How to Finally (Easily) Connect AirPods to Nintendo Switch
While so many devices have ditched the headphone jack in the past four years, the Nintendo Switch has gone in the opposite direction; the company only supported wired headphones, without the ability to simply connect Bluetooth headphones or earbuds like AirPods. In the past, you needed costly workarounds to get wireless audio on the Switch; but now it’s free and easy.
Previously, if you wanted to stream audio from your Switch to Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, you had to buy a Bluetooth adapter like the HomeSpot offering . The adapter can be plugged into either a switch or a docking station, depending on how you play. While you can still use these devices as a solution, they are no longer needed.
Bluetooth audio is part of the Switch 13.0.0 update.
To be clear, this is a new feature in Update 13.0.0 for Nintendo Switch. To see this option in your settings, you need to make sure you are updated to at least this version. To check, go to Settings> System , then check the current version under System Update . If it reads at least 13.0.0, it’s ok. If not, select ” System Update” and install the latest update.
How to connect AirPods and other Bluetooth audio devices to Switch
After updating the Switch, go to Settings> Bluetooth Audio . Select ” Connect Device ” and your Switch will start searching for a Bluetooth device. Put the Bluetooth device you are trying to pair into pairing mode so the Switch can find it. (If you don’t know how to pair, look for it for your specific Bluetooth device.)
For example, with AirPods Pro, place both earbuds in the case, press and hold the button on the back, and open the case. The indicator on the front of the chassis turns white; this is the pairing mode indicator. Stay tuned for Switch and stay tuned for AirPods Pro. When your device name appears, select it and then allow your switch to pair. If the connection was successful, you will see the following message:
Connected to audio over Bluetooth.
- When using Bluetooth audio, up to two wireless controllers can be connected.
- Bluetooth audio will be muted during local communication.
However, that’s not all: in addition, you cannot use the microphone in the Bluetooth headphones, and you may experience a delay in the sound reaching the Bluetooth audio device.
How to Disconnect Bluetooth Headphones from Switch
Disconnecting Bluetooth audio devices from the Switch is easier than connecting them. Go to Settings> Bluetooth Audio , select an active Bluetooth device, then Disconnect Device , and your Bluetooth headphones will disconnect from the switch. If you want your Switch to forget about the Bluetooth device, select Remove Device instead.