hands.
- If you've never connected your controllers to a holder or straps, search the internet for instructions on how to do this.
- Click here for a list of headphones that definitely work with the Switch, as well as those that don't.
Step 3. Plug the Nintendo Switch into the docking station
Place the Switch in the dock with the screen facing the same direction as the Nintendo Switch logo on the front.
The docking station should already be connected to the TV. If you need help setting up your dock, search the internet for related information
Step 4. Turn on Switch
This can be done using the home button on the right Joy-Con or the power button on the top of the set-top box (next to the volume buttons).
Turn on your TV if you haven't already. Use your TV remote to switch to the input the Nintendo Switch was connected to
Step 5. Connect the USB dongle to the docking station
There are two USB ports on the left side of the dock and another one is located on the back cover. Now that the Switch supports USB audio streaming, plug the dongle into any available port.
Step 6. Turn on the headphones
Usually, you need to press a button somewhere on the device to do this. After you plug in your headphones, a USB volume adjustment notification should appear in the upper right corner of the screen. As soon as you see this message, audio from the Switch will begin to flow through the headphones.
If the headphones require a dongle connection, follow the instructions that came with the headphones. Usually, to connect, you need to press a specific button on the headphones and / or dongle
Method 3 of 3: Using a Bluetooth Transmitter with Audio Input
Step 1. Take out the Bluetooth transmitter with audio input
If the wireless headphones came without a USB dongle, they can still be used with the Switch using a Bluetooth transmitter with audio input. To do this, you need to connect the transmitter to the Switch using a 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm AUX cable, and then connect the headphones to the transmitter.
- Click here for a list of headphones that definitely work with the Switch, as well as those that don't.
- This method can be used whether the Switch is docked or portable.
- Many transmitters come with a 3.5mm x 3.5mm cable. If you do not have one, buy the cable from any electronics store or the appropriate department of the hypermarket.
Step 2. Turn on Switch
This can be done using the home button on the right Joy-Con or the power button on the top of the set-top box (next to the volume buttons).
Step 3. Connect the Bluetooth transmitter to the Switch
To do this, plug one end of a 3.5mm cable into the input on the transmitter and the other into the headphone jack on the top of the Switch.
Step 4. Put the Bluetooth transmitter into pairing mode
The exact sequence of actions depends on the model, but usually it is enough to press a button and wait for the indicator to light up.
Check your transmitter manual if you are not sure how to enable pairing mode
Step 5. Turn on the headphones
Usually, you need to press a button somewhere on the device to do this.
Step 6. Connect the headphones to the Bluetooth transmitter
If the headphones are a few meters away from the Bluetooth transmitter, they should connect automatically. For some models, you may need to press the pairing button. Check the instructions that came with your headphones to find out exactly. After plugging in the headphones, you can listen to the sound from the Switch through the headphones.