How to Connect Bluetooth Headset for PS3? Easy to Follow

PlayStation 3, more commonly known as PS3, is one of the revolutionaries in console gaming, as it introduces both gaming and multimedia with Bluetooth functionality. As previous generations of consoles were unable to give you access to Bluetooth, PS3 is already in a different league from its predecessors.

Now, if you can't figure out how to connect Bluetooth headset to PS3, then this article is just for you. We'll show a step-by-step process on how you can connect your Bluetooth headset properly to your PS3.

How to Connect Bluetooth Headset for PS3

Before you can use your Bluetooth headset for gaming or entertainment, first you need to pair it with your PS3. A Bluetooth device can be paired in two ways-

• Automatic Mode
• Bluetooth Discovery Mode

Pairing with Automatic Mode

The automatic mode enables PS3 and gives you access to various advanced features without manually activating them, saving you time and hassle. Although it's preferred for non-Bluetooth headsets, you can still connect your Bluetooth headset like this.

Step 1: Making Headset & PS3 Compatible

You need to make sure your PS3 software version is compatible with your headset. If not, you need to update your PS3 software using the official PlayStation website.

Step 2: Connecting the USB Cable

Your PS3 should come with a USB cable that can be used to connect your headset. Use that USB cable to connect via the USB port of the console. Then insert your headset's mini connector into the USB cable. If the connection is successful, the indicator in your headset will light up.

Step 3: Setting up Input/Output

After successfully connecting your device, you'll have to set up input and output settings to get the most out of your headset. A further insight is given in the latter part of this article.

Pairing with Bluetooth Discovery Mode

Pairing with Bluetooth discovery mode is more sophisticated and costs less time and effort. The biggest advantage of using this mode is that you can set up multiple devices, but you need to pair every time you switch to another headset.

Step 1: Checking the Power

First, check your device's battery. Is it fully charged? If not, then charge it to 100%. Turn on your Bluetooth headset and then proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Registering Your Headset

Now that your device is turned on, you need to register it in your PS3 device management system. Do the following by order-

• Go to the 'Main Menu' or 'Cross Media Bar.'
• Select 'Settings.'
• Click on 'Accessories Settings.'
• From the drop-down menu, select 'Manage Bluetooth Devices.'
• As you haven't added any Bluetooth device yet, a pop-up will show saying "The Bluetooth device hasn't been registered. Do you want to register it?" Select 'Yes.'
• The PS3 will now start to search for nearby Bluetooth devices.
• If you have followed the steps, then it should find your headset and will automatically start a pair with it.
• But if there are multiple Bluetooth devices near the search radius of your console, you might have to select your headset among them. This can also occur if you're adding a new Bluetooth device.
• Upon selecting your device, the PS3 might or mightn't ask for a passkey, which is either 0000 or 1234. You'll have to use the onscreen keyboard for this.
• After selecting 'Ok' you'll see 'Registration Complete' on the screen.

Step 3: Setting the Bluetooth Headset as Input/Output Device

Now that your Bluetooth device is registered, you need to set it as the input and output device of your PS3. The process is quite simple. Just go along with the following;

• Go to 'Accessories Settings.
• From the drop-down menu, select 'Audio Device Settings.'
• Press on 'Input Device.' Now you can go and select the microphone for your voice chat.
• Scroll down until you find the recently registered Bluetooth device and press the X button to select it.
• By changing the 'Input Device,' the 'Output Device' will automatically be changed into your selected input device, which is your headset. If you wish to listen to your TV's speaker or other sound media, you can change the 'Output Device' and select 'System Default Service.'

Step 4: Testing

After setting up your device, you should test your mic's input and output result on your headset. Speak into the mic and see if the result satisfies you. If you want to increase your voice level, select 'Microphone Level' and press X.

On the other hand, if you find your voice to be too loud, press B to decrease the output.
You can also use the default settings as it's optimized for the best user experience.

Few Common Issues

After following every step, if you're still unable to connect your device to your console, then there might be few issues that you need to look into.

Compatibility

If your headset isn't compatible with the version of PS3 or doesn't support connections with PS3, it might cause the issue of not being able to connect.

Updating Software

If you haven't updated your PS3 software for a while, it mightn't be able to connect with your device's software which requires a higher version of PS3 firmware. The suitable version for Bluetooth connectivity is 2.50 or higher.

Not Selecting the Proper Device

The most common mistake that happens is not selecting your headset while registering. Your headset's name can be found in the box it came in. Usually, the device name is the same as the headset.

Final Thoughts for Bluetooth Headset Buyers

Setting up your Bluetooth headset for PS3 for the first time is quite daunting. As a first-timer, it's easy to get frustrated. But if you've come this far, you know everything that is needed to connect your device to your console.

And now that you know how to connect a Bluetooth headset to PS3, it's time for you to kick back and enjoy the console gaming and multimedia experience that you deserve.