How to Use Xbox 360 Headset on Xbox One without Adapter

by Alex.   Last Updated On June 24th, 2022.
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Xbox has always been one of the best gaming consoles ever created. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 was the second generation of gaming consoles produced by Microsoft and has been it’s best-selling ever, with over 84 million units sold from its inception in 2005 to 2014.

And just like the console itself, the accessories that came along with it, such as the headset, also sold very well. Fast forward to today, and issues have been raised because the Xbox 360 headset came with a 2.5 mm pin to a 3.5 mm jack on the Xbox one headsets and the new Xbox.

In this article, we will tackle how to use Xbox 360 headset on Xbox one without adapter.

Let’s get right into it.

Table of Contents
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Using Aluminum Foil

Most likely, you have already noticed that the Xbox 360 has a 2.5 mm adapter (not the USB or the 3.5mm adapter). And to fit this 2.5 mm adapter into a 3.5mm jack, you must need something in between to allocate for that size difference. For this, you can use a standard aluminum foil.

Simply take an aluminum foil and then fold it neatly three to four times; try to make the foil crumple-free as much as possible, as this might present issues in the later steps. Wrap the foil around the 2.5 mm pin, then plug it into the 3.5 mm jack. You should now be able to use your Xbox 360 headset.

However, if you are still unable to use it, you might not have folded the foil enough. Remove the foil using a pair of tweezers, and ensure that you have enough foil to wrap to the pin to make it fit snugly into the jack.

Rolled up aluminum foil on a rustic wooden table.

Using copper wire

Another solution that beats performing surgery to use your Xbox 360 headset on the Xbox one without a USB adapter is by covering the pin with a copper wire; this works very similarly to using an aluminum foil to allocate for the size difference.

This inexpensive and quick way to solve this issue starts by taking a wire stripper and cutting off a strip from a thin copper wire. After cutting off a strand from the thin copper wire, wrap it around the pin to make it fit the 3.5 mm jack.

It’s generally advised to start from the bottom and go upwards to the top. In addition, you should only use as little copper wire as possible as it might damage your jack, rendering your Xbox one jack useless.

Surgical intervention

The riskiest alternative on how to use Xbox 360 headset on Xbox one without an adapter is through surgical intervention.

It should only be treated as the hail mary solution to fix this problem. Like any surgical process, this intervention also has its own risk, as you might render your expensive gaming headset completely useless. However, if it does work, you will be able to use your official Xbox 360 headset without needing an adapter.

To do this procedure safely, you will need the following tools:

  1. Your Xbox 360 headset
  2. Wire cutter
  3. Electrical tape
  4. A sharp knife
  5. Soldering iron
  6. 5 mm connector replacement for your headphones

First, you should take your Xbox 360 headset and cut the cable just above its jack. After this, you should strip the three wires inside carefully. Strip each wire by 1 cm until you expose the copper wires.

Next is to cut the Xbox one cable near the pin and strip back the wires as you did earlier. Place the wire to the connector and solder the wires together. Match red wire to the right connector, the green/brown/white to the left, and the gold/black with the grounded one.

Once the splicing process is complete, let the headset cool down, and lastly, cover the exposed wiring with electrical tape.

Most people might argue that going through these complicated steps is more hassle than purchasing a stereo headset adapter or third party headsets. However, not everyone has the extra funds to buy such accessories and would rather fix them themselves, than spend even more money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Xbox 360 headset on Xbox one?

No, without using an adapter or following the steps mentioned above, using the 360 headsets on Xbox, even those made by Turtle Bay, Tritton and HyperX, is impossible as the Xbox one controllers use a USB adapter.

How to connect my wireless Xbox 360 headset to my Xbox One?

To connect your wireless Xbox 360 headset to your Xbox one, turn your console and headset on. After this, press and release the connect button placed on the console; simultaneously, hold the pair button on your headset for a few seconds to connect the two devices.

How do I use wired headphones on Xbox One without a controller?

Connect the optical connection from the base station or headset to optical connectors on televisions and consoles. Navigate to Settings. Choose Pictures or sound and select Audio input. Click on the AudioOptical option in Digital Audio.

Will Turtle Beaches work on every console?

You can use Turtle beach headsets on an Xbox one and almost all consoles.

Conclusion

Xbox one headsets and their accessories are not only high-quality, but they are also very durable. However, if you don’t have access to them, as they can be pretty pricey, reusing your Xbox 360 headset (or a regular headphone) can be a great way to still enjoy playing on your Xbox one console.

Just follow the simple hacks provided in this blog post, and you might be able to use your Xbox 360 headset on Xbox one controllers without spending any money.

We hope this informative article has helped you become more knowledgeable on how to use your old Xbox 360 headset on your Xbox one without using an adapter.