An update to the Nintendo Switch firmware has allowed the use of wireless headphones directly with the console (without the need for an external dongle or an alternative solution to use Apple AirPods, Powerbeats and other popular Bluetooth headphones with the system.
In this Nintendo Switch wireless headset connection guide, we’ll show you the steps to connect your AirPods to Switch and see how to adjust the maximum volume of Switch headphones to your liking.
Nintendo Switch Bluetooth Headset Connection Guide
In this guide for Switch wireless headphones, we’ll look at how to connect Bluetooth headphones to Switch, as well as some common issues and questions you may have.
Let’s start with the basics …
How to Connect Apple AirPods to Switch
First, go to ‘System settings’ on the main screen (the second circular icon on the bottom right) and scroll down to “Bluetooth Audio” in the left column.
Note – You will need to make sure that your switch is updated with the latest firmware (Bluetooth audio update includes version 13.0.0) to check the system version, scroll down to the part bottom of the “System Settings” column on the left for “System”. Just below “System Update”, you should see your “Current System Version: XX.XX”.
Faucet “Add a device” and the system will start searching for Bluetooth audio devices that can be discovered. Depending on the message, you need to make sure that the Bluetooth device (headphones, speakers, etc.) is in detectable mode and is not locked to any other device.
For Apple AirPods, for example, this means you’ll need to put the AirPods in their holster, open the lid, and hold down the holster button until it starts flashing with a white light (other Bluetooth headsets may have a method for access a detectable mode: see the instructions for your specific headset or earphones).
Once the console identifies you, select the device to pair the console with headphones. Work done!
How do I adjust the volume of the headphones in Switch?
Press and hold the Home button (Joy-Con on the right) and a menu will appear allowing you to adjust the volume of the connected headphones (as well as the brightness of the screen).
Can I use wireless headphones with my Switch in docked mode?
Yes.
We switched from portable to docked to laptop mode again without interrupting or disconnecting BT audio.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nintendo Switch Bluetooth Audio Problems
Anyone with experience in Bluetooth audio devices has probably had connection issues at some stage. It’s probably good to remember that Bluetooth was never originally intended to transfer intensely heavy audio into data and that problems can arise for a variety of reasons.
In this section, we present common problems that arise with solutions and explanations. We will update this guide with more questions and solutions.
My AirPods will not connect to Switch
If the headset does not appear as detectable on the switch, or if it is not connected despite having been previously paired with the switch, its connection to another the device may prevent them from pairing with the console.
For example, if your AirPods are connected to your iPhone, they will not be able to connect to your Switch. In this case, you’ll want to turn off Bluetooth on your phone (on an iPhone you can scroll up from the bottom and press the Bluetooth icon to quickly turn off BT without going into Settings).
I put my switch to sleep mode and now my AirPods don’t reconnect
If you play and press the standby button to enter sleep mode, the headset will be disconnected from the switch.
Assuming you haven’t repaired them with another device, the Bluetooth headset should automatically reconnect to Switch; depending on the AirPods you use, you may need to briefly remove them from your ears in order for the connection to (re) register (we found this necessary with our AirPod Pros).
It’s too quiet! How do I increase the headset on Switch?
Some people experience very low volume with AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones on Switch.
Although it seems that the maximum volume is always below that of other audio devices (we switched to Apple cable headphones to test it and found the maximum volume noticeably higher, uncomfortably, but it is clear that your mileage will vary here), you may have a lower Maximum Headphone Volume on.
The “Lowest maximum headset volume” setting is in the system settings instead of the “Bluetooth audio” section (at the bottom of the main system settings menu column) and is designed to prevent hearing damage. accidental.
If you have it turned on, just tap the option to turn it off (if you have parental controls turned on, you’ll need to enter your PIN to unlock it; see the accompanying Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app to find the PIN if you forgot it). that.
With “Maximum Headphone Volume Down” turned off, we’ve found that audio is comfortable at full volume via AirPods, and it’s obviously easier to hear with AirPod Pros noise cancellation turned on. Still, the maximum volume while using Apple AirPods seems to be noticeably quieter than other brands.
We will update with more information after more testing.
I can’t connect drivers while using a Bluetooth headset
This is one of the limitations that Nintendo highlights: a maximum of two controllers can be connected to a console while using Bluetooth audio.
For two players using only one Joy-Con each, it will be fine. However, if you are playing in desktop mode and someone wants to use, for example, a Pro driver, a small message will appear reminding you:
Up to two wireless controllers can be used during Bluetooth audio.
Note that local multiplayer playback with multiple switches will also turn off Bluetooth audio.
Can I use my Bluetooth microphone to voice chat?
No, unfortunately this is another restriction. Nintendo explicitly states that:
Bluetooth microphones cannot be used.
Why is audio behind screen action?
Bluetooth may have become an industry standard for quickly transferring data between devices, but it’s not the best when it comes to high-quality audio and you may notice some audio lag.
The duration of the delay will vary depending on the device. As an example, while using AirPods, we found that the sound of the Sonic jump (in Sonic 2) is not heard until the character approaches the peak of the jump. Audio lag is noticeable and can have a negative effect if the audio of a game is critical to the game.
Playing something like Cadence of Hyrule, for example, which is based on precisely pressing the buttons at a pace, would be tricky. However, in other games you may not even notice the audio delay. It all depends on what you are playing and your sensitivity.
We hope you find this guide useful. We’ll update it over time, so if you have any questions or suggestions, drop them in the comments below and we’ll do our best to fix them.