Apple headphones are renowned for their sleek design, extra comfort, and premium sound quality. Even better, these headsets are compatible with non-Apple devices, explaining why you may want to use them on your PS4.
In contrast, the PlayStation 4 is selective and has compatibility issues when using non-proprietary headphones. The console works with a lean selection of gaming headsets, meaning you might have problems connecting your Apple headphones to your PS4.
Key Takeaways
- Apple headphones are not natively compatible with PS4 gaming consoles. They require a direct cable connection to work on PS4.
- Even though Apple headphones can work with PS4, the built-in mic might not work with the console since they have different headphone jack standards.
- Partially insert the audio cable from the headphones to the PS4 controller to reset the stereo rings and trick the controller into picking audio signals from the mic
- If you want to connect wireless Apple headphones to PS4, you might require a Bluetooth dongle or adapter. Insert the adapter into the controller and pair it with the headset.
How to Use Apple Headphones with PS4?
Even though PS4 consoles have compatibility problems with most headsets, your Apple headphones can work on PS4 without significant issues. Whether you are using wired or wireless Apple headphones, connecting them to PS4 shouldn’t be complicated.
Here are the steps:
Using a Direct Cable Connection
An audio cable is the most effective way to connect Apple headphones to PS4. It allows you to enjoy an immersive sound experience during gameplay. The PS4 controller has an audio input receiver for direct cable connections from the headset. However, you won’t be able to use your headset’s game chat feature since PS4, and Apple earphones have different headphone jack standards.
Follow these steps to connect Apple headphones to PS4 using an audio cable:
- Locate the audio jack on your PS4 controller (usually at the bottom of the controller).
3.5mm audio jack on a PS4 controller
- Insert a 3.5mm headphone jack into your Apple headset.
- Plug the other end of the cable into your PS4 controller.
- The PS4 console will automatically deliver sound to your Apple headphones.
If you can’t hear any sound, you may have to set up the headphones manually. Simply:
- Go to the Settings menu on your PS4.
- Follow this path: Devices > Audio Devices > Output Device
- Choose Headset/Headphones Connected to Controller.
- Select Output to Headphones > All Audio
- Select Volume Control (Headphones) to adjust the volume.
- Test your Apple headphones.
Using the Remote Play App
You can connect your Apple headphones to PS4 via the Remote Play app. However, for this method to work, you need a high-speed internet connection and a smartphone.
Remote Play is an application that transmits video and audio output from your PS4 to a compatible device such as a smartphone. It allows you to control your console remotely using a mobile device.
Here are the steps:
- Download and install the Remote Play app on your mobile device.
- On your PS4, go to Settings.
- Select Remote Play Connection Settings.
- Enable Remote Play.
- Select Add Device.
- Wait for an 8-digit code to link your smartphone to your PS4.
- Disconnect the controller from the PS4 console.
- Put the controller into pairing mode by pressing the Share and PS4 buttons simultaneously until the LED lights on the controller start to flash.
- On your smartphone, go to Bluetooth settings.
- View the list of Bluetooth devices and select your PS4 controller.
- Pair your phone with your PS4 controller.
- Load the Remote Play app on your mobile device.
- Log into the Sony account using your PS4 credentials.
- Select Register manually, and enter the 8-digit code.
- Sync your Apple headphones with your smartphone.
Connecting Apple Headphones with PS4 Using the Remote Play App
Using a Bluetooth Adapter
If you want to connect wireless Apple headphones to PS4, you might require a Bluetooth dongle or adapter. This dongle is necessary because PS4 can only connect to compatible/supported Bluetooth headsets via Bluetooth.
You only need to insert the Bluetooth adapter into your PS4 controller and set it up to work with your Apple headset.
If you want, you can also buy a Bluetooth transmitter for your TV instead of a USB Bluetooth transmitter for the PS4. In this case, you will have to make some adjustments to your TV’s audio settings.
Here are the steps:
- Turn on the PS4 console and wireless Apple headphones.
- Insert the Bluetooth adapter into the controller’s USB port.
- On your PS4 console, go to Settings.
- Select Devices > Audio Devices > Output Device.
- Pick USB Headset.
- Select Output to Headphones > All Audio.
- Adjust the volume on your headphones.
- Test your Apple headphones.
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Using a Smart TV
Another way to connect Apple headphones to your PS4 is via a smart TV. The latest models support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to indirectly connect your wireless headphones to your PS4 for an immersive audio experience.
Here are the steps:
- Connect your PS4 to your smart TV via an HDMI cable.
- Put your Apple headphones into pairing mode.
- On your TV, go to Settings.
- Select Sound Settings.
- Choose Sound Sync.
- View the list of nearby Bluetooth devices.
- Select your Apple headphones from the list.
- Select Sound.
- Go to Sound Out.
- Under Single Sound Out, select Bluetooth.
- Select your Apple headphones.
- Test if this method resolves the issue.
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Troubleshooting Apple Headphones with PS4
Since Apple headphones are not natively compatible with PS4 gaming consoles, you may experience several connectivity issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips you can use to solve these problems.
Microphone Not Working (No Game Chat)
Even though Apple headphones can work with PS4, the built-in mic might not work with the console since they have different headphone jack standards. The PS4 controller uses an OMTP standard jack, while Apple headphones rely on CTIA stereo jacks. For this reason, the game chat feature won’t work since you can’t use the microphone.
Fortunately, you can work around this problem using two methods. First, consider partially inserting the headphone jack into the controller. This step will trick your PS4 controller and reset the stereo rings, allowing the controller to pick up audio signals from your headphone mic. Alternatively, purchase an audio converter from a certified PS4 dealer.
How to Use the built-in Mic on Your Apple Earpods with PS4
Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
You may require a Bluetooth adapter if you want to use wireless headphones with your PS4. However, Bluetooth connections are prone to latency problems and signal interference.
Fortunately, solving this problem is relatively easy. Move the headphones closer to the controller to avoid signal interference and reduce latency. Insert the adapter in the correct USB port and ensure the headphones are fully charged before pairing them with the controller.
No Audio
If you can’t hear any sound on your headphones, check the volume level using these steps:
- Go to the Settings menu on your PS4.
- Select Devices > Audio Devices > Output Device.
- Choose Headset/Headphones Connected to Controller.
- Then, go to Output to Headphones > All Audio.
- Select Volume Control (Headphones) to adjust the volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: Are Apple headphones good for gaming?
- Answer: Even though you can use Apple headphones for gaming, they are unsuitable for playing games since they don’t have the features associated with gaming headsets. The audio experience is comparatively below par when connected to a console. You should only use them as a stop-gap solution if you have no alternative.
- Question: Do Apple headphones have a mic for PS4?
- Answer: The mic on your Apple headphones cannot work directly with your PS4 controller. The controller uses an OMTP standard jack, while Apple headphones rely on CTIA stereo jacks with a different configuration. The input receiver on the PS4 is also dissimilar, meaning you might not automatically use the microphone on your Apple headphones.
- Question: Why won’t my Apple headphones connect to PS4?
- Answer: Your Apple headphones might not connect to PS4 because the latest gaming consoles have a different Bluetooth setup. Besides, the PS4 has compatibility issues, only supporting a lean selection of headsets. You might require a Bluetooth adapter or an audio cable to connect your Apple headphones to your PS4 console or controller.
- Question: How do I use Apple headphones on PS4?
- Answer: To use your Apple headphones on PS4, connect an audio cable from the headset to the controller. The PlayStation 4 controller has a 3.5mm audio jack for wired connections. The headphone jack should fit the audio input receiver on the PS4 controller. The only issue is that the microphone might not work appropriately since Apple headsets and PS4 controllers use different headphone jack standards.
- Question: How can I use the mic on my Apple headphones on PS4?
- Answer: Apple headphones work on PS4 via a direct cable connection. However, the microphone might not work because of the different jack connectors. Fortunately, you can work around this issue by partially inserting the cable into the controller’s audio input jack. This step will trick your PS4 controller and reset the stereo rings, allowing the controller to pick up audio signals from your headphone mic. Another way to solve this problem is to purchase an audio jack converter for OMTP.
Conclusion
Apple headphones might not be natively compatible with PS4, but this does not mean they cannot work with your gaming console. You only need to set up the headset to work on your PS4 via a direct cable connection.
The PS4 controller has an audio input that allows you to insert an audio cable from your headphones. The only issue is that the built-in microphone on your Apple headset won’t work since the PS4 and Apple headphones use different headphone jack standards. You may need an audio converter to work around this problem.
