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If your Xbox Arctis GameBuds will not connect, first check the dongle’s Wireless Mode Switch: it must be set to Xbox for an Xbox console. If the switch is already correct, re-pair the earbuds and dongle using the green 2.4 GHz pairing sequence below. The Xbox edition normally arrives paired, so manual pairing is only needed if that link has failed or been lost.
Check the Xbox edition and dongle mode first
Pairing steps cannot make an incompatible model work with an Xbox. SteelSeries distinguishes the Xbox and PlayStation editions: the Xbox edition has a dual-mode dongle with Xbox and PlayStation/PC settings, while the PlayStation edition’s dongle is single-mode. SteelSeries also lists the Glorange GameBuds as not Xbox compatible. Check the exact edition rather than relying on color alone.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds - White | $159.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Arctis GameBuds for Xbox/PC/PS5/Switch/Mobile Quick-Switch 2.4GHz + Bluetooth 5.3 Active Noise... | $114.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds - Black | $199.87 | Buy on Amazon |
On the Xbox edition, slide the dongle’s Wireless Mode Switch to Xbox before connecting it to the console. For a compatible non-Xbox device, the Xbox guide says to use PC mode. The guide shows the dongle connected by USB-C or by the included USB-C-female-to-USB-A-male adapter. See SteelSeries’ Xbox GameBuds guide and its edition compatibility information.
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How to re-pair Arctis GameBuds with the 2.4 GHz dongle
Use this process for the Xbox gaming connection. The green blinking state indicates 2.4 GHz pairing; blue blinking is Bluetooth pairing, which is a different connection.
#1 Best Overall
- QUICK-SWITCH DUAL WIRELESS — High-speed 2.4GHz wireless specifically for PS5 gaming, or switch to Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile
- ACTIVE NOICE CANCELLATION — 4-mic hybrid ANC provides true gaming immersion; ability to switch transparency mode for awareness
- 100 GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Easy-to-use SteelSeries Arctis Companion App contains 100 presets to boost critical sounds in game on your PS5, PC and more
- 360 SPATIAL AUDIO — Immersive sound puts you right in the action with directional awareness, enhanced by custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
- LONG BATTERY — 10-hour battery satisfies marathon sessions, extendable with a Qi Charging Case using 3x extra charges for up to 40 hours of use
- Put both earbuds in the charging case.
- Hold the button on either earbud for 3 seconds, until the LEDs blink blue.
- Press and hold an earbud button again until the LEDs blink green. This switches the earbuds into 2.4 GHz pairing mode.
- Connect the dongle to the Xbox with its mode switch set to Xbox, then hold the dongle’s pairing button for 3 seconds.
The earbuds and dongle should pair again. SteelSeries says they come paired from the factory; its guide says to use manual pairing only if there is a problem. Follow the 2.4 GHz dongle pairing instructions alongside the Xbox-specific setup guide.
If you meant Bluetooth pairing
Do not try to add the GameBuds to the Xbox as a Bluetooth headset when you want Xbox gaming audio; use the dongle connection above. For a phone or another Bluetooth device, put both earbuds in the case and hold either earbud button for 3 seconds until the LEDs flash blue. Then choose the earbuds from that device’s normal Bluetooth settings. The Bluetooth pairing instructions describe this blue-light mode.
Rank #2
- QUICK-SWITCH DUAL WIRELESS — High-speed 2.4GHz wireless specifically for Xbox and console gaming, or switch to Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile
- ACTIVE NOICE CANCELLATION — 4-mic hybrid ANC provides true gaming immersion; ability to switch transparency mode for awareness
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Easy-to-use SteelSeries Arctis Companion App contains 100+ presets to boost critical sounds in game on your Xbox, PC and more
- 360° SPATIAL AUDIO — Immersive sound puts you right in the action with directional awareness, enhanced by custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
- LONG BATTERY — 10-hour battery satisfies marathon sessions, extendable with a Qi Charging Case using 3x extra charges for up to 40 hours of use
You can pair a second Bluetooth device using the same case-and-three-second-hold procedure, but the GameBuds cannot maintain Bluetooth connections to more than one device at a time. To switch between Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz sources, triple-tap an earbud button for Quick-Switch.
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Reset only if the edition, mode, and re-pairing checks fail
Restore factory defaults after checking compatibility and completing the correct pairing procedure. SteelSeries provides these reset paths:
Rank #3
- QUICK-SWITCH DUAL WIRELESS — High-speed 2.4GHz wireless specifically for PS5 gaming, or switch to Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile
- ACTIVE NOICE CANCELLATION — 4-mic hybrid ANC provides true gaming immersion; ability to switch transparency mode for awareness
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Easy-to-use SteelSeries Arctis Companion App contains 100+ presets to boost critical sounds in game on your PS5, PC and more
- 360° SPATIAL AUDIO — Immersive sound puts you right in the action with directional awareness, enhanced by custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
- LONG BATTERY — 10-hour battery satisfies marathon sessions, extendable with a Qi Charging Case using 3x extra charges for up to 40 hours of use
- Arctis Companion App: Settings → Restore Factory Defaults.
- SteelSeries GG: Engine → select Arctis GameBuds → Restore Factory Defaults.
After the reset, set the dongle to Xbox and repeat the 2.4 GHz pairing steps. The documented procedures do not establish a user fix for a damaged dongle, an earbud button that will not respond, a failed battery, or a console USB fault. If the correct edition, mode, re-pairing sequence, and reset do not restore the connection, contact SteelSeries support.
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