Important Info
If you’re wondering if you can connect AirPods to a Roku TV, the answer is yes – but not directly. We will show users a simple workaround for connecting Airpods to a Roku TV using the Roku mobile app.
This guide will work with any type of wireless headphones or earbuds, not just Airpods. Samsung users connecting Galaxy Buds will follow the same process.
While you can easily connect a pair of wired headphones to your Roku TV remote control, things get a little bit trickier when you want to connect wireless earbuds or headphones. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to just flick a switch on your TV to suddenly enable Bluetooth.
Instead, you’ll need to use a simple workaround. This takes advantage of Roku’s own Private Listening mode, described by the company as letting you ‘to listen to the audio from streaming channels and live digital broadcast television’ through a wireless headset or earbuds including AirPods that are connected to your phone.
Compatible Roku Devices
Not all Roku devices support Private Listening. Below is list of Roku devices that support “Private Listening.”
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What you’ll need in order to connect Airpods to Roku TV
- Airpods or really any other Bluetooth headset.
- A supported Roku TV.
- A iPhone or Android smartphone.
Before Starting!
Make sure you have downloaded the Roku TV app:
Click Here to Download Roku TV from the APP STORE
Click Here to Download Roku TV from the GOOGLE PLAY STORE
How to connect AirPods to Roku TV
Time needed: 2 minutes.
- Connect your AirPods to your phone.
If you’re doing this for the first time, place your AirPods in the charging case and put it next to your iPhone. After the set-up animation, tap Connect, follow any on-screen steps, then press Done. When using an Android phone, pair the AirPods to your phone over Bluetooth and select “Pair new device.”
- Open the Roku TV app and connect your Roku TV.
Before doing this step, make sure your phone and your Roku TV are both connected to the same internet network.
At the bottom of the Roku app, click on Devices. If you haven’t used your Roku TV with the app before, it will prompt you to find your TV. Tap “OK” on the popup. Now select “Connect Now.” After a moment, you’ll see a list of nearby Roku TVs and streaming devices. Select your device from the list.
- Select “Remote” and activate private listening mode.
Once you’ve paired the app and TV, tap on “Remote.” You’ll now see a virtual remote control for your TV. Tap the Headphones icon in the lower half of the screen. A pop-up appears letting you know that private listening is activated. Tap “OK” to accept and clear the message.
- Start watching TV!
That is how you connect Airpods to Roku Tv. You should be able to hear the device’s audio through your AirPods, thanks to Private Listening mode.
Fixing Connection Issues
If you followed the short guide and are still having issues, please try some of these troubleshooting tips:
Make sure your Airpods or headphones are charged (common Issue).
Try to quit and restart the Roku TV app. Also attempt to restart the Roku TV streaming box.
Make sure your WiFi is working properly. Restarting your router may help.
Why won’t my TV connect to the Roku mobile app?
Make sure your phone and your Roku TV are both connected to the same internet network. To see which network you’re using on your phone, go to Settings and select Network and Internet (it may have a different, similar name on your device).
Can I connect my Bluetooth headphones to my Roku TV?
All types of Bluetooth headphones can be connected to a Roku TV. The private listening feature works with any and all Bluetooth headphones connected to your iPhone or Android device. The Roku TV app makes this feature possible.
How to disconnect AirPods from a Roku TV
When you’re done using your AirPods with your Roku TV, the easiest way to unpair the two devices is to turn off or disconnect the earbuds from your phone.
- Open up the Roku app.
- Tap Remote.
- Tap the Headphones icon.
You should see the ‘sound bar’ disappear, letting you know Private Listening is no longer active. Just be careful to make sure the volume isn’t set too loud.
Audio will now return to your TV. That’s all you need to do is enjoy listening to shows on your Roku TV through your AirPods or any wireless headphones.
FAQ
Yes. Connecting Airpods to your Roku TV is easy. Download the Roku TV app on your phone. Connect your Airpods to your phone. Open the Roku TV app and select Remote. Once the remote is open, tap on the headphone icon and then select “OK.”
The Roku TV mobile app will allow you to connect Bluetooth devices to your Roku TV. All types and brands of headphones and speakers that use Bluetooth will work with your Roku TV.
The Roku TV box itself does not have Bluetooth. With the Roku TV app users are able to connect Bluetooth devices with the “Private Listening Feature.”
Make sure your phone and your Roku TV are both connected to the same WiFi network. A slow or weak WiFi signal can cause issues where one device sees the network and another device does not.
