Are you getting this error message when you try pairing Bluetooth headphones to PS4?
If yes, don’t worry. In this post we’ve listed 4 easy ways to resolve the error. Just pick the one which you find easiest and resolve the issue once and for all.
If you want to play your PS4 on a Mac or PC view our post here >>
However, first let’s understand why PS4 isn’t recognizing your Bluetooth audio device.
Why PS4 is not supporting Bluetooth audio devices?
Sony, after launching PS4, came up with an official statement stating that PS4 will not support A2DP, including Bluetooth audio devices. In addition to A2DP, PS4 is not going to support other audio streaming Bluetooth profiles.
The full form of A2DP is Advanced Audio Distribution Profile. It defines the stereo audio quality which can be streamed between two devices via a Bluetooth connection.
There’s actually a good reason why Sony chose to end the support of Bluetooth audio devices with PS4. The lag with A2DP is as much as 100 to 200ms. Naturally enough, this will lead to poor user experience, and that’s why most Bluetooth devices can’t be paired with PS4.
That said, you can use these workarounds and have fun playing your favorite games.
Solution 1 – Use Compatible Bluetooth Devices
In case the Bluetooth device you own is compatible with PS4, you can pair it by directly configuring the settings.
In case you’re not completely sure if your device is supported by PS4, we recommend you to have a look at headset package. This way you can find if it is indeed supported.
However, there’s no harm in performing these steps.
- Turn on the Bluetooth audio device in the pair mode
- Click Settings in PS4. Then click Devices and select Bluetooth Devices
- Choose the name of the headset you want to connect
- In case the headset is able to connect, you can see if you’re able to play your favorite games with the Bluetooth headset
In case it is not able to connect successfully and you get any of these two error messages or any other error message similar to them, you can attempt the other solutions given in this post.
- “Cannot connect to the Bluetooth device within the time limit”
- “Bluetooth devices are not supported by the PS4”
Solution 2 – Use audio cable having an inbuilt microphone
With Sony deciding not to offer support for majority of Bluetooth audio devices in PS4, you might require an additional tool to be able to connect the Bluetooth headset you have with the PS4.
You’re going to require an audio cable having an inbuilt microphone. Majority of Bluetooth headsets come with such cable. Follow the steps listed below.
- Connect the Bluetooth headset to the PS4 controller using an audio cable having inbuilt mic. Next, turn on the headset.
- Now click Settings in PS4. Next select Devices and then Bluetooth Devices
- Now choose the name of the headset you want to connect
- Then Click Devices and then Audio Devices
- Next click Output Device
- Click Headset Connected to Controller
- Now you need to click on Volume Controller and change its setting to either louder or medium
- Click on Output to Headphone
- Choose All Audio
- See if your headset is working when you play games
Solution 3 – Use any USB adapter
You might be able to connect the Bluetooth headset to PS4 when you use USB adapter. Several users have said this solution worked for them. It might work for you and so is worth a try. If you don’t have a USB adapter, you might consider buying one.
Here are the steps you need to follow.
- Insert your USB adapter in the USB Slot of PS4
- Turn the Bluetooth headset on
- Now in the PS4 click Settings
- Click Devices and then Audio Devices
- Now you need to click on Output Device
- Click USB Headset
- Select Volume Control. Set it to either louder or medium.
- Click on Output to Headphone
- Choose All Audio
- See if your headset is working when you play games
Solution 4 – Use a Dongle
If you have a Dongle as well as a wireless microphone for receiving Bluetooth signal, you can try this method, especially since it’s very easy.
- Insert wireless mic in PS4 controller
- Now in the USB Slot of PS4, insert Bluetooth Dongle
- Turn the Dongle on by pressing the button that’s on it
- Turn the Bluetooth headset on. Wait a little while (not more than few seconds) for these two to connect.
- Now click Settings in PS4
- Click Devices and then Audio Devices
- Now click on Input Device
- Choose Headset Connected to Controller
- Click on Output Devices
- Click USB Headset
- Now click Volume Control. Set it to either louder or medium
- Select Output to Headphones. Click All Audio
- See if your headset is working when you play games
Pro Tip: To get the best gaming experience on your PC, it is important to use the latest drivers for your graphic card. An easy and fast way to update your graphic drivers is by using a driver update tool like DriverDownloader. With a click of a button, it updates all your drivers, including graphic drivers. Updated drivers also improve your PC’s performance and help you avoid certain issues and errors.
You can download DriverDownloader by clicking the green button below.