It is a straightforward process to connect wireless headphones to a TV. What if your TV does not have a Bluetooth feature?
The good news is that you can still connect the wireless headphones to your TV. One of my friends recently told me some tricks.
His TV did not have Bluetooth but still, he managed to connect wireless headphones to it. I want to thank him for sharing these useful hacks.
First, I tried them at home to confirm they work. Then, I decided to share it with my readers.
Because many of Speakersmag’s audience wanted to learn the process of such a connection. So, let us begin doing this.
How Does Bluetooth Work?
Before proceeding further, let us have a brief idea of how Bluetooth works. Each Bluetooth-enabled device has a wireless receiver and transmitter.
The transmitter sends audio signals and the receivers accept them. In this case, your TV acts as a transmitter, and headphones serve as receivers.
Since your TV does not have a built-in Bluetooth, it also lacks a transmitting function. But, you can use a third-party device that will function to connect the two devices.
Option 1: Bluetooth Audio Transmitter
A Bluetooth audio transmitter is a physical device. You can use it to transfer data wirelessly between a TV and a receiver device. You just need to buy a transmitter.
Some of the best Bluetooth transmitters are Avantree Audikast and Taotronics TT-BA01.
How to Use Bluetooth Transmitter
You have to follow a pathway to start using the audio transmitter. Here are the quick steps to connect the transmitter to your TV;
Step 1: Check the Audio Output on the TV
TVs have different types of audio output. They are usually located at the back. Before buying a Bluetooth transmitter, you must check the type of audio output port on your TV.
Because buying a random and incompatible device will result in a waste of money.
- The ports labeled “L” and “R” are called RCA jacks.
- The 3.5mm headphones jack is labeled as “AUDIO”.
- The port has an “Optical” label called Optical TOSLINK output.
- A USB port is also available on some TVs.
Step 2: Choose the Right Bluetooth Transmitter
Once you have identified the type of audio output on your TV, it is time to choose the transmitter. Some TVs have all three types of audio outputs while others may have only a single one.
Based on the output type, you have to purchase a compatible Bluetooth transmitter. For example, if your TV has only an RCA connection then buy a transmitter that supports RCA.
Otherwise, you will need to buy another extra device. I would suggest you buy the best quality product to avoid latency issues.
Step 3: Connect the Transmitter to the TV
- Plug the one end of the RCA cable into the transmitter. Take the other two ends of the cable and connect them to your TV.
- Plug the red connector into the right RCA port on the back of the TV.
- Similarly, plug the white cable into the left RCA port.
- Alternately, you can connect the transmitter to the 3.5mm headphones jack or USB port on your TV.
Step 4: Pair Wireless Headphones to Your TV
- Turn ON the Bluetooth transmitter and put it in pairing mode.
- Also, turn ON your headphones and let them search the device.
- You can connect the headphones just as you connect them to any Bluetooth device.
- Finally, you will be able to connect your Bluetooth headphones to your TV using the audio transmitter.
Option 2: Media Streaming Devices
A lot of streaming devices are available in the market. They offer more channels and streaming options. Therefore, people like to use them on their TVs.
Most of these streamers have a wireless Bluetooth connection. So, you plug them into your TV and then pair them with your headphones.
In fact, a streaming device can work as a middle man between your TV and headphones. You might own a media device already, here are a few options;
Amazon Fire TV Stick
This is a cheap streaming device enclosing a whole world inside it. Another similar option is Amazon Fire TV Cube. Here is how to use it for connecting headphones to your TV;
- Plug the FireStick into your TV. Put your headphones into pairing mode.
- Open the main menu on FireStick. Choose “Settings” and then “Controllers and Bluetooth Devices”.
- Next, click on “Other Bluetooth Devices” and the headphones will show in the list of “Discovered Devices”.
- Tap the headphones and click the “Connect” button.
Apple 4K TV
- It is a streaming device by Apple. Connect it to your TV. Next, go to the “Settings” menu on the Apple TV device.
- Choose “Remotes and Devices” and then click on “Bluetooth”.
- It will take a few moments to search your headphones. Tap when the headphones appear in the list and enter the PIN if required.
Roku Streaming Stick
It is another useful device you may own. This streaming device can be used to connect your wireless headphones indirectly to your TV.
You can connect it via the mobile app. Kindly read the user manual of the device to know the exact pairing process.
Some Other Devices
In addition, there are some other streaming devices. For example Chromecast, NVIDIA Shield TV, Sling AirTV 4K, and Xiaomi Mi Box.
These devices are available on Amazon. Maybe you already own one of these media streamers. Then, it is very easy for you to connect wireless headphones to your TV.
However, you can purchase one of these devices according to your budget. They will serve a dual purpose.
Option 3: Dedicated TV Headphones
In case, you have not bought headphones but planning to buy them, go for dedicated headphones. The dedicated wireless TV headphones are ready to pair with your TV that lacks Bluetooth.
They come with a base station that acts as a transmitter. So, you connect the base station to your TV, and headphones pair to the TV via base.
Types of Dedicated TV Headphones
Although dedicated headphones are wireless yet they feature different types of technologies. For example, Radio Frequency (RF), Infrared (IR), or Bluetooth connections.
Radio Frequency (RF)
It has a longer and wider connection range. It can send audio signals up to 100 meters. In contrast, Bluetooth works best within 10 meters.
However, it has a drawback of distorted sound. Electronic devices working on the same frequency (900MHZ to 3200 MHZ) can interfere with the RF signals.
But, the transmission rate is faster and audio delay does not occur.
Infrared
IR technology is used in remote controls. It delivers better sound quality as compared to Bluetooth headphones. Moreover, other devices do not hamper the connection.
But, there should be no physical obstruction between the two devices. It works on the “line-of-sight” just like a TV remote. Its connection range is very short. However, there is no audio delay.
Option 4: Wired Headphones
A great option is to use wired headphones. Some headphones offer both wireless and wired connections. While others are only wired with no Bluetooth.
You can connect them to your TV audio port using a 3.5mm audio cable. However, in this case, your movement will be limited. Because you have to sit closer to the TV.
Using the longer connection cables can compress the audio thus affecting its quality. But, you can still consider this option. It is a very simple, straightforward, plug-and-play solution.
Option 5: Gaming Consoles
Gaming consoles are the least recommended option. Because all of the gaming consoles do not support a Bluetooth connection such as Xbox One.
But, Sony PS4 Pro and Slim allow connecting a Bluetooth headset. However, you can only use it while gaming on your TV.
If it does not connect, use a Bluetooth adapter. Likewise, PS3 and Nintendo Switch also allow a wireless connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some queries that may be coming to your mind regarding the wireless connection between TV and headphones.
Can I play sound both from TV and headphones at the same time?
It depends on the TV brand. Some advanced TVs let you play sound both from internal speakers and external devices simultaneously. Just go to TV settings and enable internal speakers. However, some TVs like Samsung automatically mute the internal speakers.
Does a Bluetooth transmitter work on any TV?
Yes, Bluetooth transmitters can work with any TV. But, it also depends on the type of audio port your TV has. You should choose the transmitter according to your TV. For example, a TV may have a 3.5mm headphones jack, USB port, RCA, or optical port.
How to know if my TV has built-in Bluetooth or not?
You can check for Bluetooth in the TV settings. Choose the “Audio” settings and then “output/external sources”. Here, you can find the list of Bluetooth devices. Another way is to read the user manual or specifications of your TV.
You may also like: Fix Muffled Sound on Headphones
Final Words
I love to experiment with audio devices. Therefore, I keep on trying newer tricks and hacks. I have personally tried all the methods mentioned in this article.
They are guaranteed and foolproof. So, you can choose any of the 5 options to connect your wireless headphones to your TV that lacks Bluetooth.
