Connecting AirPods to an Oculus Go can be a desirable option for many users looking to have a wireless audio experience with their VR headset. Since Oculus Go does not have built-in support for Bluetooth audio, using AirPods natively is not an option. However, we can work around this limitation using a separate device, a Bluetooth Audio Transmitter. This gadget allows us to use any Bluetooth headphones, not just AirPods, with Oculus Go by acting as an intermediary.
- Plug the Bluetooth audio transmitter into the Oculus Go’s 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Pair the AirPods with the transmitter as you would with any other Bluetooth device.
We prioritize an unintrusive setup, ensuring that nothing is permanently attached or modifies the VR headset. The transmitter is compact and can be easily carried. With this setup, we provide a wire-free audio experience while diving into VR with Oculus Go, making it more immersive and convenient. Using a transmitter adds slight complexity, but the freedom from cords makes it a worthwhile improvement for our overall VR experience.
Contents
Compatibility of AirPods with Oculus Go
| Tech Specifications | Compatibility Status |
| AirPods (Any Generation) | Limited Support |
| Bluetooth Standard | Basic Connectivity |
| Oculus Go Built-in Audio | Primary Recommended Audio |
In our exploration of virtual reality tech, we’ve observed that the Oculus Go, while an impressive piece of hardware, presents certain limitations when it comes to connectivity with wireless headphones like AirPods. AirPods, being one of the most popular wireless Bluetooth earpieces, are often the go-to choice for an immersive audio experience in VR.
While AirPods can technically be paired with the Oculus Go via Bluetooth, the compatibility is not seamless.
This compatibility is paramount for users who prioritize cord-free audio to match the wireless nature of Oculus Go. However, when pairing AirPods with Oculus Go, one might encounter occasional latency or a less stable connection, which are pivotal elements during gaming or consuming other VR content.
We’ve noted that Oculus Go defaults to its built-in speakers. While these offer convenience and decent sound quality, using AirPods with Oculus Go isn’t officially supported. Moreover, the question arises whether the experience matches the effortless connection AirPods users have grown accustomed to with other devices. Unfortunately, the integration isn’t as polished as with devices like the Oculus Quest 2.
When considering using AirPods with any VR headset, including the Oculus Go, one should set proper expectations about functionality. There is no official guidance or support for this setup, meaning users may need to rely on community-shared tips and a degree of trial and error to achieve a working pairing. Essential aspects such as comfort, sound immersion, and latency are all affected by this unsupported pairing.
How to Connect AirPods to Oculus Go
Despite the lack of native Bluetooth headphone support on the Oculus Go, a Bluetooth transmitter can be used to link it with AirPods. We’ll guide you through the necessary steps for pairing.
Preparing Your AirPods for Pairing
Before attempting to connect, make sure your AirPods are charged and placed in their case. Flip the lid open and press and hold the setup button on the back until the status light flashes white, indicating they are in pairing mode.
Enabling Bluetooth on Oculus Go
Oculus Go’s default settings do not support Bluetooth headphones. But, for connectivity with external devices like controllers, it possesses a Bluetooth driver. This is where our external Bluetooth transmitter will come into play.
Connecting via Bluetooth Transmitter
| Setting up the Bluetooth Transmitter: |
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First, plug your Bluetooth transmitter into the Oculus Go’s 3.5mm headphone jack. Turn the transmitter to pairing mode per the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, it will link with your AirPods once they are in their pairing mode. When a stable connection is achieved, the audio from Oculus Go will transmit to your AirPods. |
Potential Issues and Solutions
When connecting AirPods to the Oculus Go, while it isn’t officially supported, users may experience challenges such as audio latency, connectivity problems, and inconsistencies in audio quality or battery life. We’ll explore these common issues with practical solutions to enhance your VR experience.
Managing Audio Latency
Latency, or audio lag, is the delay between the visual and the corresponding auditory output. It can detract from the immersive experience during VR sessions. To minimize latency,
- Ensure your AirPods are fully charged prior to use.
- Avoid obstacles between your AirPods and the Oculus Go that could interfere with the Bluetooth signal.
- Consider using third-party apps designed to facilitate lower-latency connections if available.
Troubleshooting Connectivity Challenges
When attempting to pair your AirPods with the Oculus Go, you might face pairing mode and connectivity issues, including frame drops. Here’s how to overcome these:
- Put your AirPods back into pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the charging case until the light indicates they are ready to pair.
- Confirm that the Oculus Go is actively searching for Bluetooth devices.
- If issues persist, restart both the AirPods and the Oculus Go to refresh the connection.
Maintaining Audio Quality and Battery Life
The audio quality and battery life are critical for an uninterrupted VR experience. To maintain top-notch audio quality:
- Keep your AirPods clean and free of debris that might block the speaker mesh.
- Regularly check for firmware updates, which can resolve audio quality issues.
Battery life preservation tips include:
- Using one AirPod at a time, alternating between them to extend overall usage.
- Storing AirPods in the case when not in use to ensure they are charged for the next session.
Advanced Considerations for Optimal Experience
We need to focus on two key areas for an optimal audio experience when connecting AirPods to the Oculus Go—utilizing experimental features and exploring alternative options for audio.
Experimental Features for Enhanced Performance
Our Oculus Go has a hidden “Experimental Features” section. Here, we can try to improve Bluetooth connectivity which may allow use of wireless earbuds like AirPods. However, this method isn’t officially supported and may result in audio latency issues. Dealing with a delay of more than half a second disrupts immersion.
If we activate these experimental settings, we might face trade-offs, like inconsistent Bluetooth performance. Some of us have found that a dedicated Bluetooth audio transmitter can offer a more stable connection with minimal lag, especially models supporting aptX Low Latency codec.
Alternative Options for Audio
We’ve discovered that sometimes the simplest solutions are best. A wired connection using 3.5mm audio jack earphones provides a consistently delay-free experience. The Oculus Go’s integrated USB-C port does not support direct headphone connections, so the classic 3.5mm jack is our go-to.
| Method | Audio Latency | Connection Stability |
| Bluetooth (AirPods) | Potentially High | Variable |
| Bluetooth Transmitter | Low with aptX LL | High |
| Wired Earphones | None | Very High |
Our experiences show that relying on the built-in 3.5mm jack is the most reliable way to experience audio in VR without worrying about lag, dropped connections, or draining the Oculus Go’s battery faster through Bluetooth.