Yes, but the method depends on your TV model and what you're willing to do

You can connect AirPods to most modern TVs, but not all of them work the same way. Some TVs have built-in Bluetooth and will pair directly with AirPods. Others require an external device — like an Apple TV box, a streaming stick, or a Bluetooth adapter — to bridge the connection. The fastest way to find out what works for your TV is to check whether it has Bluetooth in the settings menu, or to look up your specific TV model online.

The reason for these different paths is that older TVs were built before Bluetooth became standard, and even newer non-Apple TVs sometimes skip Bluetooth to save cost. If your TV doesn't have Bluetooth built in, you're not stuck — you just need a small adapter or a device you may already own.

Key Takeaways

  • TVs with built-in Bluetooth can pair directly with AirPods through the settings menu, usually under Sound or Bluetooth.
  • If your TV has no Bluetooth, an Apple TV box, Fire TV Stick, Roku, or cheap Bluetooth adapter can add the connection for you.
  • AirPods will work with any TV that can output audio to Bluetooth, but you lose the ability to use them with other devices while they're connected to the TV.
  • Some TVs pair successfully but have audio delay or lip-sync problems — this is a TV limitation, not an AirPods problem.

TVs with built-in Bluetooth: direct pairing

If your TV was made in the last five to seven years and is a mid-range model or higher, it probably has Bluetooth. Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL all include it on most current models. To check, go to your TV's settings menu and look for a Bluetooth or Wireless section. If you find it, your TV can pair with AirPods without any extra hardware.

To pair, put your AirPods in pairing mode by opening the case near your TV and holding the button on the back of the case for about 10 seconds until the light flashes white. Then go to your TV's Bluetooth settings and select your AirPods from the list. Once paired, your TV will remember them and reconnect automatically when you turn the AirPods on near the TV.

The catch: some TVs pair successfully but have a noticeable delay between the picture and the sound. This is a limitation of the TV's Bluetooth implementation, not the AirPods. If this happens, you'll notice it most during movies or shows with dialogue. Switching back to the TV's speakers or using a wired headphone jack (if your TV has one) is the only fix.

TVs without Bluetooth: using an external device

If your TV has no Bluetooth, you need a device that does. An Apple TV (4K or HD model) is the most seamless option if you already use Apple devices, because AirPods pair with it the same way they pair with an iPhone. Plug the Apple TV into your TV's HDMI port, sign in with your Apple ID, and pair your AirPods through the Apple TV's settings. Your TV will then play audio through the AirPods.

If you don't want to buy an Apple TV, a Fire TV Stick, Roku, or Google Chromecast with Google TV all support Bluetooth pairing with AirPods. These cost $30 to $50 and plug into any HDMI port. The pairing process is the same: put your AirPods in pairing mode and select them from the device's Bluetooth settings. You'll use the streaming device's remote to control what you watch, and audio will go to your AirPods.

For the cheapest option, a standalone Bluetooth transmitter (around $15 to $25) plugs into your TV's audio output jack or optical port and broadcasts to your AirPods. These are small and straightforward — no setup beyond pairing — but they only handle audio, not video or apps. They work well if you want to use your TV's built-in speakers for some things and AirPods for others.

What happens to your AirPods when they're connected to your TV

Once AirPods are paired to your TV, they stay connected to that device until you manually switch them. This means if you're watching TV on your AirPods and your iPhone rings, the call will come through your AirPods, but you'll have to manually switch them back to your TV afterward. AirPods don't automatically jump between devices the way they do when you're using multiple Apple devices in the same ecosystem.

If you want to use your AirPods with your phone while the TV is still on, you'll need to go back to your TV's Bluetooth settings and disconnect them, or put them back in pairing mode to reconnect to your phone. This is a minor inconvenience, but it's worth knowing before you settle on AirPods as your main TV audio solution.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your AirPods won't show up in your TV's Bluetooth menu, make sure they're in pairing mode — the light on the back of the case should flash white, not amber. If it's amber, they're already paired to something else. Hold the button for 15 seconds to reset them and try again. Also check that your TV's Bluetooth is actually turned on; some TVs have it disabled by default in the settings.

If your AirPods pair but the sound is cutting out or dropping, move closer to the TV. Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet, but walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices (like a Wi-Fi router or microwave) can interfere. If the problem persists, try unpairing and pairing again, or restart both the AirPods and the TV.

If the audio is delayed or out of sync with the picture, this is a TV issue, not an AirPods issue. Some TVs handle Bluetooth audio poorly. Your options are to switch to the TV's speakers, use a wired headphone connection if available, or accept the delay if it's minor. Updating your TV's firmware sometimes helps, but not always.

When AirPods might not be the best choice for TV

AirPods are designed for phones and tablets, not TVs. If you watch TV for hours at a time, you may find that constantly managing which device they're connected to becomes annoying. If you share your TV with other people, each person would need their own AirPods or headphones, since only one pair can connect at a time. And if your TV has audio delay problems, AirPods won't fix it.

For TV use, consider whether a dedicated pair of Bluetooth headphones designed for TV, or a soundbar with Bluetooth, might be a better fit. But if you already own AirPods and your TV has Bluetooth, there's no reason not to try it — the pairing takes two minutes and costs nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple TV to use AirPods with my TV?

No. An Apple TV makes it easier if you use other Apple devices, but any TV with built-in Bluetooth can pair directly with AirPods. If your TV has no Bluetooth, a Fire TV Stick, Roku, or cheap Bluetooth adapter will work just as well.

Can multiple people use their own AirPods on the same TV at the same time?

No. Only one pair of AirPods can connect to a TV at a time. If you want multiple people to hear different audio, you'd need separate Bluetooth headphones for each person, or a TV that supports multi-user audio output (very rare).

Why is the sound delayed when I use AirPods with my TV?

This is a limitation of how your TV handles Bluetooth audio, not a problem with the AirPods. Some TVs have poor Bluetooth implementations. Updating your TV's firmware may help, but if the delay is significant, switching to the TV's speakers or a wired connection is the only real fix.

Will my AirPods automatically switch from my phone to my TV?

No. Once paired to your TV, they stay connected to it until you manually disconnect them or switch them back to your phone through pairing mode. This is different from how AirPods work between Apple devices like iPhones and iPads.

What's the cheapest way to add Bluetooth to a TV that doesn't have it?

A standalone Bluetooth transmitter costs $15 to $25 and plugs into your TV's audio jack or optical port. It's the simplest option if you only care about audio. A Fire TV Stick or Roku costs more ($30 to $50) but also lets you stream apps and control your TV.