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To connect PULSE Explore earbuds to a PS5, use the included PlayStation Link USB adapter—not the console’s Bluetooth settings. Turn on the PS5, leave both earbuds in their charging case, plug the adapter into a PS5 USB Type-A port, then remove the earbuds. The adapter is paired with the earbuds from the factory; a solid-white adapter indicator confirms the connection.
What you need
- A PS5 that is powered on.
- Both PULSE Explore earbuds and their charging case.
- The PlayStation Link USB adapter included with the earbuds.
- An available USB Type-A port on the PS5.
The normal setup does not require manually pairing the earbuds. PlayStation states that “the included USB adapter is paired to your earbuds out of the box.”
Connect PULSE Explore earbuds to the PS5
- Turn on the PS5. Wait until the console reaches the home screen.
- Dock both earbuds in the charging case. Keep them in the case while you connect the adapter.
- Insert the included PlayStation Link USB adapter into a USB Type-A port on the PS5.
- Remove both earbuds from the case. They search for the nearby PlayStation Link connection automatically.
- Complete any on-screen setup prompt. If the PS5 asks you to select or confirm the earbuds, follow the displayed instructions.
- Check the adapter indicator. A solid-white light means the adapter is connected.
Once the indicator is solid white, game audio can use the PlayStation Link connection. You do not need to open the PS5 Bluetooth accessory menu for this setup.
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PULSE Explore uses PlayStation Link for the PS5 connection. The USB adapter acts as the wireless link between the console and earbuds, which is why the adapter must be plugged into the PS5 even though the earbuds are wireless.
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- User-Friendly: Connect your wireless headphones to your PS5 or other gaming consoles with the UGREEN adapter and enjoy high-quality audio with no wires, drivers, or software required. Also Add Bluetooth audio capability (AUDIO devices ONLY, no data) with ease to your Desktop, Computer, iMac
- Support Audio Decoding: Support Key Switch APTX/APTX Adaptive Low Latency/APTX Adaptive High Quality/APTX HD/SBC. Corresponding LED lights display the working status. Equipped with a Qualcomm chipset that supports low-latency aptX LL, transmitting high-quality 24-bit dynamic audio via a stable, energy-efficient connection. NOTE: The headphones you use must also support the same standard
- Wide Compatibility: Easily transmit audio wirelessly from your USB-C ported PS5, Switch, or PC/Laptop to your Bluetooth headphones or speaker. Note: 1. Compatible for Windows/macOS, not compatible for Linux. 2. Not Compatible with PS4
- Low Latency Certification: Chip APTX-Adaptive with low latency encoder applied, the audio delay has been minimized to less than 100ms. The Bluetooth audio adapter will present fully synchronized audio & video, letting you enjoy high-quality music wirelessly without disturbing others
- Note: 1. Our product is not compatible with the PS5 Portal. 2. Our product is incompatible with AirPods Pro 2 and does not support the dual-device pairing feature
Bluetooth is a separate capability. PlayStation describes PULSE Explore as able to maintain a PlayStation Link connection to a supported device such as a PS5 while also maintaining a Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone. That arrangement can let you hear phone audio or handle calls while using the earbuds with the PS5, but Bluetooth is not the connection method for the PS5 setup described above.
What the adapter light tells you
| Indicator | Meaning in this setup |
|---|---|
| Solid white | The PlayStation Link USB adapter is connected to the earbuds and console. |
| Quickly blinking blue | The charging case is in pairing mode while you connect a new standalone adapter. |
The solid-white state is the confirmation to look for after removing both earbuds with the included adapter attached.
Rank #2
- 【For PS5 Users Only】 Specifically designed for PS5 to connect Bluetooth headphones (e.g., AirPods, Bose, & more) for audio playback. For optimal voice chat experience, please use the PS5 controller microphone instead of headphone mics.
- 【Premium Sound, Low Latency】 Enjoy immersive, low-latency audio with aptX-Adaptive, aptX-HD & aptX-Low Latency. Achieve clear, dynamic audio for gaming and movies with compatible headphones (e.g., Bose QuietComfort Ultra). Note: Only aptX-Adaptive or aptX-Low Latency-enabled headphones support low-latency audio. (e.g., AirPods, Bose QC45 or QC35 do not support aptX-Adaptive and may experience audio delay.)
- 【Limited Mic Support】 Due to Bluetooth bandwidth limits, microphone input will not work with Bluetooth headphones. Please use the PS5 controller mic for clear voice communication. Manual settings required: PS5 Settings > Sound > Microphone > Input Device: Microphone on Controller.
- 【NOT FOR 2.4GHz Gaming Headsets & Other Devices】 Not compatible with Xbox, PS Portal, keyboards, mice, controllers, PS5 Pulse 3D Headset, or 2.4GHz wireless gaming headsets. Also, cannot be plugged into TVs, car systems, projectors, or printers.
- 【Easy Setup & Reliable Connection】 Plug the USB-C dongle into your PS5 and set audio output to “C81-G” once. The adapter auto-reconnects for convenience, but manual microphone setup must be performed for voice chat.
If the earbuds do not connect
The earbuds switched off after searching
After the earbuds are removed from the case, they search for a PlayStation Link connection for 30 seconds. If they do not find one during that period, they turn off. Press the PlayStation Link button on either earbud to start another search, then wait for the adapter to connect.
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The PS5 shows a nearby-device notification
If another set of earbuds that was previously paired with the PS5 is nearby, the console may display a PS Link Device Nearby notification. Follow the on-screen prompt only if that is the set you want to use. If it is not the intended set, do not confirm that device; use the PULSE Explore earbuds you are setting up and repeat the standard sequence.
Rank #3
- 【PS5 Authentication Link Adapter (Not Standalone)】 P5 NEX Plus is a PS5 authentication bridge that must be used with a compatible gaming adapter or controller board. It cannot function as a standalone controller or gaming adapter. Compatible devices include AIMZENIX AX360P, MONSTER, XIM, Hitbox, and Raspberry Pi 2040-based controller boards. No Remote Play required.
- 【Optimized for AIMZENIX AX360P & MONSTER】 Specifically engineered for seamless integration with the latest AIMZENIX AX360P (Firmware V2106+) and MONSTER (Firmware V8027+) keyboard & mouse adapters. Unlock native PS5 gameplay with macro mapping, customizable response curves, and real-time app configuration.
- 【Broad Compatibility with Leading Gaming Devices】 Fully compatible with XIM (2026/03/23 firmware or later), Hitbox arcade controllers, and Raspberry Pi 2040 controller boards. P5 NEX Plus authenticates these supported devices, enabling them to play native PS5 games without Remote Play.
- 【1000Hz Polling Rate & Ultra-Low Latency】 Built for fast and stable USB communication with a consistent 1000Hz polling rate, delivering responsive gameplay for competitive gaming. For the best audio experience, connect your wired headset directly to the PS5 console or use a wireless headset.
- 【Compact, Plug & Play Design】 Lightweight and portable with quick setup. Simply connect P5 NEX Plus to your supported device and PS5 console. For optimal performance, ensure USB communication is enabled in your PS5 system settings.
The adapter is not showing a solid-white light
- Remove both earbuds and check whether the 30-second search period has elapsed.
- If they have timed out, press the PlayStation Link button on either earbud to search again.
- If the included adapter was removed, reinsert it into a PS5 USB Type-A port before starting another search.
- Keep both earbuds together during the retry and watch the adapter indicator for the solid-white state.
The included adapter and earbuds are already paired, so ordinary setup should not require the case’s pairing procedure. That procedure is for a new standalone adapter.
An update appears on the PS5
PlayStation says updates for the earbuds and adapter are delivered when the PS5 system software is updated. When the console offers an update instruction, follow the on-screen steps before continuing. PlayStation does not establish a single permanent firmware number in the setup guidance, so use the version and instructions shown by your own console.
Rank #4
- Controller compatibility: Xbox Series X Controller, Xbox Series S Controller, Xbox One Bluetooth Controller, PS5/PS4/PS3 Controller, Switch Pro, Wii Mote, Wii U Pro.
- 8BitDo Controller compatibility: all 8BitDo Bluetooth Controllers and arcade stick.
- System compatibility: Switch, Windows, macOS, Steam Deck & Raspberry Pis and more. USB Wireless Adapter 2 is compatible with Steam Deck now.
- Support 6-axis motion on Switch and Vibration on X-input mode.
- Supports ultimate software - customize button mapping, adjust stick & trigger sensitivity, vibration control and create macros with any button combination.
Pair a replacement or second PlayStation Link adapter
Use this process only when the included adapter is missing, damaged, or when you are adding a separate adapter. A new standalone adapter is not paired with the earbuds out of the box, so simply plugging it in will not use the factory pairing.
- Place both PULSE Explore earbuds in their charging case.
- Press and hold the PlayStation Link button on the case.
- Continue holding it until the case indicator quickly blinks blue. PlayStation’s instructions describe this as taking about eight seconds.
- Press the button on the standalone USB adapter.
- Wait for the adapter and earbuds to pair and connect, then use the indicator to confirm the result.
If you need to find a replacement, “PlayStation Link USB adapter” is the relevant product description. Owners who still have the bundled adapter generally do not need to buy another one for normal PS5 use.
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- [PERFECT FOR GAMING] Connect your Bluetooth headphones (excluding the PULSE 3D and other 2.4G headsets) to your PS5 or other gaming consoles with the DG80-Gaming adapter and enjoy high-fidelity audio with no wires, drivers, or software required. NOTE: For use with PC and other devices, consider the C81-PC for best results.
- [NO AUDIO DELAYS] When used with headphones that support aptX-Low Latency or aptX-Adaptive, a latency of 55ms or less provides perfectly synced audio & visual.
- [HIGH-DEFINITION AUDIO] Equipped with a Qualcomm chipset that supports aptX-LL, HD, and Adaptive, the DG80-Gaming transmits high-quality 24-bit dynamic audio via a stable, energy-efficient connection.
- [EXTENDED RANGE] Listen from afar at a range of up to 100ft / 30m.
- [USER-FRIENDLY] In order to connect, simply plug the DG80-Gaming into your console and put your headphones into pairing mode – they’ll automatically connect. For any subsequent use, the headphones will automatically reconnect to the adapter.
Included adapter versus a standalone replacement
| Situation | Is it paired out of the box? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| You are using the adapter supplied with your PULSE Explore earbuds | Yes | Keep both earbuds in the case, insert the adapter, remove the earbuds, and follow any PS5 prompt. |
| You are using a new replacement or additional PlayStation Link adapter | No | Put both earbuds in the case, hold the case button until it quickly blinks blue (about eight seconds), then press the adapter button. |
Using phone Bluetooth at the same time
PULSE Explore can support a simultaneous PlayStation Link connection to a supported device and a Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone. This is useful if you want phone audio or calls available while the earbuds remain connected to the PS5 through the PlayStation Link adapter.
That dual-connection capability does not change the PS5 setup: start with the USB adapter and PlayStation Link. Do not substitute the phone-style Bluetooth pairing process for the adapter connection required by the console.
A quick setup checklist
- The PS5 is on.
- Both earbuds are docked in the charging case before the adapter is inserted.
- The included PlayStation Link USB adapter is connected to a PS5 USB Type-A port.
- Both earbuds are removed from the case after the adapter is connected.
- Any PS5 setup prompt is completed for the intended earbuds.
- The adapter indicator becomes solid white.
If the earbuds shut down before connecting, press the PlayStation Link button on either earbud to begin another 30-second search. If you are using a new adapter rather than the bundled one, pair it through the case’s blue-blinking procedure first.
Quick Recap
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