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Pulse Explore: Connect to Phones, Computers & Consoles

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Pulse Explore: Connect to Phones, Computers & Consoles

Yes, the Pulse Explore wireless earbuds connect to phones, computers, and consoles, but the method differs by device: they use Bluetooth for phones, PCs, and the PS5’s handheld Portal, and a USB-C dongle (the PlayStation Link adapter) for PS5, PS4, and PC. The earbuds support simultaneous connection to two devices—one via Bluetooth and one via the Link adapter—so you can listen to game audio and take a phone call at the same time.

What Are the Pulse Explore Earbuds?

The Pulse Explore are Sony’s first wireless earbuds designed primarily for the PlayStation ecosystem. They launched alongside the PlayStation Portal remote player in late 2023. Unlike typical Bluetooth earbuds, they feature a proprietary wireless technology called PlayStation Link, which is built into the PS5 console (in a later system update) and the Portal. The Link connection promises lower latency and more stable audio than standard Bluetooth, which matters for gaming where audio-visual sync is critical.

They also support standard Bluetooth 5.3, so they work as ordinary wireless earbuds with any device that supports Bluetooth audio profiles. The earbuds have dual microphones with AI-based noise rejection, and each bud contains a planar magnetic driver—a type of driver more common in high-end headphones, known for low distortion and detailed sound.

How to Connect to a PlayStation 5 or PS4

Connecting to a PS5 is straightforward once you know the steps, because the console does not use Bluetooth for audio. Instead, you use the included USB-C wireless adapter (the PlayStation Link dongle).

  1. Plug the USB-C adapter into a USB port on your PS5 (front or back).
  2. On the PS5, go to Settings > Accessories > General > Audio Output.
  3. Select “PlayStation Link� as the output device. The console will automatically recognize the adapter.
  4. Put the earbuds in the charging case, then remove them. They should pair with the adapter automatically the first time.

For a PS4, the process is the same: plug the adapter into the console, then select it as the audio output in the PS4’s settings. Note that the PS4 does not have a built-in Link receiver, so the adapter is required. The earbuds work with PS4 games and party chat, but some system-level features (like 3D audio) may be limited compared to the PS5.

If the earbuds do not connect automatically, press and hold the Link button on the adapter for a few seconds to enter pairing mode, then place the earbuds near it. The earbuds have a small button on each bud—press and hold it for about 5 seconds to put them in pairing mode as well.

How to Connect to a Phone or Tablet

For phones and tablets, you use standard Bluetooth pairing. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 and the common AAC and SBC codecs. They do not support aptX or LDAC, so audio quality on Android will be limited to those standard codecs, which is fine for most listening but not lossless.

  1. Take both earbuds out of the charging case. They will enter pairing mode automatically if they have no existing connection.
  2. On your phone, open Bluetooth settings and search for new devices.
  3. Select “Pulse Explore� from the list. If prompted, confirm the pairing.
  4. If the earbuds do not appear, put them back in the case, close it, wait 10 seconds, then remove them again.

For a second phone or a tablet, you can pair them the same way. The earbuds remember multiple Bluetooth devices, but they can only be actively connected to one Bluetooth source at a time (plus one Link source). To switch between phones, you must disconnect from the first phone (via its Bluetooth settings) or place the earbuds back in the case and re-pair.

How to Connect to a Computer (PC or Mac)

On a PC (Windows) or Mac, you have two options: Bluetooth or the PlayStation Link USB adapter. The adapter is included in the box, so you can use it for a more stable connection with lower latency, which is better for gaming or video calls.

Using Bluetooth: Put the earbuds in pairing mode (remove from case, then press and hold the button on each bud for 5 seconds). On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices > Add device. On Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth. Select “Pulse Explore� from the list.

Using the Link adapter: Plug the USB-C adapter into your computer. On Windows, it should be recognized as a USB audio device automatically. On Mac, it may also work without drivers, but some users report needing to select it in the audio output settings. On Windows, go to Sound settings and select “Pulse Explore� as the output and input device. On Mac, go to Sound settings and choose the earbuds under Output and Input.

Note: The Link adapter is a USB-C device, but you can use a USB-C to USB-A adapter if your computer lacks USB-C ports. The adapter does not require any special software; it appears as a standard USB audio interface.

How to Connect to a Nintendo Switch or Xbox

The Pulse Explore are not officially supported on Nintendo Switch or Xbox consoles, but there are workarounds.

Nintendo Switch: The Switch supports Bluetooth audio natively (since a 2021 update). You can pair the earbuds via Bluetooth just like a phone. However, the Switch does not support the Link adapter, so you cannot use the low-latency connection. Also, the Switch’s Bluetooth audio does not support the microphone, so you cannot use the earbuds for in-game voice chat—only for audio output.

Xbox: Xbox consoles do not support Bluetooth audio at all. The only way to use wireless earbuds with an Xbox is to use a USB dongle that the console recognizes as a wireless headset. The Pulse Explore’s Link adapter is not compatible with Xbox because it is not a standard USB audio device that Xbox accepts. Some third-party adapters exist that convert Bluetooth to Xbox Wireless, but they are not officially supported and may not work with these earbuds. In practice, the Pulse Explore are not recommended for Xbox use.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Here are the most frequent issues and how to fix them.

  • Earbuds not connecting to PS5: Make sure the Link adapter is firmly plugged in. Go to PS5 settings > Accessories > General > Audio Output and select “PlayStation Link.� If it still doesn’t work, unplug the adapter, restart the PS5, and plug it back in.
  • No sound on PC via Bluetooth: Check that the earbuds are set as the default output device in Windows Sound settings. Also, ensure they are not connected to your phone at the same time—if they are, disconnect the phone.
  • Audio cutting out: This often happens when the earbuds are connected to two devices simultaneously. The Link connection takes priority, but Bluetooth can drop if the signal is weak. Keep the source device within 10 meters (30 feet) and avoid walls.
  • Microphone not working on PC: On Windows, the earbuds appear as two separate devices: one for audio output and one for the microphone. Make sure you select the correct input device in your app’s settings. On Mac, you may need to allow microphone access in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Pulse Explore with a PS5 without the USB adapter? No. The PS5 does not support Bluetooth audio for third-party devices. You must use the included PlayStation Link adapter. The only exception is the PlayStation Portal, which has built-in Link support.

Can I connect the earbuds to my phone and PS5 at the same time? Yes. The earbuds support simultaneous connection to one Bluetooth device (like a phone) and one Link device (like a PS5). You can listen to game audio and take a phone call at the same time, and the earbuds will automatically mix the audio.

Do the earbuds work with the PS4? Yes, but only with the USB adapter. Plug the adapter into the PS4 and select it as the audio output. The PS4 does not have built-in Link support, so the adapter is required.

Why is there no sound on my PC when using the Link adapter? The adapter may not be set as the default output device. On Windows, right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar, select “Open Sound settings,� and choose “Pulse Explore� under Output. On Mac, go to System Settings > Sound and select the earbuds under Output.

Can I use the earbuds with a Nintendo Switch? Yes, via Bluetooth. Pair them as you would with a phone. However, the microphone will not work on the Switch, and you cannot use the Link adapter. The audio will have normal Bluetooth latency, which may be noticeable in fast-paced games.

How do I reset the earbuds? If the earbuds are unresponsive, place them in the charging case, close the lid, wait 10 seconds, then remove them. To perform a factory reset, put the earbuds in the case, press and hold the buttons on both earbuds for about 10 seconds until the LED flashes red, then release. This clears all pairings.

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