Having trouble connecting your Turtle Beach Stealth 600?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. This simple guide will help you connect your headset to your console, PC, or phone step-by-step.
Let’s get your headset connected and ready to use — follow along, and you’ll be set in no time!
How to Connect Turtle Beach Stealth 600 to PC or Laptop
Connecting the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 to a PC or laptop can be seamless—if you know which generation you’re using and follow the proper steps. I’ve personally tested the Gen 2 and Gen 3 models on Windows 10 and 11 machines, and below I’ll walk you through exactly how to connect wirelessly, both with and without the USB transmitter.
🔹 For Gen 1 & Gen 2 – Using the USB Transmitter (Wireless Dongle)
This is the most common way to connect these headsets. I’ve connected the Stealth 600 Gen 2 for Xbox and Stealth 600 Gen 2 for PlayStation using the same general method.
✅ What You’ll Need:
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 1 or Gen 2 headset
Included USB wireless transmitter (dongle)
Turtle Beach Audio Hub (optional but recommended)
🔧 Step-by-Step Instructions:
Download the Turtle Beach Audio Hub
Go to Turtle Beach’s official site and download the “Audio Hub” for Windows.
This lets you update firmware and adjust mic monitoring, tone level, and more.
Open the app but don’t connect the headset just yet.
Plug the USB Transmitter into a USB Port
Use a USB-A port directly on your PC or laptop (avoid using USB hubs).
The LED on the dongle will begin to blink rapidly, which means it’s in pairing mode.
Power On the Headset
Press and hold the Power button on the left earcup until you hear a tone and see the LED turn on.
The dongle light should stop blinking once the headset connects. If it keeps blinking, turn the headset off and back on.
Confirm Audio Output Settings
On Windows, right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar > Sounds > Playback.
Set “Turtle Beach Stealth 600” as the default device.
Do the same under the Recording tab to activate the mic.
Verify Connection
Play any YouTube video or game audio. You should hear it through the headset.
You can adjust mic monitoring and tone in the Turtle Beach Audio Hub.
⚠️ Troubleshooting:
Not connecting? Unplug and replug the dongle, power cycle the headset.
Mic not detected? Check privacy settings under Windows > Settings > Privacy > Microphone and ensure apps can access the mic.
Firmware outdated? Use the Audio Hub to install the latest version.
Tip: If the dongle keeps blinking but won’t pair, try plugging it into a different USB port and reset your headset by holding the power button for 15 seconds.
🔹 For Gen 3 – Using Bluetooth (No Dongle Required)
The Gen 3 model is the only version of the Stealth 600 that features built-in Bluetooth, which allows for direct wireless connection to a PC or laptop without needing a transmitter.
✅ What You’ll Need:
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 headset
A PC or laptop with Bluetooth capability (Windows 10 or newer)
🔧 Step-by-Step Instructions:
Enable Bluetooth on Your PC
Press the Windows key, type “Bluetooth”, and select Bluetooth & other devices settings.
Make sure Bluetooth is turned ON.
Put Your Headset in Bluetooth Pairing Mode
Press and hold the Power button on the headset until the LED flashes blue.
If the LED flashes green, press the Quick Switch button (near the USB port) once or twice until it changes to blue. That means you’ve switched to Bluetooth mode.
Add the Device on PC
On your PC’s Bluetooth menu, click Add device > Bluetooth.
Select “Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3” from the list.
Wait for the pairing to complete and click Done.
Check Audio Output Settings
Go to Sound Settings and select “Turtle Beach Stealth 600” under Output.
Optionally set it as default to avoid switching manually in future.
⚠️ Limitations:
Bluetooth audio may have minor latency, so not ideal for competitive gaming.
Mic support can be inconsistent, depending on your PC’s Bluetooth drivers.
No access to Turtle Beach’s mic monitoring or game/chat balance features over Bluetooth.
🧠 Expert Insight:
From my personal experience, Gen 2 offers more stable wireless audio for gaming—especially with the included transmitter. If you’re using Gen 3, the flexibility of Bluetooth is a huge win for casual use, like watching videos or joining Zoom calls, but it’s not the best choice for fast-paced gaming where latency matters.
How to Connect Turtle Beach Stealth 600 to PS4
Connecting the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 to your PS4 is a quick process once you know the right steps. Here’s exactly how I did it:
Step 1: Plug in the USB Transmitter
First, I made sure my headset was powered off. Then, I plugged the wireless USB transmitter (included in the box) into one of the USB ports on the front of my PS4. It doesn’t matter which port you use.
Step 2: Enter Pairing Mode on the Transmitter
Next, I needed to pair the headset with the transmitter. There’s a small pairing button on the transmitter — it’s recessed, so I had to use the end of a paperclip to press it. I held it for a few seconds until the LED on the transmitter started flashing rapidly, which means it’s in pairing mode.
Step 3: Power On and Pair the Headset
With the transmitter flashing, I pressed and held the Power button on the headset. After about 5 to 10 seconds, the LED on the headset also started flashing quickly. This confirmed that the headset had entered pairing mode.
After a few seconds, both lights turned solid. That’s when I knew the connection between the headset and transmitter was successful.
Step 4: Set PS4 Audio Output to Headset
Once the headset was connected, I went into the PS4 settings:
Opened the Settings menu
Selected Devices
Then went to Audio Devices
Here’s what I changed:
Input Device: Set to “USB Headset (Turtle Beach Stealth 600)”
Output Device: Also set to “USB Headset (Turtle Beach Stealth 600)”
Output to Headphones: Changed to “All Audio”
Volume Control (Headphones): I set this to max and adjusted sound later using the headset’s onboard volume wheel
Step 5: Test Microphone
To make sure my mic was working, I used the “Adjust Microphone Level” option in the Audio Devices menu. I spoke into the mic and saw the input level move in real-time, so I knew it was working properly.
🎮 How to Connect Turtle Beach Stealth 600 to PS5
Depending on which generation or version of the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 you own, there are two main ways to connect it to your PlayStation 5—with a USB transmitter or without one (Bluetooth models only). I’ve tested both setups myself, so here’s exactly how to get it working.
🔹 With USB Transmitter (Gen 1 / Gen 2 / Gen 3 Wireless)
This method is the most reliable, especially for Gen 1 and Gen 2 models, and even Gen 3 if you’re using the wireless USB transmitter instead of Bluetooth. Here’s how I do it every time:
✅ Step-by-Step:
Insert the USB transmitter into any available USB-A port on your PS5. I usually use the rear port to keep things tidy.
Flip the switch on the transmitter (if your model has one). Some Stealth 600 Gen 3 units have a platform switch marked “Xbox” and “USB” or “PS5″—make sure it’s set to USB or PS5.
Power on your headset. Press and hold the power button on the left earcup until you hear the startup chime.
Wait for pairing. The headset and transmitter should sync automatically. You’ll know they’ve paired once the LED light on the transmitter and headset both turn solid (usually blue or white).
Check your PS5 audio settings:
Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
Under Output Device, make sure it says
USB Headset (Stealth 600)or similar.Set the Output to Headphones to All Audio.
Adjust Headset Volume as needed—sometimes I have to manually raise it since it defaults low.
Mic check: Lower the microphone boom. If the LED changes from red to green, your mic is active. Raise it back up to mute.
And that’s it. At this point, I can hear everything from game audio to chat, and the mic works right away without tweaking anything else.
🔹 Without Transmitter (Gen 3 Bluetooth)
The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 comes with built-in Bluetooth, but here’s the catch—the PS5 does not natively support Bluetooth audio. I tried connecting it directly and got nothing. So if you’re hoping to go wireless without the USB dongle, here’s what actually works:
🚫 What Doesn’t Work:
Direct Bluetooth pairing with PS5: Not supported.
Bluetooth settings on PS5: Won’t list the headset, no matter what mode you put it in.
✅ Workarounds That Do Work:
Use a Bluetooth Audio Transmitter:
Plug a Bluetooth transmitter dongle into your PS5’s USB port or 3.5mm headphone jack (DualSense controller).
Put both the dongle and your headset in pairing mode.
Once they connect, you’ll get wireless audio, though mic support might vary depending on the transmitter model.
Use the 3.5mm audio jack (if supported by your headset):
If your Stealth 600 has a 3.5mm port (not all do), plug it into your PS5 controller with a standard aux cable.
You’ll get stereo game audio and chat through the wire, and your mic should work.
You may need to go to Settings > Sound and manually select
Controller Headsetas your output device.
🧠 Pro Tip: Mic Not Working? Here’s How to Check
If your friends say they can’t hear you:
Make sure your mic boom is lowered—some models auto-mute when it’s flipped up.
Check PS5 settings:
Go to Settings > Sound > Microphone and select the correct input (USB Headset or Controller Mic depending on connection).Try a mic test from the same menu to confirm it’s working.
How to Connect Turtle Beach Stealth 600 to Xbox (Xbox One, Series X, Series S)
The Stealth 600 (Gen 2 or Gen 3) connects natively via Xbox Wireless—no dongle needed (unless otherwise noted). Follow these verified steps to pair it properly:
🎧 STEP 1: Power On Your Headset and Console
Press and hold the power button on your Turtle Beach Stealth 600 until the LED turns on.
Turn on your Xbox console (Xbox One, Series X, or Series S).
🔄 STEP 2: Activate Pairing Mode on the Xbox
Locate the pair button:
On Xbox One: left side of the console.
On Xbox Series X|S: front-right near USB port.
Press and release the pairing button. The Xbox LED will begin flashing—it’s now ready to connect.
🎮 STEP 3: Pair the Headset
Within 20 seconds, press and hold the connect/pair button on your Stealth 600 headset until the LED starts flashing rapidly.
Wait a few seconds—when the LEDs on both the Xbox and headset go solid, the pairing is successful.
✅ You should now see a “Headset Assigned” message on-screen and hear Xbox system sounds.
🎙️ STEP 4: Check Audio and Mic
Lower and raise the boom mic—green LED means mic is active, red means muted.
Test audio by navigating the Xbox dashboard or launching a game.
You can adjust chat/game balance and master volume using the headset’s built-in dials.
⚙️ STEP 5: Optimize Audio Settings
On your Xbox, go to:
Settings > General > Volume & Audio OutputUnder Headset Audio, make sure:
Headset Format =
Windows Sonic for Headphones(or Dolby Atmos/DTS if purchased)Ensure Mic Monitoring is set to your comfort level.
⚠️ NOTE ABOUT CONTROLLERS:
Some older or 3rd-party Xbox controllers may not support headset pairing via 3.5mm jack or Bluetooth. Use native wireless pairing as shown above for best results.
How to Connect Turtle Beach Stealth 600 to Nintendo Switch
🔹 Switch Dock Mode (via USB Transmitter)
When I first tried connecting my Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 headset to the Nintendo Switch, I wasn’t entirely sure it would work — especially since Nintendo’s Bluetooth support can be limited. But using the USB transmitter made it surprisingly seamless. Here’s exactly how I did it, step by step.
✅ Step-by-Step: Connecting in Docked Mode
Update Your Switch
Before doing anything else, I made sure my Nintendo Switch was running the latest system update. Just go to System Settings > System > System Update and let it do its thing if needed.Dock Your Nintendo Switch
This method only works in docked mode, so I placed the Switch into its dock and made sure it was connected to power and the TV.Plug In the USB Transmitter
I took the USB wireless transmitter (that came with my Stealth 600) and plugged it into the USB port on the side of the Switch dock — the one next to the HDMI port is ideal.Tip: If your headset or dongle has a switch (some models do), make sure it’s toggled to “USB” mode.
Power On the Headset
Next, I held the power button on the headset for a few seconds until the LED started flashing. This indicates it’s ready to pair.Wait for Auto Pairing
After a few seconds, the LED on the USB dongle turned solid, and the headset’s light stopped blinking — meaning they successfully paired. The transition was smooth. On my Switch screen, I saw a small “USB” icon with a volume bar in the top-left corner, which confirmed that the headset was recognized.Test the Audio
I launched a game (I used Tears of the Kingdom), and right away, all the sound routed through the headset. The audio was crisp, and I had full wireless sound without any extra setup.
🎧 Quick Notes on Docked Mode
You don’t need to mess with Bluetooth or any Switch audio settings — it’s mostly plug-and-play if you’re using the right version of the headset.
You can’t use the mic for in-game voice chat on the Switch unless the game supports an external app like Nintendo Switch Online Voice Chat via smartphone.
Volume and EQ controls on the headset worked as expected, but features like mic monitoring are limited due to the Switch’s OS.
🔹 Handheld Mode
Now, if you’re hoping to use your Turtle Beach Stealth 600 in handheld mode — for example, on a flight or away from the dock — there are some limitations you should know about.
✅ Step-by-Step: Bluetooth Pairing (Gen 3 Models Only)
If you have the Stealth 600 Gen 3, which includes Bluetooth capability, you can pair it directly with the Switch — but only after update 13.0.0 (which enabled Bluetooth audio on the system).
Here’s how I paired mine:
Enable Bluetooth on the Switch
Go to System Settings > Bluetooth Audio > Pair Device.Put Headset in Bluetooth Pairing Mode
On the left earcup of the Gen 3 headset, I held the power button until the LED flashed blue (not green). If it flashes green, I hit the “Quick Switch” button once to toggle to Bluetooth mode.Complete the Pairing
The headset appeared in the list of available devices on the Switch. I selected it, waited a few seconds, and it connected.Confirm Audio Output
I played some YouTube content via the Switch’s browser and confirmed audio was coming through the headset.
⚠️ Important Limitations in Handheld Mode
Mic Support Not Available: The Nintendo Switch’s Bluetooth implementation doesn’t support microphone input, so don’t expect in-game chat.
Higher Latency: I noticed a slight audio delay when playing fast-paced games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It wasn’t unplayable, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to audio lag.
Battery Drain: Using Bluetooth will drain your headset and Switch battery faster than using the USB dongle while docked.
🔍 My Final Thoughts
If you primarily play docked, using the USB transmitter is by far the best method. It’s stable, has the lowest latency, and gives you the most consistent audio experience. In handheld mode, Bluetooth works if you own the Gen 3 model, but be aware of the trade-offs — especially the lack of microphone support.
When I’m playing online games or anything competitive, I stick to docked mode with the transmitter. For casual handheld gaming or YouTube playback on the go, Bluetooth does the trick.
How to Connect Turtle Beach Stealth 600 to a Phone (Android/iPhone)
🔹 Connecting Gen 3 (Bluetooth) to a Smartphone
After spending some time testing the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3, I’ve found that connecting it to a smartphone via Bluetooth is surprisingly easy — but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Step-by-Step Bluetooth Pairing (Android & iPhone):
Power on the headset
Press and hold the Power button on the left ear cup until the headset turns on. The LED indicator will light up.Activate Bluetooth mode
The Gen 3 headset features a Quick Switch button (also on the left ear cup). Tap it once — the LED will switch to blue, indicating it’s now using Bluetooth instead of the wireless transmitter.Enter pairing mode
If it doesn’t automatically enter pairing mode, press and hold the Quick Switch button until the LED blinks red and blue alternately. This confirms the headset is now discoverable.Open Bluetooth settings on your phone
On Android: Go to Settings > Connected devices > Pair new device.
On iPhone: Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
Pair with the headset
Look for “Stealth 600 Gen 3” or a similar name in the list of available devices. Tap to pair. You’ll hear a confirmation chime in the headset, and the LED will stay solid blue once connected.
🔹 Important Limitations When Using Bluetooth
From my testing, I discovered some limitations when using Gen 3 via Bluetooth on mobile:
Call Mic Support: While audio works fine, the built-in mic often does not function during phone calls. The phone defaults to its internal mic.
Game Audio Latency: For casual mobile games, the delay is minimal. But if you’re playing fast-paced competitive games like Call of Duty Mobile, you might notice slight audio lag.
App Support: Apps like Discord, Spotify, or YouTube work great. I personally found it best for music, videos, and casual voice chatting.
🔸 Best Use Cases:
If you’re pairing the Stealth 600 Gen 3 with your phone, it excels for:
Listening to music or podcasts
Watching movies
Joining voice chats on Discord
Casual gaming that doesn’t require frame-perfect audio sync
🔹 Gen 1 / Gen 2 – No Native Bluetooth (and Workarounds)
Unlike the Gen 3, the Stealth 600 Gen 1 and Gen 2 models do not support Bluetooth at all. I’ve tested a few workarounds, and here’s what works (and what doesn’t):
❌ No direct pairing
You can’t simply connect these headsets to your phone without extra gear — they rely entirely on a USB wireless transmitter, not Bluetooth.
✅ Workaround: USB-C OTG Adapter (Android Only)
If you really want to use a Gen 1 or Gen 2 headset with your Android phone, here’s the method I tried:
Get a USB-C to USB-A (OTG) adapter
Make sure your phone supports OTG. I used a simple USB-C OTG dongle that cost under $10.Plug the Turtle Beach wireless dongle into the adapter
Insert the USB dongle that came with your headset into the USB-A end of the adapter.Connect to the phone and power on the headset
Plug the adapter into your phone’s USB-C port, then power on your headset. Within a few seconds, the headset should link with the transmitter.Test the audio
I tested this by playing a YouTube video — the audio came through perfectly. However, I couldn’t use the mic, and some Android phones may not recognize the USB audio device at all depending on the model.
⚠️ iPhone Users
Unfortunately, I found no reliable workaround for iPhones, as they don’t allow USB audio from external transmitters without expensive, certified accessories (like the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter). Even then, the results are mixed at best.
🎧 Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 1 vs Gen 2 vs Gen 3 – Key Differences Explained
If you’re unsure which version of the Stealth 600 you own—or deciding which one to buy—this breakdown covers all the key upgrades across Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 3. Here’s what you need to know:
🔌 1. Wireless Technology & Connectivity
🖥️ 2. Compatibility & Use Cases
📡 3. USB Dongle / Transmitter Requirements
Troubleshooting & Tips
Even the best headsets can run into snags. After spending hours using and testing the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 series across different platforms, I’ve learned what works—and what definitely doesn’t. Here’s a collection of fixes and tips that I’ve personally tested and confirmed.
🔹 1. Headset Not Pairing? Try This First
Whether you’re connecting via Bluetooth (Gen 3) or using the USB transmitter (Gen 1/2), pairing issues can usually be solved in minutes.
What I’ve done successfully:
Gen 3 (Bluetooth):
Tap the Quick Switch button to enter Bluetooth mode (LED turns blue).
If it doesn’t enter pairing mode, press and hold Quick Switch until the LED blinks red and blue.
If your phone already had a previous connection, remove the device and re-pair.
Gen 2 or Gen 1 (USB transmitter):
Plug the USB dongle into a direct USB port—avoid hubs.
Turn on the headset and wait a few seconds.
Try a different USB port or restart the device if it doesn’t connect automatically.
🔹 2. No Audio or Mic Detection
If your headset pairs but you can’t hear anything—or your mic isn’t being picked up—here’s what to do:
Check system audio settings:
Set “Turtle Beach Stealth 600” as both the input and output device manually in your system or console settings.Adjust Game/Chat balance (Gen 2/3):
One wheel controls the mix. If it’s turned all the way to “Chat,” you might not hear gameplay.Console-specific fix:
On Xbox: Settings > Volume > Chat Mixer
On PlayStation: Settings > Sound > Output Device
On phone (Gen 3 Bluetooth):
Music/media work well, but mic won’t be used for calls or voice chats (like WhatsApp or Zoom) due to Bluetooth profile limitations. Use wired earbuds for voice calls if needed.
🔹 3. Updating Firmware (Highly Recommended)
Firmware updates solve a ton of issues — connection dropouts, audio delays, mic glitches.
To update:
Download the Turtle Beach Audio Hub:
👉 Audio Hub for Windows & macOSPlug your headset into your computer using a USB-C or Micro-USB cable.
Open the app and follow the on-screen steps if a firmware update is available.
Always update the USB transmitter as well when prompted — they’re often paired as a unit.
🔹 4. Resetting the Headset (Tested & Confirmed Methods)
If nothing else works — no pairing, glitchy sound, or failed updates — a hardware reset can save the day.
✅ For Stealth 600 Gen 3 (Confirmed Reset Method):
Locate the Mode button and Quick Switch button on the left earcup.
Press and hold both buttons at the same time for at least 10 seconds.
Release when the LED light blinks or powers off.
This resets the internal Bluetooth and console connection cache. The headset will automatically reconnect to your previously paired phone or device.
✅ For Stealth 600 Gen 2 (Xbox):
Press and hold the Power button and Mode button together for 30 seconds.
The headset will power cycle and reset its internal settings.
Reconnect to your device as normal.
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (FAQ)
Can you use Turtle Beach Stealth 600 without a transmitter?
No, you cannot use the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 1 or Gen 2 without the USB transmitter. Only the Gen 3 model supports Bluetooth and can connect wirelessly to phones or PCs without a dongle. For Gen 1/2, the USB transmitter is required for wireless audio.
How to tell which generation my Turtle Beach headset is?
Check the model label under the left earcup or inside the headband. You can also identify the generation by features:
Gen 1: No Bluetooth, micro-USB charging.
Gen 2: Game/Chat balance wheel, still no Bluetooth.
Gen 3: Bluetooth support, USB-C charging, Quick Switch button on left earcup.
Why is my Stealth 600 not working on PC?
If your Stealth 600 isn’t working on PC, it’s often due to missing drivers or incorrect default audio settings. Make sure the USB transmitter is plugged in, the headset is turned on, and both input/output devices are set to “Turtle Beach Stealth 600” in sound settings. A firmware update may also help.
Can I connect my headset to multiple devices?
You can connect the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 to multiple devices, but not at the same time. It pairs with one Bluetooth device and one console. Gen 1 and Gen 2 cannot switch between devices unless you move the USB transmitter physically between systems.
Does Turtle Beach Stealth 600 support simultaneous audio from PC + Xbox?
No, the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 does not support simultaneous audio from both PC and Xbox. It connects to one source at a time—either via USB transmitter or Bluetooth (Gen 3 only). Dual-audio is not supported natively.
Why is my Stealth 600 not connecting?
If your Stealth 600 won’t connect, try resetting the headset and re-pairing. For Bluetooth (Gen 3), hold the Quick Switch button until the LED blinks red and blue. For Gen 1/2, reconnect the USB transmitter and restart both the headset and your device.
Why is my Stealth 600 blinking blue?
A blinking blue light on the Stealth 600 (Gen 3) means it’s in Bluetooth pairing mode. If it keeps blinking and doesn’t connect, ensure the headset is not already paired with another device or try resetting the Bluetooth connection.
Why is my Stealth 600 blinking green?
A blinking green LED typically indicates the headset is in pairing mode with a console (like Xbox) or trying to connect to the USB transmitter. Once paired successfully, the LED should turn solid.
How to know if Stealth 600 is charging?
When charging, the Stealth 600 LED will glow solid amber/orange. Once fully charged, the light usually turns off or may switch to green (depending on the generation). Use the included USB cable for best results.
Conclusion
I hope this guide helped you learn everything you need to know about connecting your Turtle Beach Stealth 600 headset.
We’ve covered all the key steps and answered common questions to make the process easy for you. If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our website for more helpful tips and articles about audio, sound gear, and tech.
And if you still have questions or need more help, just leave a comment below — we’re here to assist!
Monica Rivas is a Reviewer and Content Manager of Audiofavorite, she is an audiophile for many years and she helps people to learn all they need about audio, speakers, sound etc.