The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If your Arctis GameBuds will not connect to an Xbox, first check that you have the Xbox edition and that the dongle’s Wireless Mode Switch is set to Xbox. If the mode is correct but the earbuds still will not connect, re-pair them to the dongle using the steps below. The earbuds and dongle normally arrive paired, so manual pairing is intended for a lost or failed connection.
Check the edition and dongle mode first
- Confirm you have the Xbox edition. SteelSeries distinguishes the Xbox and PlayStation editions: the Xbox edition’s dual-mode dongle has Xbox and PlayStation/PC modes, while the PlayStation edition is single-mode. The Glorange GameBuds are explicitly listed as not Xbox compatible. Re-pairing cannot make an incompatible edition work with Xbox. See SteelSeries’ Xbox guide and its edition compatibility information.
- Set the Xbox edition’s dongle switch to Xbox. For use with other devices, the Xbox guide specifies PC mode. Connect the dongle to the console’s USB port, using the included USB-C-to-USB-A adapter if needed. The Xbox-specific setup is shown in the SteelSeries Xbox guide.
How to re-pair the GameBuds with the 2.4 GHz dongle
Use this sequence for the Xbox gaming connection. The LED colors distinguish this from Bluetooth pairing: blue flashing indicates Bluetooth pairing mode; green flashing indicates 2.4 GHz pairing mode.
| # | 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 |
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- 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 is the 2.4 GHz pairing state.
- Connect the dongle to the Xbox, confirm its switch is set to Xbox, and hold the dongle’s pairing button for 3 seconds.
The earbuds and dongle should pair again. SteelSeries says they are paired from the factory and advises following pairing steps only if there is a problem. The 2.4 GHz pairing instructions and Xbox guide describe the procedure.
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Bluetooth is a separate connection from the Xbox gaming link through the dongle. To pair a phone or another Bluetooth device, place both earbuds in the case and hold either earbud button for 3 seconds until the LEDs flash blue. Then choose the earbuds in that device’s Bluetooth settings. Do not try to connect the Xbox gaming audio by selecting the earbuds in the console’s Bluetooth menu; use the dongle and 2.4 GHz steps above. See SteelSeries’ Bluetooth pairing instructions.
#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
The GameBuds can pair with a second Bluetooth device using the same case-and-button procedure, but they cannot use Bluetooth with more than one device at once. A triple tap of an earbud button uses Quick-Switch to toggle between Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz sources. Details appear in SteelSeries’ pairing guidance.
Reset only if pairing still fails
After checking the edition and switch and trying the correct pairing sequence, restore factory defaults, then repeat the Xbox setup and pairing steps:
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
- Arctis Companion App: Settings → Restore Factory Defaults.
- SteelSeries GG: Engine → select Arctis GameBuds → Restore Factory Defaults.
These reset paths are documented by SteelSeries in its reset instructions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhen to contact SteelSeries support
If the Xbox edition is in Xbox mode and re-pairing and a factory reset do not restore the connection, contact SteelSeries support. The published pairing instructions do not establish a fix for a damaged dongle, unresponsive earbud button, failed battery, or console USB fault; avoid assuming that another pairing attempt can resolve a hardware or port problem.
Quick Recap
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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
