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How to connect AirPods to Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is rare among gaming consoles because it supports the use of any Bluetooth headphones or earbuds without extra adapters or hoops to jump. If you want to use your Apple AirPods with your Switch, here’s how to do it.
QUICK ANSWER
Put your AirPods in pairing mode by opening the lid of the charging case and hold the setup button until the LED flashes white > Open System Settings on your Switch > Bluetooth Audio > Pair Device > Choose your AirPods from the list of devices.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
How to connect AirPods to the Nintendo Switch
First, make sure you have the latest firmware installed on your Nintendo Switch. After that, you can connect your AirPods to your Switch:
- On your Switch, open System Settings.
- Scroll down to Bluetooth Audio and choose Pair Device.
- Open the lid of your AirPods’ charging case and hold the setup button until the LED flashes white.
- Select your AirPods from the list available audio devices on your Switch.
Note that you cannot use your AirPods for local communication, and they’ll automatically disconnect if you try. You can sync up a maximum of two wireless controllers while using Bluetooth audio.
Read more: Headphone buying guide: A beginner’s guide to all things headphones
FAQs (if applicable)
No. Bluetooth microphones are not supported.
Likely yes. Latency is still a possibility when using Bluetooth audio with any device. If you are playing a game that demands tight synchronization between visual and audio content, Bluetooth audio may not be the best choice.
According to Nintendo, the Switch only supports the SBC Bluetooth codec, so the AirPods will connect using it.
No. Once you have set up your AirPods to work with your Switch, you can just navigate to the Bluetooth Audio menu and your AirPods should show up. You can select them and then choose Connect Device.