How to connect Bluetooth headphones to Nintendo Switch

Ever since the Nintendo Switch debuted back in 2017, it’s been a smash hit for Nintendo. Even with an updated version with an OLED panel on the way, the Switch continues to be successful and can be rather difficult to get your hands on.

However, despite all of the successes that Nintendo has experienced, that doesn’t meant the Switch has been without its pitfalls. One example of this is the fact that you have not been able to pair your own Bluetooth headphones with the Switch despite the inclusion of a Bluetooth chip.

The latest #NintendoSwitch update is now available, including the ability to pair Bluetooth devices for audio output.

For more information, including restrictions on some features while using Bluetooth Audio, please visit the support page: https://t.co/vzAB6lZTDu pic.twitter.com/6J5xcDl5kU

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 15, 2021

That’s all changed, as Nintendo just recently pushed a surprise update to Switch owners which enabled the ability to pair Bluetooth headphones. This can even be taken a step further, if you really wanted to, as you can also pair any Bluetooth speaker with the Switch as well.

Before now, we’ve needed to rely on various workarounds including the use of third-party dongles that plug into either the USB-C charging port or the 3.5mm headphone jack. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case, as you can just pair any of your favorite Bluetooth headphones with your Nintendo Switch.

Connect Bluetooth headphones to Nintendo Switch

Before you are able to connect Bluetooth headphones to Nintendo Switch, you’ll first need to make sure that your device is running the latest firmware. To do so, just head over to the System Settings app and check for an update. Chances are, a prompt will likely already have appeared if there’s an update available. Just download it and wait for your Switch to finish installing it.

Once the update has been installed, it’s time to grab your favorite Bluetooth headphones and put them into pairing mode. This will vary depending on the headphones that you are using, so double-check the user guide if you need to figure out how to do so. Once the headphones are in pairing mode, you can now connect Bluetooth headphones to Nintendo Switch:

1. Open the System Settings app on your Nintendo Switch.
2. Scroll down and select Bluetooth Audio.
3. Tap the Pair button.
4. Once your Bluetooth headphones appear, select them from the list.

Although you’ll be able to use your Bluetooth headphones with the Nintendo Switch, there are a couple of caveats. The first of which is that you will not be able to use the built-in microphone, or another Bluetooth-enabled microphone with the Nintendo Switch. The second potential limitation is that Nintendo states that only two wireless controllers can be paired when using Bluetooth audio. Since the Joy-Cons count as two wireless controllers, you won’t be able to pair something like the Pro Controller to the Switch along with headphones and the Joy-Cons.

Disconnect Bluetooth Headphones from Nintendo Switch

Nintendo states that even though you can only have one set of Bluetooth headphones actively paired to the Switch at a single time, you can actually have up to 10 devices saved to the Switch. But in the event that you want to either clean up your paired Bluetooth list, or just get a new set of headphones, you’ll want to disconnect and remove the old ones from the Switch.

1. Open the System Settings app on your Nintendo Switch.
2. Scroll down and select Bluetooth Audio.
3. Select the name of your headphones from the list.
4. Tap the Remove Device button.