Samsung TVs cannot connect directly to AirPods

AirPods use Apple's proprietary W1 or H1 wireless chip, which only pairs with Apple devices — iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. Samsung TVs do not have this chip and cannot recognize AirPods on their own. This is a hardware limitation, not a software one, so no update or setting will change it.

If you want to use AirPods with your Samsung TV, you need an intermediary device that speaks both languages: something that can receive the TV's audio and send it to your AirPods using Apple's pairing method. The most practical options are an Apple TV box, an iPhone or iPad acting as a relay, or a third-party Bluetooth adapter designed for this purpose.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods will not pair directly with Samsung TVs because Samsung TVs lack Apple's W1 or H1 wireless chip.
  • An Apple TV connected to your Samsung TV can receive the picture and send audio to AirPods, making it the most seamless workaround.
  • An iPhone or iPad can relay audio from your Samsung TV to AirPods if you connect the TV's audio output to the Apple device using a cable or optical adapter.
  • Third-party Bluetooth adapters exist but often introduce lag or audio sync problems with video content.
  • The simplest alternative is to buy Samsung-compatible wireless headphones instead, which pair directly with the TV without any intermediary device.

Using an Apple TV as your audio bridge

An Apple TV (4th generation or newer) is the most reliable way to use AirPods with a Samsung TV. The Apple TV receives video and audio from your Samsung TV via HDMI, then sends that audio wirelessly to your AirPods. From the viewer's perspective, it works like a normal TV setup — you control the Apple TV remote, and sound comes through your AirPods.

To set this up, connect an HDMI cable from your Samsung TV's HDMI output to the Apple TV's HDMI input. This reverses the normal direction — usually the Apple TV sends video to the TV, but here the TV sends video to the Apple TV so the Apple TV can process the audio. Pair your AirPods to the Apple TV using the standard method: go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPods, then hold your AirPods case near the Apple TV until they appear on screen. Once paired, audio from any source on your Samsung TV will route to your AirPods.

The drawback is cost: an Apple TV 4K currently runs $129 to $199, and you are buying it primarily for audio routing. If you already own an Apple TV for other reasons, this is your best option. If you do not, the next method may be more practical.

Relaying audio through an iPhone or iPad

An iPhone or iPad can act as a middleman between your Samsung TV and AirPods, though the setup is less elegant. You will need a cable or adapter to physically connect your TV's audio output to your iPhone or iPad's audio input, then use an app to capture that audio and send it to your AirPods.

First, locate the audio output on your Samsung TV. Most TVs have a 3.5mm headphone jack on the back or side, or an optical audio output (a small square port that accepts a thin cable). If your TV has a 3.5mm jack, buy a 3.5mm-to-Lightning cable (for iPhone or iPad) or a 3.5mm-to-USB-C cable (for newer iPads). If your TV has only optical output, you will need a 3.5mm-to-optical adapter first, then the 3.5mm-to-Lightning or USB-C cable.

Once connected, open an app like Headphone Jack or Audio Share on your iPhone or iPad. These apps capture audio coming in through the cable and route it to your AirPods. Pair your AirPods to the iPhone or iPad normally, then open the app and select your AirPods as the output device. Audio from your Samsung TV will now play through your AirPods.

This method works but introduces a few friction points: you need the right cable, the app may add a slight delay (noticeable during movies), and you have an extra device sitting near your TV. It is most useful if you already own an iPhone or iPad and want to avoid buying new hardware.

Using a Bluetooth audio adapter

A Bluetooth audio adapter is a small device that plugs into your TV's audio output and broadcasts that audio to any Bluetooth headphones — including AirPods. Popular models include the TaoTronics Bluetooth 5.0 Audio Adapter and the Mpowerd Bluetooth Transmitter. These typically cost $20 to $40.

To use one, plug the adapter into your TV's 3.5mm headphone jack or optical audio output (using an adapter if needed). Power the device using a USB cable or batteries. Put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes white. The Bluetooth adapter should detect your AirPods and pair automatically.

The main problem with this approach is audio lag. Bluetooth introduces a delay of 100 to 300 milliseconds between the video on your TV and the sound in your AirPods. For watching movies or shows, this is noticeable and distracting — the actor's lips move before you hear the words. For music or gaming, the lag may be acceptable. Before buying an adapter, read reviews specific to AirPods pairing, as some adapters have compatibility issues with Apple devices.

Buying Samsung-compatible wireless headphones instead

If you use your Samsung TV frequently and want a wireless audio solution without workarounds, the simplest path is to buy headphones that pair directly with Samsung TVs. Samsung TVs support standard Bluetooth headphones, so any recent wireless headphones from brands like Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, or JBL will connect in seconds.

To pair Samsung-compatible headphones, go to Settings > Sound > Sound Output on your Samsung TV, then select Bluetooth Speaker. Put your headphones in pairing mode and they should appear in the list. Select them and they will stay paired — future uses require only turning the headphones on.

This approach costs less than an Apple TV and introduces no lag or complexity. The trade-off is that you cannot use your AirPods, which you may already own. If you use AirPods primarily with your iPhone or Mac and only occasionally with your TV, the iPhone relay method or a Bluetooth adapter may be worth the extra steps. If you watch your Samsung TV daily, buying compatible headphones is the more practical choice.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

If you are using an Apple TV and your AirPods keep disconnecting, restart the Apple TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If AirPods still do not appear in the AirPlay menu, forget them from the Apple TV's settings (Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPods > Forget This Device), then pair them again by holding the case near the Apple TV.

If you are using a Bluetooth adapter and your AirPods will not pair, make sure the adapter is in pairing mode — most have a button you hold for 5 to 10 seconds until a light flashes. If pairing still fails, the adapter may not support AirPods specifically. Check the product manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm compatibility before troubleshooting further.

If audio is cutting out or very quiet, check that your TV's audio output is set to the correct port. On most Samsung TVs, go to Settings > Sound > Speaker Settings and confirm that the output is set to the headphone jack or optical port you are using, not the TV speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPods with a Samsung TV if I have a newer model?

No. Samsung TVs do not have Apple's W1 or H1 chip, regardless of how new they are. Even the latest Samsung 8K models cannot pair with AirPods directly. You will need one of the workarounds described above.

Will a Bluetooth adapter work with AirPods without lag?

Most Bluetooth adapters introduce 100 to 300 milliseconds of delay, which is noticeable during movies or shows. Some newer adapters claim lower latency, but reviews are mixed. If lag is a concern, an Apple TV or iPhone relay is more reliable.

What if my Samsung TV does not have a headphone jack or optical output?

Some newer Samsung TVs have removed these ports. Check your TV's manual or the back panel for available audio outputs. If your TV has only HDMI, you may need an HDMI audio extractor (a device that splits HDMI into video and audio) before you can use any of these methods. These cost $20 to $50.

Is it cheaper to buy new headphones or use an Apple TV?

It depends on what you already own. If you have an Apple TV for other reasons, use it. If you do not, Samsung-compatible wireless headphones ($50 to $150) are usually cheaper than an Apple TV ($129 to $199). A Bluetooth adapter ($20 to $40) is the cheapest option but introduces lag.

Can I use AirPods Max with a Samsung TV?

AirPods Max have the same W1 chip as standard AirPods and cannot pair directly with Samsung TVs. All the same workarounds explore, though the relay methods may feel awkward given the size and weight of the headphones.