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For PC and PlayStation gaming, connect the Arctis GameBuds with the supplied 2.4 GHz USB dongle. For a phone or another Bluetooth host, pair through that device’s Bluetooth settings. The buds normally arrive paired to the dongle; to switch between the dongle and Bluetooth, triple-tap an earbud.
Which connection should you use?
| Connection | Best fit | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz dongle | PC and PlayStation gaming | Uses the supplied USB dongle. SteelSeries lists plug-and-play dongle use on PS5 and PC; its support instructions also describe connecting the dongle to a PS4 or another host. |
| Bluetooth | Mobile devices and other Bluetooth hosts, including a Bluetooth-enabled PC | Pairs through the host device’s Bluetooth settings. The US PlayStation product listing specifies Bluetooth 5.3. |
SteelSeries describes the dongle as plug-and-play on PS5, Switch, PC, VR, tablets, and more. That broad product-page wording does not establish compatibility with every unlisted console or computer configuration. The product listing says a USB-C to USB-A converter is included, so check the box and your host’s ports before buying an adapter.
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How do I put my Arctis GameBuds into bluetooth pairing mode?
- Put both earbuds in the charging case.
- Hold the button on either earbud for three seconds.
- Release the button when the LEDs begin blinking blue. Blue blinking indicates Bluetooth pairing mode.
- Open Bluetooth settings on your phone, PC, or other Bluetooth host and use its normal pairing flow to select the GameBuds.
The exact device name shown in the Bluetooth list can depend on the host; follow the label displayed on your device.
How do I pair my Arctis GameBuds with the 2.4 GHz dongle?
When new, the GameBuds should already be paired to the supplied dongle, so most users can plug the dongle into the host and use it without manual pairing. Use the recovery sequence below only if that connection is missing.
#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 case and hold either earbud button for three seconds. The LEDs blink blue, indicating Bluetooth pairing mode.
- Press either earbud button once. The LEDs blink green to indicate 2.4 GHz pairing mode.
- Plug the dongle into the PS4 or another host device.
- Hold the button on the dongle for three seconds.
- Wait for the GameBuds to pair.
How do I pair a second device to the Arctis GameBuds?
To use the other wireless source, pair the buds with that source first: use the dongle for its 2.4 GHz connection or the host’s Bluetooth settings for Bluetooth. Then triple-tap an earbud to Quick-Switch between the dongle source and Bluetooth.
Quick-Switch changes sources; it is not Bluetooth multipoint. SteelSeries says the GameBuds cannot connect to more than one device over Bluetooth at the same time, so they cannot maintain simultaneous Bluetooth connections to a phone and PC, for example.
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
If pairing does not work
- Bluetooth: Confirm both earbuds are in the case before holding either earbud button for three seconds, and look for blue blinking before starting the host’s Bluetooth pairing flow.
- Dongle: If the buds are not connecting, follow the full recovery sequence and wait for green blinking before holding the dongle button.
- Port fit: Check whether the included USB-C to USB-A converter matches the host’s port. The product listing says it is included.
- Lost or damaged dongle: The support information establishes the re-pairing procedure, but does not establish which replacement dongle models are compatible or currently available. Verify the exact GameBuds edition and compatible part with SteelSeries before ordering.
These steps and LED indications are from undated SteelSeries Support articles accessed October 4, 2026. Product specifications and compatibility wording above are from SteelSeries’ US PlayStation GameBuds listing accessed the same date.
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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
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