Yes, you can connect AirPods to most TVs, but the process depends on what TV you have

AirPods will work with any TV that has Bluetooth — which includes most modern televisions made in the last five years. If your TV is older or lacks Bluetooth, you have workarounds: a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into your TV's audio output, or an Apple TV box if you already own one. The connection itself takes about two minutes the first time, then your AirPods will reconnect automatically when you turn them on near the TV.

The catch is that some TV brands make the Bluetooth menu harder to find than others, and a few older models don't support audio over Bluetooth at all — only video. Before you start, check your TV's manual or settings to confirm it has Bluetooth audio capability.

Key Takeaways

  • Most TVs made after 2019 have Bluetooth built in, but you need to turn it on in the TV's settings menu, not just have it available.
  • AirPods pair with TVs the same way they pair with phones: put them in pairing mode and select them from the TV's Bluetooth list.
  • If your TV doesn't have Bluetooth, a USB Bluetooth adapter (around $15 to $30) plugged into an HDMI port or audio jack will add the feature.
  • Apple TV boxes work with AirPods over Bluetooth and can be a good option if you already own one, but they're not required.
  • Once paired, your AirPods will automatically connect to your TV when you turn them on, as long as they're not already connected to another device.

How to check if your TV has Bluetooth

The easiest way is to look in your TV's settings menu. On most TVs, this is under Settings > Sound or Audio > Bluetooth. If that menu exists and shows an option to turn Bluetooth on or search for devices, your TV supports it. If the menu doesn't exist at all, your TV likely doesn't have Bluetooth audio.

You can also check your TV's model number in the manual or on the back of the set, then search "[TV brand] [model number] Bluetooth" online. The spec sheet will say whether Bluetooth audio is included. Some TVs have Bluetooth for remote controls only, not for audio — the manual will specify which.

If you're not sure and don't have the manual, try the pairing steps below anyway. If your TV doesn't support Bluetooth audio, it straightforward won't show up in the search.

Steps to pair AirPods with your TV

First, make sure your AirPods are charged and in their case. Open the case near your TV — this puts them in pairing mode automatically. On your TV remote, go to Settings > Sound (or Audio) > Bluetooth. Select Search for Devices or Add Device. Your AirPods should appear in the list within 10 to 15 seconds. Select them, and the TV will confirm the connection.

Once paired, close the AirPods case. The next time you open it near your TV, they'll connect automatically — as long as they're not already connected to your phone or another device. If they connect to your phone instead, turn off Bluetooth on your phone first, then open the AirPods case again.

If your AirPods don't appear in the search, try opening the case and holding the setup button on the back for 10 seconds until the light flashes white. This forces them into pairing mode. Then search again on your TV.

What to do if your TV doesn't have Bluetooth

A USB Bluetooth adapter is the simplest fix. Plug it into an available USB port on your TV (usually on the back or side), and it will add Bluetooth audio capability. Popular options include the TaoTronics Bluetooth 5.0 adapter or the Mpowerd Bluetooth receiver — both cost $15 to $30 and work with most TVs. Once plugged in, your TV's Bluetooth menu should recognize the adapter, and you can pair your AirPods to it just like you would to the TV itself.

If your TV has no USB ports, look for an audio output jack (usually labeled Audio Out or Headphone Out). A Bluetooth adapter that connects to the audio jack will work the same way. These are slightly less common but still available for $20 to $40.

Another option: if you own an Apple TV box (the small black device that connects to your TV), you can connect your AirPods directly to it. The Apple TV acts as a bridge between your AirPods and the TV's speakers. Go to Settings > AirPods on the Apple TV and pair them there. This works even if your TV has no Bluetooth of its own.

Why your AirPods might not connect to your TV

The most common reason is that your AirPods are already connected to another device. AirPods can only connect to one device at a time. If they're paired to your iPhone, they'll connect to your phone when you open the case, not your TV. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone, or go to Settings > Bluetooth on your phone and tap the "i" icon next to your AirPods, then select Disconnect. Then try pairing with your TV again.

A second reason is that Bluetooth on your TV is turned off. Go back to Settings > Sound > Bluetooth and make sure the toggle is on. Some TVs also require you to set Bluetooth audio as the default output before pairing — check your TV's manual if the search isn't finding your AirPods.

If you've tried all this and your AirPods still don't appear, your TV may not support Bluetooth audio, or there may be a software issue. Restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and try again. If that doesn't work, a Bluetooth adapter is your next step.

Sound quality and lag when using AirPods with your TV

Bluetooth audio over TV is generally good enough for watching shows and movies, but there are two things to know. First, Bluetooth has a slight delay — usually less than a second, but noticeable if you're paying close attention to whether the sound matches the actors' lips. This is a limitation of Bluetooth itself, not AirPods. Most people don't notice it during normal viewing.

Second, the sound quality depends on your TV's Bluetooth codec. Most modern TVs use SBC (the basic Bluetooth audio standard), which sounds fine for dialogue and most content. Some newer TVs support aptX or LDAC, which offer better sound quality, but AirPods don't support these codecs — they use their own Apple codec. So you won't get any quality boost from a fancier TV codec when using AirPods.

If sound quality matters to you, wired headphones or speakers connected directly to your TV will always sound better than Bluetooth. But for everyday watching, AirPods work well.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If your TV has Bluetooth, you can pair AirPods directly to it without any extra equipment. An Apple TV box is optional and only useful if you already own one or want to use other Apple features like AirPlay.

Can I use AirPods Pro or AirPods Max with my TV?

Yes. All AirPods models — including AirPods Pro and AirPods Max — connect to TVs the same way. The pairing process is identical, and they work with any TV that has Bluetooth audio.

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

No. AirPods stay connected to whichever device they're currently paired with. If you want to switch from your phone to your TV, you need to disconnect them from your phone first (or turn off your phone's Bluetooth), then open the AirPods case near your TV.

What if my TV is very old and has no Bluetooth at all?

A USB or audio-jack Bluetooth adapter will add Bluetooth capability for $15 to $40. Plug it in, pair your AirPods to it, and it will send audio to your AirPods from your TV's speakers. This works with almost any TV, regardless of age.

Can I use AirPods with a streaming device like Roku or Fire Stick?

Most Roku and Fire Stick devices don't have Bluetooth audio built in, so you can't pair AirPods directly. However, some newer Roku TVs do have Bluetooth. Check your device's manual or settings. If it doesn't have Bluetooth, a USB adapter plugged into the device will work.