Yes, but only certain Roku models support it
Most newer Roku televisions can connect to Bluetooth headphones, but older models cannot. Roku added Bluetooth audio support starting around 2016, so if your TV is from 2015 or earlier, you will need a different solution like a headphone jack adapter or external speaker. Check your Roku model number in the Settings menu — if it supports Bluetooth, you will see a "Bluetooth" option in the audio settings.
The connection process is straightforward once you confirm your TV has the feature. Your headphones must be in pairing mode, and your Roku must be set to search for new devices. The two then communicate wirelessly, and audio plays through the headphones instead of the TV speakers.
Key Takeaways
- Roku TVs made in 2016 or later usually have Bluetooth, but you should check your model number in Settings to be certain before buying headphones.
- Your headphones must support standard Bluetooth audio profiles — gaming headsets and some specialty devices may not work even if your TV has Bluetooth.
- The pairing process takes about one minute and happens in the TV's audio settings menu, not in a separate app.
- Once paired, you can switch between TV speakers and headphones using the remote or the audio settings menu without unpairing.
- If your Roku does not have Bluetooth, a wired headphone adapter or external Bluetooth receiver plugged into the audio jack will work instead.
How to check if your Roku TV has Bluetooth
Open the Settings menu on your Roku by pressing the Home button on your remote, then navigate to Settings. Look for "Audio" or "Sound" — the exact name varies by Roku model. If you see a "Bluetooth" option in that menu, your TV supports it. If the menu only shows speaker volume and audio format options, your TV does not have Bluetooth built in.
You can also check the model number itself. Press Home, go to Settings, then select "About" or "System Information." Write down the model number and search for it on the Roku website or in your TV's manual. The product page will list Bluetooth as a feature if it is included. This takes two minutes and removes any doubt before you purchase headphones.
Steps to pair Bluetooth headphones with your Roku
First, put your headphones into pairing mode. Most headphones enter pairing mode by holding the power button for three to five seconds until a light flashes or you hear a tone. Check your headphone manual if you are unsure — pairing mode is different for each brand.
On your Roku remote, press Home and go to Settings. Select Audio, then Bluetooth. Your TV will begin searching for nearby devices. When your headphones appear in the list, select them with the remote. The TV will confirm the connection, and you should hear a tone or see a confirmation message on screen. Audio will now play through the headphones.
If the headphones do not appear in the list after 30 seconds, make sure they are in pairing mode and try again. If they still do not show up, restart both the headphones and the TV, then repeat the process. Bluetooth range is typically 30 feet, so make sure the headphones are close to the TV during pairing.
What to do if your headphones will not connect
The most common reason headphones fail to connect is that they are not actually in pairing mode. Reread the manual for your specific headphones — the button combination to enter pairing mode is not the same across brands. Some headphones require you to hold the button longer than you think, or to press two buttons at once.
If pairing mode is confirmed and the headphones still do not appear, try "forgetting" the headphones from any other device they have been paired with. Many headphones can only pair with one device at a time, so if they are still connected to a phone or laptop, the Roku will not see them. Check your phone's Bluetooth settings and disconnect the headphones there first.
Restart both devices as a last step. Turn off the headphones completely, turn off the Roku TV, wait 10 seconds, then turn both back on. Put the headphones in pairing mode again and repeat the connection steps. This clears temporary connection errors that sometimes prevent pairing.
Switching between TV speakers and headphones
Once your headphones are paired, you do not need to unpair them to switch back to TV speakers. Go to Settings, then Audio, then Bluetooth. You will see your headphones listed with a checkmark or "Connected" label. Select them again to disconnect, and audio will return to the TV speakers. You can do this as many times as you want without unpairing.
Some Roku remotes have a dedicated audio output button that cycles between speakers and headphones without opening the menu. Check your remote to see if there is a button labeled "Audio" or with a speaker icon. If there is, pressing it will toggle between connected audio devices much faster than using the menu.
Alternatives if your Roku does not have Bluetooth
If your TV does not have built-in Bluetooth, you have two options. The first is a Bluetooth receiver — a small device that plugs into your TV's audio jack (usually a 3.5mm headphone jack on the back or side) and adds Bluetooth capability. These cost between $15 and $40 and work with any headphones. Plug it in, pair your headphones to the receiver instead of the TV, and audio will play through the headphones.
The second option is wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack. Plug them directly into the TV's headphone jack, and they will work when ready without any pairing or setup. This is the simplest solution if you do not mind a cable, and wired headphones are often cheaper than wireless ones.
A third option is to use an external Bluetooth speaker instead of headphones. Roku TVs without Bluetooth can still connect to Bluetooth speakers in some cases through a separate app or streaming device, but this is less reliable than using a Bluetooth receiver. If you want wireless audio without buying a receiver, a Bluetooth speaker is worth considering.
Headphone types that may not work with Roku
Most standard Bluetooth headphones work with Roku, but some specialty devices do not. Gaming headsets designed for PlayStation or Xbox sometimes use proprietary wireless protocols instead of standard Bluetooth and will not pair with a Roku TV. Hearing aids and cochlear implants use different Bluetooth profiles and are not compatible. Always check the product description or manual to confirm the headphones use standard Bluetooth audio.
Older Bluetooth headphones made before 2010 may also have compatibility issues, though this is rare. If you are buying new headphones specifically for your Roku, any mainstream brand — Sony, Bose, Beats, JBL, Anker — will work without problems. The safest approach is to buy from a retailer with a return policy so you can test them at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use two pairs of Bluetooth headphones at the same time on my Roku?
No. Roku TVs can only connect to one Bluetooth audio device at a time. If you want two people to hear the TV, you will need to use TV speakers or an external speaker, or buy a Bluetooth splitter device that lets two headphones connect to one Bluetooth source.
Will my Bluetooth headphones work with Roku streaming apps like Netflix?
Yes. Once your headphones are paired with the TV, they work with all apps and inputs. Netflix, YouTube, cable, and any other source will play audio through the headphones as long as they remain connected.
Do I have to pair my headphones every time I use them?
No. After the first pairing, your Roku remembers the headphones. The next time you turn on the headphones and they are in range, they will reconnect automatically. You only need to pair once.
What if my Roku TV has Bluetooth but I still cannot find the setting?
The menu structure varies by Roku model and software version. Try Settings, then Audio, then Bluetooth. If that does not work, try Settings, then Sound, then Bluetooth. If neither path shows Bluetooth, your TV may have an older software version. Restart the TV and check for software updates in Settings, then System Update.
Can I use a Bluetooth headphone adapter with a Roku that already has Bluetooth?
Yes, but there is no reason to. If your Roku has built-in Bluetooth, use it directly. A Bluetooth receiver plugged into the audio jack will work, but it adds an extra device and uses an input your TV might need for something else.