How to Connect Airpods to TV

Posted By: technowifi

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Connect AirPods to Apple TV

Apple TV has the easiest AirPods pairing experience because both devices share your Apple ID.

  1. On your Apple TV, go to Settings, then Remotes and Devices, then Bluetooth.
  2. Open the AirPods case lid (keep the AirPods inside) and hold the case near the Apple TV.
  3. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods case until the status light flashes white.
  4. Your AirPods appear in the Bluetooth device list on the Apple TV. Select them.
  5. The AirPods connect and audio routes through them.

If both your Apple TV and AirPods are signed into the same Apple ID, the AirPods may appear automatically without entering pairing mode. You can also quickly switch audio by pressing and holding the TV button on the Siri Remote, then selecting your AirPods from the audio output list.

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Connect AirPods to Samsung TV

Samsung smart TVs from 2018 and later support Bluetooth audio output.

  1. Put your AirPods in pairing mode: open the case lid, press and hold the setup button on the back until the light flashes white.
  2. On your Samsung TV, go to Settings, then Sound, then Sound Output.
  3. Select “Bluetooth Speaker List.”
  4. Your AirPods appear in the list. Select them to connect.

Some Samsung TV models list this under Settings, then General, then External Device Manager, then Input Device Manager. The menu path varies slightly between Samsung TV models and software versions, but the option is always in the Sound or Bluetooth settings.

Connect AirPods to LG TV

  1. Put your AirPods in pairing mode (open case, hold setup button until white flashing).
  2. On your LG TV, go to Settings, then Sound, then Sound Out.
  3. Select “Bluetooth Device” or “Use Wireless Speaker.”
  4. Choose your AirPods from the list of available devices.

LG TVs running webOS 4.0 and later (2018 models onward) support Bluetooth audio. Older LG TVs don’t have Bluetooth output – use a Bluetooth transmitter as a workaround (explained below).

Connect AirPods to Roku TV

Roku TVs and Roku streaming devices support private listening through the Roku mobile app, which is actually the best way to use AirPods with Roku.

  1. Download the Roku app on your iPhone (free on the App Store).
  2. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone (they pair automatically when you open the case).
  3. Open the Roku app and tap the headphone icon for “Private Listening.”
  4. TV audio now routes through your iPhone to your AirPods.

This method bypasses the TV’s Bluetooth entirely, so it works even on older Roku devices. Audio latency is minimal and the experience is smooth.

Alternatively, some newer Roku TVs support direct Bluetooth pairing: go to Settings, then Remotes & Devices, then Bluetooth, and pair the AirPods directly.

Connect AirPods to Fire TV Stick

  1. Put your AirPods in pairing mode.
  2. On your Fire TV, go to Settings, then Controllers & Bluetooth Devices, then Other Bluetooth Devices.
  3. Select “Add Bluetooth Devices.”
  4. Your AirPods appear in the list. Select them to pair.

Fire TV Stick supports Bluetooth audio on all generations. Pairing is straightforward and works reliably. Audio latency can vary slightly – if you notice lip-sync issues, check if your Fire TV has an “A/V Sync Tuning” option in Display & Sounds settings.

Connect AirPods to Any TV (Bluetooth Transmitter)

If your TV doesn’t have Bluetooth, a Bluetooth transmitter adds wireless audio capability.

  1. Buy a Bluetooth audio transmitter (options from $15 to $40 on Amazon). Look for one that supports Bluetooth 5.0 or later and aptX Low Latency for minimal audio delay.
  2. Plug the transmitter into your TV’s headphone jack (3.5mm) or optical audio port.
  3. Put both the transmitter and AirPods into pairing mode.
  4. They connect, and TV audio plays through your AirPods.

Popular Bluetooth transmitters: 1Mii B06, Avantree Oasis Plus, and TaoTronics TT-BA09. The Avantree Oasis Plus supports optical, aux, and RCA connections, giving it the widest TV compatibility.

Audio Lag and Lip-Sync Issues

Bluetooth audio has a small delay compared to wired headphones. With AirPods on Apple TV, the delay is nearly zero since Apple optimizes the connection. On non-Apple TVs, you might notice a slight lip-sync mismatch where audio trails behind the video.

Fixes: adjust the audio delay setting on your TV if it has one (usually in Sound settings under “Audio Delay” or “Lip Sync”). Use a Bluetooth 5.0 transmitter with aptX Low Latency. Some TVs have a “Game Mode” or “Low Latency” audio option that reduces delay.

Share Audio With Two Pairs of AirPods

Apple TV supports connecting two pairs of AirPods simultaneously for shared listening.

  1. Connect the first pair of AirPods to the Apple TV.
  2. Press and hold the TV button on the Siri Remote to open Control Center.
  3. Select the audio output option.
  4. Tap “Share Audio” and bring the second pair of AirPods close.
  5. Both pairs now receive the TV audio. Each person can control their own volume independently.

This only works on Apple TV, not on Samsung, LG, or other TVs. Most non-Apple TVs only support one Bluetooth audio device at a time.

Will AirPods work with any TV?

AirPods work with any TV that has Bluetooth audio output. Most smart TVs from 2018 onward have Bluetooth built in. For older TVs without Bluetooth, a $15 to $30 Bluetooth transmitter plugged into the headphone jack or optical port does the job. The transmitter pairs with the AirPods and sends TV audio wirelessly.

Why is there no sound after connecting?

Check that the TV’s audio output is set to the Bluetooth device (AirPods) rather than the TV speakers. Some TVs require you to manually switch the sound output after pairing. Also make sure the AirPods are actually in your ears – they have sensors that pause audio when removed. Try removing and reinserting them.

Can I still hear TV speakers while using AirPods?

On most TVs, connecting Bluetooth headphones automatically mutes the TV speakers. Some Samsung and LG TVs have a “Dual Audio” or “Bluetooth + TV Speakers” option that lets both play simultaneously. Check your TV’s sound output settings for this option.

See also: How to Connect AirPods to Laptop, How to Connect AirPods to iPhone, How to Connect Soundbar to TV

Sources

Apple – Connect AirPods | Samsung – Bluetooth Audio on Samsung TV