Yes, you can connect headphones to Roku TV, but the method depends on your TV model and headphone type
Most Roku TVs support wireless headphones through Bluetooth, and some models also have a 3.5mm headphone jack on the back or side of the TV itself. If your TV has neither, you can still use headphones by connecting them to an external device like a Roku streaming stick or soundbar that sits between your TV and your audio system. The catch: not all Roku TV models have the same connection options, so you'll need to check what your specific TV supports before buying headphones.
Roku does not make a proprietary wireless headphone system. Instead, your TV uses standard Bluetooth technology, which means any Bluetooth headphones should work — but the pairing process and audio quality can vary. Some older Roku TV models have limited Bluetooth range or may drop connection if you move too far from the screen.
Key Takeaways
- Roku TVs with Bluetooth can pair with any standard Bluetooth headphones, but you'll need to enter pairing mode on both the TV and headphones.
- A 3.5mm headphone jack, if your TV has one, lets you plug in wired headphones directly without any pairing steps.
- If your TV has neither Bluetooth nor a headphone jack, you can connect headphones to a Roku streaming device or external soundbar instead.
- Bluetooth headphones connected to a Roku TV will only play audio from that TV — they won't work with other devices at the same time.
Connecting Bluetooth headphones to your Roku TV
Start by checking whether your Roku TV has Bluetooth. Look in the TV's settings menu: press the Home button on your Roku remote, scroll to Settings, then go to Remotes & Devices or Bluetooth (the exact name varies by model year). If you see a Bluetooth option, your TV supports it.
To pair your headphones, put them in pairing mode first — this usually means holding down a button on the headphones for a few seconds until a light blinks or you hear a tone. Then go back to your Roku TV's Bluetooth settings and select "Pair new device." Your headphones should appear in a list within 30 seconds. Select them, and they'll connect. The TV will remember them after that, so next time you turn on the headphones near the TV, they should reconnect automatically.
If your headphones don't appear in the list, make sure they're in pairing mode and try again. If they still don't show up, your TV may not have Bluetooth, or the headphones may not be compatible — though this is rare with standard Bluetooth headphones.
Using a 3.5mm headphone jack if your TV has one
Some Roku TV models, particularly older ones or certain budget models, have a 3.5mm headphone jack on the back or side of the TV. If yours does, you can plug wired headphones directly into it. This is the simplest method because there's no pairing, no battery to charge, and no connection to drop.
When you plug headphones into the jack, the TV's speakers usually mute automatically. If they don't, go to Settings > Audio and look for an option to switch audio output to the headphone jack. Some TVs let you adjust the volume separately for headphones, so you can keep the TV's speaker volume low while your headphones play at a different level.
Connecting headphones when your TV doesn't have Bluetooth or a jack
If your Roku TV has neither Bluetooth nor a headphone jack, you have two workarounds. The first is to connect a Roku streaming stick (like the Roku Streaming Stick 4K) to an HDMI port on your TV. The stick itself has Bluetooth, so you can pair headphones to it instead of the TV. The audio from apps on the stick will play through your headphones while the TV's speakers stay silent.
The second option is to connect a soundbar or external speaker with Bluetooth to your TV via HDMI or optical cable, then pair your headphones to the soundbar instead. This works if the soundbar has Bluetooth built in, which most modern ones do. The advantage is that you're not limited to one pair of headphones — some soundbars let you pair multiple headphones at once, though only one will play audio at a time.
Troubleshooting Bluetooth connection problems
If your headphones keep disconnecting, move closer to the TV — Bluetooth range on Roku TVs is typically 20 to 30 feet, but walls and other electronics can reduce that. If you're sitting within 10 feet and still losing connection, try unpairing the headphones and pairing them again. Go to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Bluetooth, find your headphones in the list, and select "Unpair" or "Remove." Then put the headphones back in pairing mode and pair them fresh.
If your headphones pair but produce no sound, check that the TV's audio output is set to Bluetooth. Go to Settings > Audio and look for an output option. Some Roku TVs default to playing audio through the TV's speakers even when headphones are connected, so you may need to manually switch the output. If the audio is still silent, try adjusting the volume on both the TV and the headphones — sometimes one is muted.
For headphones that won't pair at all, restart both the TV and the headphones. Unplug the TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Then put your headphones in pairing mode and try again. If this doesn't work, check the headphones' manual to see if they have a specific pairing mode for TVs, as some gaming or specialty headphones require different steps.
Audio quality and latency with Bluetooth headphones
Bluetooth headphones on a Roku TV generally sound fine for watching shows and movies, but you may notice a slight delay between what you see on screen and what you hear in your headphones. This latency is usually less than a second and goes unnoticed during dialogue-heavy content. If you're watching fast-paced action or sports, you might see the delay more clearly.
If latency bothers you, wired headphones plugged into a 3.5mm jack have zero delay. Alternatively, some newer Roku TV models support low-latency Bluetooth codecs like aptX, which reduce the delay — check your TV's specs or manual to see if yours does. If your headphones also support aptX, pairing them may automatically use the lower-latency connection.
Switching between headphones and TV speakers
When headphones are connected via Bluetooth, the TV's speakers usually mute. To switch back to speakers without unpairing the headphones, go to Settings > Audio and change the audio output back to TV speakers or internal speakers. The headphones will stay paired and ready to use again next time you switch the output back.
If you have both a 3.5mm jack and Bluetooth headphones, plugging in the wired headphones will typically take priority, and the TV will mute the speakers and disconnect the Bluetooth headphones temporarily. When you unplug the wired headphones, the Bluetooth headphones should reconnect automatically if they're still powered on and in range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special app or remote to use headphones with Roku TV?
No. Bluetooth pairing happens through the TV's settings menu, not through an app. Once paired, your headphones work with any app or input on the TV without any extra steps. The Roku remote controls the TV as usual.
Can I use two pairs of headphones at the same time on one Roku TV?
Not directly through the TV's Bluetooth. A Roku TV can only output audio to one Bluetooth device at a time. If you need two people to hear audio separately, you'd need a soundbar or receiver that supports multiple Bluetooth connections, or use wired headphones with a splitter.
Will my Bluetooth headphones work with all Roku TV apps?
Yes. Once paired, Bluetooth headphones work with every app on the TV — streaming services, cable input, HDMI devices, everything. The TV routes all audio to the headphones when they're connected.
What if my headphones are Bluetooth but the TV doesn't recognize them?
First, make sure your headphones are in pairing mode and fully charged. If they still don't appear, check whether your TV model actually has Bluetooth by looking at the manual or the Roku website with your TV's model number. Some budget or older Roku TVs don't have Bluetooth at all, in which case a 3.5mm jack or external device is your only option.
Can I use Roku headphones made by Roku?
Roku does not manufacture headphones. Any headphones you use will be a third-party brand like Sony, Bose, JBL, or others. As long as they have Bluetooth or a 3.5mm connector, they'll work with your Roku TV.