If you are an passionate gamer you might want to enhance your gaming experience by connecting a Bluetooth speaker to your Xbox One. However you might be wondering if it is possible to do so and if yes how to do it.
In this article we will answer all your questions and show you how to connect Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One with two simple methods. We will also compare the pros and cons of each method and recommend some of the best Bluetooth speakers for Xbox One.
Quick answer
You can connect a Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One by using either a Bluetooth adapter or a smartphone. Both methods require an external device and some additional steps but they are not very difficult to follow. Here is a summary of each method:
- Bluetooth adapter: You need to buy a Bluetooth adapter that is compatible with Xbox One and plug it into the console. Then you need to pair the adapter with your Bluetooth speaker and adjust the audio settings on your Xbox One.
- Smartphone: You need to download the Xbox app on your smartphone and connect it to your Xbox One via Wi-Fi. Then you need to pair your smartphone with your Bluetooth speaker and stream the audio from your Xbox One to your smartphone.
Method 1: How to connect Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One using a Bluetooth adapter
One of the easiest ways to connect a Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One is by using a Bluetooth adapter. A Bluetooth adapter is a small device that allows you to transmit audio wirelessly from your Xbox One to your Bluetooth speaker.
However not all Bluetooth adapters are compatible with Xbox One. You need to make sure that the adapter supports optical audio input and has a low latency feature. Optical audio input is necessary because Xbox One does not have a standard 3.5mm audio jack. Low latency feature is important because it reduces the delay between the sound and the image on your screen.
Here are the steps you need to follow to connect a Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One using a Bluetooth adapter:
- Buy a compatible Bluetooth adapter. You can find many options online but some of the most popular ones are Avantree Leaf TaoTronics TT-BA09 and ELEGIANT BTI-066.
- Plug the adapter into your Xbox One. You need to use an optical cable (also known as Toslink or SPDIF) to connect the adapter to the optical audio port on the back of your console.
- Turn on your Bluetooth speaker and put it in pairing mode. You can usually do this by pressing and holding a button on your speaker until you hear a beep or see a flashing light.
- Pair the adapter with your Bluetooth speaker. You need to press and hold a button on the adapter until it enters pairing mode. Then you need to select the adapter from the list of available devices on your speaker.
- Adjust the audio settings on your Xbox One. You need to go to Settings > General > Volume & audio output and change the following options:
- HDMI audio: Off
- Optical audio: Bitstream out
- Bitstream format: Dolby Digital
Method 2: How to connect Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One using a smartphone
Another way to connect a Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One is by using a smartphone. This method requires you to download the Xbox app on your smartphone and use it as a remote play device. Remote play allows you to stream games from your Xbox One to your smartphone via Wi-Fi.
However this method has some limitations and drawbacks. First you need to have a fast and stable Wi-Fi connection for both your Xbox One and your smartphone. Second you need to have enough battery life on your smartphone or keep it plugged in while playing games. Third you might experience some lag or quality issues depending on your network speed and distance from your console.
Here are the steps you need to follow to connect a Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One using a smartphone:
- Download the Xbox app on your smartphone. You can find it on Google Play Store for Android devices or App Store for iOS devices.
- Connect your smartphone and your Xbox One to the same Wi-Fi network. You need to make sure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and have a strong signal.
- Turn on your Bluetooth speaker and put it in pairing mode. You can usually do this by pressing and holding a button on your speaker until you hear a beep or see a flashing light.
- Pair your smartphone with your Bluetooth speaker. You need to go to the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and select your speaker from the list of available devices.
- Launch the Xbox app on your smartphone and sign in with your Microsoft account. You need to use the same account that you use on your Xbox One.
- Tap on the Remote Play icon on the home screen of the app. You should see your Xbox One console listed as an available device. If not make sure that your console is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your smartphone.
- Tap on your console and wait for the connection to be established. You should see your Xbox One dashboard on your smartphone screen.
- Start playing any game on your Xbox One. You can use the touch controls on your smartphone or connect a compatible controller to your smartphone via Bluetooth or USB.
- Enjoy wireless sound from your Bluetooth speaker while playing games on your Xbox One.
Pros and cons of each method
Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to connecting a Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One. Here is a comparison table that summarizes the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth adapter | – Easy to set up and use<br>- High-quality and low-latency sound<br>- No need for an extra device or app<br>- Compatible with any Bluetooth speaker | – Requires buying an additional device<br>- Occupies an optical audio port on the console<br>- May interfere with other wireless devices |
| Smartphone | – No need to buy an additional device<br>- Uses an existing device and app<br>- Allows remote play from anywhere in the house<br>- Compatible with any Bluetooth speaker | – Requires a fast and stable Wi-Fi connection<br>- Consumes battery life on the smartphone<br>- May experience lag or quality issues depending on the network speed and distance |
Best Bluetooth speakers for Xbox One
If you are looking for some of the best Bluetooth speakers for Xbox One here are some of our recommendations:
- [Bose SoundLink Revolve+]: This is a premium Bluetooth speaker that delivers 360-degree sound and deep bass. It has a built-in microphone for voice control and hands-free calls. It also has a water-resistant design and a long battery life of up to 16 hours.
- [JBL Flip 5]: This is a portable Bluetooth speaker that offers powerful sound and rich bass. It has a waterproof design and a durable fabric material. It also has a battery life of up to 12 hours and can be paired with other JBL speakers for stereo sound.
- [Anker Soundcore 2]: This is an affordable Bluetooth speaker that provides clear sound and enhanced bass. It has a water-resistant design and a compact size. It also has a battery life of up to 24 hours and can be connected with two devices at once.
Can I Use a Bluetooth Speaker When System Linking Xbox One?
Yes, you can use a Bluetooth speaker when system linking Xbox One. However, if you encounter any system link Xbox One troubleshooting issues, be sure to check that the Bluetooth speaker is compatible with the console and that it is properly connected to ensure smooth gameplay experience.
FAQs
- Can I connect more than one Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One?
- No you can only connect one Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One at a time using either method.
- Can I use my headset or headphones with my Bluetooth speaker?
- Yes you can use your headset or headphones with your Bluetooth speaker as long as they are connected to different devices. For example you can connect your headset to your controller and your speaker to your adapter or smartphone.
- Can I adjust the volume of my Bluetooth speaker?
- Yes you can adjust the volume of your Bluetooth speaker using either the volume buttons on your speaker or the volume slider on your adapter or smartphone.
- Can I mute or pause my Bluetooth speaker?
- Yes you can mute or pause your Bluetooth speaker using either the mute or pause buttons on your speaker or the mute or pause buttons on your adapter or smartphone.
- Can I use voice commands with my Bluetooth speaker?
- Yes you can use voice commands with your Bluetooth speaker if it has a built-in microphone and supports voice control features such as Alexa Google Assistant or Siri.
Connecting a Bluetooth speaker to Xbox One is not impossible but it requires some extra steps and devices. You can use either a Bluetooth adapter or a smartphone to stream audio wirelessly from your Xbox One to your Bluetooth speaker.
Both methods have their own pros and cons so you need to choose the one that suits your needs and preferences. You also need to make sure that you have a compatible and high-quality Bluetooth speaker for the best gaming experience.