Yes, but your Roku TV must support Bluetooth
Most newer Roku TVs can connect to Bluetooth headphones, but not all of them. Roku added Bluetooth support starting around 2016, so if your TV is from 2015 or earlier, it likely will not work. The easiest way to check is to look in your Roku TV's settings menu — if a Bluetooth option appears, your TV supports it.
Even if your TV has Bluetooth, some older Roku models have limited range or spotty connections. If you own a Roku TV from 2016 to 2018, test the connection in the room where you actually watch TV before you rely on it. Newer models (2019 and later) have more stable Bluetooth performance.
If your Roku TV does not have Bluetooth, you have other options: you can use a separate Bluetooth adapter that plugs into the TV's audio output, or you can connect wired headphones directly to a headphone jack if your model has one.
Key Takeaways
- Roku TVs made in 2016 or later usually have Bluetooth built in, but you must turn it on in the settings menu first.
- Put your headphones in pairing mode, then search for them in your Roku TV's Bluetooth settings — the TV will find and remember them.
- Once paired, your headphones will reconnect automatically when you turn them on near the TV, though range is typically 20 to 30 feet.
- If your TV does not have Bluetooth, a USB or 3.5mm Bluetooth adapter plugged into the TV's audio output will work as a workaround.
How to turn on Bluetooth and pair your headphones
Start by opening your Roku TV's settings. Use your Roku remote and press the Home button, then scroll down and select Settings. From there, go to Remotes & Devices, then Bluetooth. If you see a Bluetooth option here, your TV supports it.
Turn on your Bluetooth headphones and put them in pairing mode. The steps vary by headphone model — usually you hold the power button for several seconds until you see a blinking light, or you press a dedicated pairing button. Check your headphone manual if you are not sure which button to press.
Back on your Roku TV, select Search for Devices or Add Device in the Bluetooth menu. Your TV will scan for nearby headphones. When your headphones appear in the list, select them. The TV will pair with them and remember them for next time.
Once paired, your headphones should connect automatically whenever you turn them on and are near the TV. If they do not connect, go back to the Bluetooth menu and select your headphones again to reconnect manually.
What to do if pairing fails or keeps disconnecting
If your headphones do not show up in the Bluetooth search, make sure they are actually in pairing mode. Many headphones exit pairing mode after 30 seconds if they do not find a device, so you may need to restart the process. Turn off your headphones completely, put them back in pairing mode, and try the Roku search again.
If your headphones pair but then disconnect after a few minutes, move closer to the TV. Bluetooth range on Roku TVs is typically 20 to 30 feet, but walls, other electronics, and distance all reduce the signal. If you are sitting far from the TV or in another room, the connection may drop.
Another common issue is that your Roku TV's Bluetooth is turned off. Go back to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Bluetooth and make sure the toggle is switched on. Some Roku models turn Bluetooth off automatically when you restart the TV, so you may need to turn it back on.
If nothing works, restart both your headphones and your TV. Turn off your headphones, unplug your Roku TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully start up. Then turn on your headphones, put them in pairing mode, and search again.
Using a Bluetooth adapter if your TV does not have Bluetooth
If your Roku TV does not have built-in Bluetooth, you can add it with a separate adapter. A USB Bluetooth adapter or a 3.5mm Bluetooth adapter will work — both plug into your TV and create a Bluetooth connection that your headphones can use.
A USB adapter plugs into any USB port on the back of your TV. A 3.5mm adapter plugs into the headphone jack (if your TV has one) or the audio output. Once plugged in, the adapter will have its own pairing mode — put your headphones in pairing mode and follow the adapter's instructions to connect them.
Bluetooth adapters are inexpensive (usually under $30) and work with any headphones that support Bluetooth. The downside is that you have an extra device to manage, and the adapter may add a slight delay to the audio. For most people watching TV, this delay is not noticeable.
Audio delay and lip-sync problems
Some people notice that the sound from their Bluetooth headphones does not match the picture on the TV — the audio lags behind what you see on screen. This is called audio delay or lip-sync lag, and it happens because Bluetooth adds a small amount of processing time.
For most TV watching, this delay is small enough that you will not notice it. Movies and shows are designed with some tolerance for timing differences. However, if you are very sensitive to it, or if you are watching something where the audio timing is critical (like a music performance), you may find it distracting.
There is no way to completely eliminate this delay on a Roku TV, but you can reduce it by keeping your headphones close to the TV and making sure no other Bluetooth devices are nearby. If the delay bothers you, wired headphones connected to the TV's audio output will have no delay at all.
Switching between headphones and TV speakers
Once your Bluetooth headphones are paired, they will automatically become the audio output when you turn them on. The TV speakers will go silent. To switch back to the TV speakers, turn off your headphones or go to Settings > Audio and select TV Speakers.
Some Roku models let you set a default audio output, so you can choose whether the TV uses headphones or speakers by default. Check your TV's audio settings to see if this option is available. If it is, you can set it to always use TV speakers unless you manually switch to headphones.
If you have multiple Bluetooth headphones paired to your TV, you can switch between them in the Bluetooth settings. Go to Remotes & Devices > Bluetooth, and select the headphones you want to use. Only one pair of headphones can play audio at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any Bluetooth headphones with my Roku TV?
Almost any Bluetooth headphones will work with a Roku TV that has Bluetooth support. The TV does not care what brand or model they are — as long as they support standard Bluetooth, they will pair and play audio. Wireless earbuds, over-ear headphones, and gaming headsets all work the same way.
Why do my headphones keep disconnecting from my Roku TV?
The most common reason is that you are too far from the TV or there is an obstacle between them. Bluetooth has a limited range, usually 20 to 30 feet, and walls and metal objects can block the signal. Try moving closer to the TV. If that does not help, restart both your headphones and TV, and repair them.
Do I need to pair my headphones every time I use them?
No. Once you pair your headphones to your Roku TV, they stay paired. The next time you turn on your headphones near the TV, they will reconnect automatically. You only need to pair them once, unless you reset your TV or remove them from the paired devices list.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones and TV speakers at the same time?
No. When Bluetooth headphones are connected and playing, the TV speakers turn off. You can only use one audio output at a time. If you want both, you would need to use a separate audio splitter or amplifier, which is beyond what most Roku TVs support.
What if my Roku TV is too old to have Bluetooth?
You can add Bluetooth with an external adapter. A USB or 3.5mm Bluetooth adapter plugs into your TV and creates a Bluetooth connection for your headphones. These adapters are affordable and work with any Bluetooth headphones, though they add a small amount of audio delay.