This wikiHow teaches you how to connect wireless headphones to the Nintendo Switch. While the Switch doesn't allow you to pair headphones directly, you can use wireless headphones with a USB key that support USB-C connections. If the headphones are not keyed at all, use a Bluetooth transmitter with an audio input port.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a USB Key in Portable Mode
Step 1. Purchase a USB-to-USB-C adapter
You'll need to purchase a USB-to-USB-C adapter when playing Nintendo Switch in portable mode, unless your wireless headset supports USB-C connections. Adapters like this can be obtained from electronics or convenience stores, as well as online shopping sites.
- Some wireless headphones come with a USB-C adapter. When in doubt, check the features included with the headphone purchase package.
- Click here for a list of headphones that have been confirmed to work on the Switch, as well as devices that can't be paired with the Switch.
Step 2. Connect the Joy-Con controller to the Nintendo Switch
If not, insert each controller into the appropriate side of the Switch.
Controllers with a "-" button are paired to the left side of the device, while controllers with a "+" button are paired to the right side of the Switch
Step 3. Press the power button on the Switch
This button is on the top of the device, right next to the volume buttons. You can also turn on the Switch by pressing the “Home” button on the right Joy-Con controller.
Step 4. Connect the USB-to-USB-C adapter to the Switch
The adapter port is on the bottom side of the device.
Step 5. Turn on the headphones
Usually, you can turn on the headphones by pressing the button provided on the unit.
If you need to pair headphones with a USB key, follow the instructions included in the headphone purchase package. During the pairing process, you usually need to press a button on the headphones and/or a key
Step 6. Connect the headphone USB key to the adapter
The key that comes with the headphone purchase package has a USB port that can be attached to the key's USB port. Once the Switch recognizes the headphones, you should see a USB icon in the upper-left corner of the screen. This icon indicates that the sound output from the Switch will be directed to the headphones.
Method 2 of 3: Using a USB Key when Playing Nintendo Switch on a Television
Step 1. Remove the Joy-Con controller from the Switch
If your headphones have a key that fits into a USB port, use this method when you want to use your headphones while playing the Switch on your television. Begin by removing the controller from the Switch (if it is still attached) by following these steps:
- Press and hold the loop release button on the back of the left controller.
- While still holding down the button, pull the left control upwards until it detaches from the unit.
- Repeat the steps above for the right controller.
Step 2. Attach the Joy-Con controller to the handle or strap that came with the Nintendo Switch purchase package
Use a handle if you want to hold one controller, or a rope if you want to play with both hands.
- If you've never connected a controller to a handle or strap before, search and read articles on how to play Nintendo Switch on a television to learn more.
- Click here for a list of headphones that have been confirmed to work on the Switch, as well as devices that can't be paired with the Switch.
Step 3. Insert the Nintendo Switch into the dock
Place the Switch in the dock with the screen facing the same direction as the Nintendo Switch logo on the front of the dock.
The dock must be connected to the television. If you want to know how to dock a television, search and read articles on how to play Nintendo Switch on a television to learn more
Step 4. Turn on the Switch
You can turn it on by pressing the home button on the right side of the right Joy-Con controller, or the power button on the top of the Switch (next to the volume buttons).
Turn on your television if you haven't already. If necessary, use the television remote control to switch to the input channel connected to the Nintendo Switch
Step 5. Connect the USB key to the dock
There are two USB ports located on the left side of the dock, as well as one on the inside of the back cover. Once the Switch supports audio via USB, you can connect the key to any port.
Step 6. Turn on the headphones
Usually, you can turn on the headphones by pressing a button on the device. If the headphones are turned on, you should see a USB volume control message in the upper right corner of the screen. After the message appears, the audio from the Switch will be sent to the headphones.
If you need to pair the headphones with a key, follow the instructions in the product manual. Usually, you need to press a certain button on the headphones and/or a USB key
Method 3 of 3: Using a Bluetooth Transmitter with Audio Input
Step 1. Purchase a Bluetooth transmitter with an audio input connector
If your wireless headphones don't have a USB key, you can still use them on the Switch via a Bluetooth transmitter with an audio-in connector. Typically, a transmitter like this can be connected to a Switch using a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm AUX cable. After that, you can pair the headphones with the transmitter.
- Click here for a list of headphones that have been confirmed to work on the Switch, as well as devices that can't be paired with the Switch.
- You can follow this method when using the Switch in the docked or portable method.
- Most transmitter products come with a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable. If your product does not come with such a cable, you can purchase one from an electronics store or supermarket.
Step 2. Turn on the Switch
You can turn it on by pressing the home button on the right side of the right Joy-Con controller, or the power button on the top of the Switch (next to the volume buttons).
Step 3. Connect the Bluetooth transmitter to the Switch
Plug one end of the 3.5 mm cable into the input on the transmitter, and connect the other end of the cable to the headphone connector on the top of the Switch.
Step 4. Enable the pairing mode on the Bluetooth transmitter
The process to follow is different for each model, but usually you need to press a button and wait for the light on the transmitter to flash.
Read the transmitter's manual if you don't know how to enable pairing mode
Step 5. Turn on the headphones
Usually, you can turn on the device by pressing a button on the unit.
Step 6. Pair the headphones with the Bluetooth transmitter
As long as the headphones are within a few meters of the transmitter, the two devices will automatically connect. On some device models, you may need to press the pairing button. Read the instructions included in the headphone purchase package to find out more. Once the two Bluetooth devices are connected, you can hear the sound output from the Switch through the headphones.
