Can you use Beats for Xbox One mic? This is one of the most common questions gamers ask, and we’ll tell you what you need to know!
You might have a pair of Beats headphones lying around, wondering if you can use that with your Xbox.
You could get a new pair of compatible headphones, but what if there’s a way for these two devices to work together?
Quick answer: You can use your Beats headphones as an Xbox mic. However, it does take a couple more steps. The fastest way is to get an OMTP to CTIA adapter. The next solution would be to bypass all the wiring and opt for wireless connections via Bluetooth with an adapter.
Let’s explore some of the things you need to understand before attempting to use your Beats headphones as your Xbox microphone.
Can You Use Beats for Xbox One Mic
Since Apple now owns Beats, they heavily integrated the headphones into their ecosystem.
This means that if you’re connecting it to other Apple products, you should have no problem with it. However, using it with other non-Apple devices it’s not as straightforward.
Here are the things you need to look out for when you use your Beats as an Xbox mic:
1. Compatibility
Beats uses the CTIA wiring standard compared to the Xbox’s OMTP. As is, any Beats headset or headphone is not compatible to use with your Xbox. You can listen to audio, but the microphone functions will not work.
2. Connect Wirelessly
For your Beats headphones to work with your Xbox, you want to make sure that it comes with wireless capability. If not, you’re better off getting a new pair of compatible headsets.
3. Bypassing the Console
You can skip the console entirely to use your Beats on your Xbox successfully. You can plug it into a different device connected to your console.
4. Xbox App
The Xbox One app on your phone allows you to communicate with your in-game friends without plugging it directly into your console.
These are some of the factors that you need to take into account. Let’s proceed to the steps on how to do it so you won’t have to get out and buy a new pair of headphones.
Can You Use Beats as a Mic for Xbox One? Here’s How
Of course, the quickest way would be to get a compatible pair of headphones that you can use with your Xbox.
However, it’s not the most economical, especially if you have a nice pair of Beats headphones.
Here’s what you can do to use your Beats headphones as a microphone for your Xbox:
Solution #1: Use an OMTP to CTIA Adapter
Beats headphones utilize the OMTP standard, which is different from your Xbox One controller.
Since the console does not support Bluetooth directly and its controller uses Android’s CTIA adapter, you need to use an OMTP to CTIA adapter to get your Beats working on your Xbox One.
Here’s how to use an OMTP to CTIA Adapter:
- Connect the adapter to the audio jack on your controller.
- Connect your Beats headphones to the adapter.
- Test your headphones if you can use the microphone.
Note: The adapter will look like any audio jack connector, but it’s contacts are flipped allowing you to use the microphone.
Solution #2: Use a Bluetooth Adapter to Connect Your Beats
When pairing your Xbox One with incompatible headphones, you need to explore options like using a Bluetooth adapter.
The adapter allows your Beats headphones to connect to your console bypassing Wireless Direct and wiring standards.
Here’s how to use a Bluetooth adapter:
- Insert the adapter into the jack at the base of your controller.
- Turn on your headphones and enter pairing mode.
- On the adapter, press the search button.
- Wait for the devices to pair up properly.
- Check if you can use your Beats’ microphone.
Tip: Put your headphones near the Bluetooth adapter during the pairing process.
Note: Make sure to get the Bluetooth adapter with a transmitter as it allows for audio inputs from your microphone.
Solution #3: Connect via a PC Connection
Another ingenious means of using your Beats as a mic for Xbox One is connecting the console to your Windows PC.
Both Windows PC and Xbox One are powered by Microsoft, which makes configuring a connection easy.
There are only two conditions to make the connection seamless. One, both devices are on the same network. Two, use the Xbox Console Companion app already installed on your Windows PC.
Here’s how to successfully connect the devices via a PC connection:
- Sign in to your Microsoft account to access the app.
- Click the Connection icon to enable Xbox Console Companion app.
- Look for the Connect to your Xbox One window.
- Click the Add a device icon.
- Click the Connect button once your device is detected.
Pro Tip: Windows will automatically search for your device. You may also manually enter your console’s IP address.
Solution #4: Connect Your Beats Headphones via Your TV
Your television can also bridge the gap between your Xbox and Beats headphones. We’ll use the same hack we did with a PC connection.
In the case of your TV, the signals are transmitted via the HDMI cable between it and your console.
Plugging your headphones into the TV should send your audio inputs directly to your Xbox.
To do this, you need to connect the console to your TV, then the Beats headphones to the TV.
To connect your headphones via your TV, follow these steps:
- Connect your Xbox to your TV via an HDMI cable.
- Set the TV’s Input Source to the HDMI port you used.
- Plug your Beats headphones into your TV.
- Start playing and use your Beats to voice chat.
Note: You might need to use extensions so you’re not going to be too close to your TV.
Solution #5: Connect Using the Xbox App on Your Phone
If you find the methods mentioned above too difficult, you can use the Xbox App to connect your Bluetooth headphones.
Instead of connecting your Beats headphones to your Xbox, you only need to plug it into your smartphone.
The app has a feature that allows you to create a party and chat with them.
Here’s what you should do:
- Connect your Beats headphones to your smartphone.
- Go to the Xbox One app and click the Social icon.
- Click the headset icon to start a party chat.
- Agree with the permissions.
- Once the party chat screen is open, invite your friends.
Tip: This is helpful if you’re playing with friends that you can add to your party and voice chat with.
Solution #6: Use an Audio Adapter
An audio adapter is an essential accessory if you want to enhance your sound experience no matter the device you’re using.
It’s a module that you can use as a bridge so you can use your Beats headphones with your Xbox. It also offers you additional features for an elevated gaming experience.
Here’s how to use the audio controller with your Xbox:
- Align the adapter’s pins to the bottom of the controller.
- Insert the audio adapter into the controller’s port.
- Push the audio adapter upward to align the contacts.
- Insert your Beats headphones into the audio jack on the adapter.
Tip: The Turtle Beach audio adapter for Xbox is popular choice among gamers. The process will be similar with other audio adapter brands.
Another option is to purchase a separate headset for gaming. Look for those with Xbox compatibility written on the packaging.
You’ll still be able to use your Beats with your phone. Plus, having two headphones will extend the life of both products.
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Bottom Line
Can you use Beats as a mic for Xbox One? Yes. These solutions are simple. You can perform them without technical experience.
Now, you will be able to use your Beats headphones to elevate your gaming experience.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.