Most TVs need a Bluetooth transmitter, not just the headphones
Your TV probably cannot talk to Bluetooth headphones directly. Even newer TVs often lack the Bluetooth transmitter needed to send audio wirelessly. The solution depends on what your TV has: some models have built-in Bluetooth, some need a separate adapter you plug in, and some work through a soundbar or receiver that already has Bluetooth.
Before you buy anything, check your TV's manual or settings menu to see if Bluetooth is listed as a feature. Look in the settings for "Bluetooth" or "Wireless audio" — if it appears, your TV can pair directly. If not, you will need an external device.
Key Takeaways
- Many TVs lack Bluetooth transmitters, so you may need to buy a separate adapter that plugs into your TV's audio output.
- If your TV has Bluetooth built in, you pair headphones through the settings menu the same way you would on a phone or tablet.
- Soundbars, receivers, and streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV often have Bluetooth and can transmit to your headphones.
- Bluetooth adapters cost between $20 and $60 and plug into your TV's headphone jack or optical audio port.
- Pairing usually takes one attempt — after that, headphones reconnect automatically when you turn them on near the TV.
Check your TV's settings menu first
Open your TV's settings and look for a Bluetooth or wireless audio option. On most TVs, this is under Settings > Sound or Settings > Connections. If you see a Bluetooth menu, your TV has the hardware built in.
To pair headphones on a TV with Bluetooth: go to the Bluetooth settings, select "Pair new device" or "Add device", then put your headphones in pairing mode (usually by holding the power button for three to five seconds until a light blinks). Your headphones should appear on the TV's screen within 10 seconds. Select them and confirm. After the first pairing, the headphones will reconnect automatically when you turn them on.
If your TV has no Bluetooth option in the settings menu, move to the next section.
Buy a Bluetooth transmitter if your TV lacks built-in Bluetooth
A Bluetooth transmitter is a small device that converts your TV's audio into a wireless signal your headphones can receive. These cost $20 to $60 and come in two types: ones that plug into a headphone jack, and ones that connect to an optical audio port.
Check what audio outputs your TV has. Look at the back or side of the TV for a 3.5mm headphone jack (a small round hole) or an optical audio port (a small square hole with a red or black cover). Most modern TVs have the optical port; older ones have the headphone jack.
Buy a transmitter that matches your TV's port. Popular options include the TaoTronics Bluetooth 5.0 transmitter (works with both jack and optical), the Avantree Audikast Plus (optical), or the Mpowerd BT-X2 (headphone jack). Plug it in, put your headphones in pairing mode, and pair them to the transmitter the same way you would to a TV. The transmitter will stay paired and reconnect automatically.
Use a soundbar or receiver if you already have one
If you own a soundbar or audio receiver connected to your TV, check whether it has Bluetooth. Most modern soundbars do. Look in the soundbar's manual or settings menu for Bluetooth pairing instructions — the process is the same as pairing to a TV.
The advantage of using a soundbar is that you do not need to buy a separate adapter. The soundbar already sits between your TV and your ears, so pairing headphones to it is natural. Your TV sends audio to the soundbar, and the soundbar sends it to both the speakers and your headphones at the same time.
Try a streaming device if your TV is very old
If your TV has no Bluetooth and you do not want to buy a transmitter, a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast can act as the Bluetooth hub. These devices have Bluetooth built in and sit between your TV and your headphones.
Connect the streaming device to your TV with an HDMI cable, then pair your headphones to the device through its settings menu. When you watch content through the streaming device, audio will go to your headphones. This works well if you already own one of these devices, but buying one just for Bluetooth headphones is usually more expensive than buying a dedicated transmitter.
Troubleshoot if pairing fails or keeps disconnecting
If your headphones will not pair, make sure they are in pairing mode. Most headphones enter pairing mode when you hold the power button for three to five seconds — the light should blink rapidly. If the light does not blink, try holding the button longer or look for a separate pairing button on the headphones.
If pairing starts but fails halfway through, move the headphones closer to the TV or transmitter. Bluetooth works best within 30 feet, but obstacles like walls or metal can reduce range. If the connection keeps dropping after pairing, try unpairing and pairing again. On most TVs and transmitters, you can unpair by going back to the Bluetooth settings and selecting "Forget" or "Remove" next to the headphone name.
If you are using a transmitter and it will not pair at all, check that it is powered on. Most transmitters have a small LED light that turns on when plugged in. If the light is off, try a different power outlet or USB cable.
Understand the audio delay you might notice
Bluetooth has a small delay between when sound leaves your TV and when it reaches your headphones — usually 100 to 300 milliseconds. For music or dialogue, you will not notice this. For fast-action movies or games, you might see the actor's lips move before you hear the words, or see a punch land before you hear the impact.
This delay is built into Bluetooth and cannot be fixed by changing settings. If it bothers you, the only solution is to use wired headphones instead. Some newer Bluetooth devices claim lower latency, but the improvement is small.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use multiple pairs of Bluetooth headphones on one TV at the same time?
Most TVs and transmitters can only pair one set of headphones at a time. Some newer soundbars and receivers support multiple headphones, but you will need to check your specific model's manual. If you need two people to hear audio wirelessly, a soundbar with multi-headphone support or a second transmitter connected to a different audio output is the workaround.
Do I need to unpair my headphones when I am done using them?
No. Once paired, headphones stay paired until you manually unpair them. You can simply turn off your headphones or walk away, and they will reconnect automatically the next time you turn them on near the TV. Unpairing is only necessary if you want to pair the headphones to a different device.
What if my TV has no audio outputs at all?
Some very new TVs have only HDMI inputs and no separate audio outputs. In this case, you will need to use a soundbar, receiver, or streaming device as the Bluetooth hub, since there is nowhere to plug in a transmitter. Alternatively, check whether your TV has Bluetooth built in — many newer models do, even if they lack traditional audio ports.
Will a Bluetooth transmitter work with any headphones?
Yes. Any Bluetooth headphones will pair with any Bluetooth transmitter or TV. There is no brand matching required. The only exception is if your headphones use an older Bluetooth version, but this is rare — even headphones from 10 years ago usually work with modern transmitters.
Can I connect Bluetooth headphones to my TV through a cable instead?
Yes, if your headphones have a 3.5mm cable. Plug the cable into your TV's headphone jack and you are done — no pairing needed. This removes the wireless convenience but also removes any delay or connection issues. Many Bluetooth headphones come with a cable in the box for this reason.