How to Connect Your Phone to a TV Using Bluetooth

Bluetooth connection works for audio, not video

Bluetooth can connect your phone to a TV, but only to send sound. Your phone's screen will not appear on the TV — you will hear the audio from videos, music, or calls through the TV's speakers instead. If you want to see your phone's display on the TV, you need a wired connection (HDMI or USB-C) or a wireless casting method like Miracast or AirPlay, which are different from Bluetooth.

Bluetooth works best when you want to use your TV as a speaker without mirroring the screen. This is useful for playing music from a streaming app, listening to podcasts, or routing phone calls through the TV's audio system.

Key Takeaways

Bluetooth connects your phone's audio to the TV but does not send your phone's screen to the TV.
Most TVs have Bluetooth built in, but you may need to turn it on in the TV's settings menu under Bluetooth or Wireless.
Put your phone in pairing mode, then select the TV from your phone's Bluetooth list to complete the connection.
Once paired, your phone will reconnect to the TV automatically when both devices are nearby and Bluetooth is on.
If the TV does not appear in your phone's Bluetooth list, restart both devices and try again.

Check whether your TV has Bluetooth

Not all TVs include Bluetooth. Older models and budget TVs often lack it. Check your TV's manual or the manufacturer's website by searching for your TV model number — you can usually find this on a sticker on the back or in the TV's settings menu under System Information or About.

If your TV does have Bluetooth, it may be turned off by default. Look in the TV's settings menu for a Bluetooth or Wireless section. The exact location varies by brand: Samsung calls it Bluetooth, LG calls it Bluetooth Audio, and some older models hide it under Sound or Connectivity. Turn Bluetooth on if you find it.

Put your phone in pairing mode

Open your phone's Bluetooth settings. On Android, go to Settings, then Connected Devices or Bluetooth. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on — you should see a list of available devices.

Your TV should appear in this list with a name like "Samsung TV" or "LG OLED55." If it does not appear, restart both your phone and TV, wait 30 seconds, and check again. Some TVs require you to manually enable pairing mode from the TV's remote — check your TV's manual if the device still does not show up.

Select the TV and complete pairing

Tap the TV's name in your phone's Bluetooth list. Your phone will send a pairing request to the TV. Some TVs show a confirmation code on the screen — if yours does, check that the code on your phone matches the code on the TV, then confirm on both devices.

Once paired, your phone's Bluetooth settings will show the TV as "Connected." You can now play audio through the TV's speakers. Open any music app, video app, or call app on your phone, and the sound will come through the TV instead of your phone's speaker.

Reconnect to the TV in the future

After the first pairing, your phone remembers the TV. The next time you turn on Bluetooth on both devices and they are in range, they will reconnect automatically — you do not need to pair again. If your phone does not reconnect, open Bluetooth settings on your phone and tap the TV's name to connect manually.

If you want to disconnect without unpairing, turn off Bluetooth on your phone or the TV. The pairing stays saved, so reconnecting is when ready. If you want to remove the TV from your phone's Bluetooth list entirely, find the TV in your Bluetooth settings, tap the info icon or menu button next to it, and choose "Forget" or "Unpair."

Troubleshoot common connection problems

If your phone cannot find the TV, make sure Bluetooth is on on both devices and they are within 30 feet of each other. Restart both devices — turn them completely off, wait 10 seconds, and turn them back on. If the TV still does not appear, check your TV's manual to confirm it has Bluetooth and that Bluetooth is enabled in the TV's settings.

If the TV appears but will not pair, try forgetting the TV from your phone's Bluetooth list and pairing again from scratch. On Android, tap the info icon next to the TV and choose "Forget." On iPhone, tap the info icon and choose "Forget This Device." Then restart both devices and pair again.

If audio cuts out or sounds choppy, move your phone closer to the TV or remove obstacles between them. Bluetooth works best within 20 feet with a clear line of sight. If the problem continues, restart both devices and reconnect. Some phones and TVs have known Bluetooth issues — checking your TV manufacturer's support page or your phone's support site may reveal a known fix or software update.

When to use wired or casting instead

Bluetooth is convenient for audio only, but if you want to see your phone's screen on the TV, you need a different method. Android phones support Miracast (also called Screen Mirroring), which sends both video and audio wirelessly. iPhones support AirPlay, which works with Apple TVs and some third-party TVs. Both methods require the TV to support the standard — check your TV's manual or settings to see which one it has.

For the most reliable connection, use a wired cable: HDMI for Android phones with USB-C or HDMI output, or a Lightning to HDMI adapter for iPhones. Wired connections do not drop out and do not depend on Bluetooth range. Choose wired if you are watching a movie or presentation where a stable connection matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect multiple phones to the TV via Bluetooth at the same time?

Most TVs can pair with multiple phones but can only play audio from one at a time. If two phones are paired, the TV will play sound from whichever one is actively sending audio. You can switch which phone is playing by pausing one and starting playback on the other.

Why does my phone keep disconnecting from the TV?

Bluetooth disconnects when your phone moves out of range, when Bluetooth is turned off on either device, or when the connection is unstable. Keep your phone within 20 feet of the TV and remove obstacles like walls or metal objects. If disconnections happen frequently, restart both devices and check for software updates on your phone and TV.

Will Bluetooth drain my phone's battery faster?

Bluetooth uses very little power compared to WiFi or cellular. You may notice a small battery drain if you use Bluetooth for hours continuously, but it is not significant for typical use like playing music for an hour or two.

Can I use Bluetooth to send video to my TV?

No. Bluetooth is designed for audio and small amounts of data only. To send video to your TV, use Miracast (Android), AirPlay (iPhone), or a wired HDMI connection.

What if my TV does not have Bluetooth?

You can buy a Bluetooth receiver that plugs into your TV's audio input or HDMI port. These devices cost between $20 and $60 and turn any TV into a Bluetooth speaker. Search for "Bluetooth audio receiver" or "Bluetooth HDMI adapter" to find options compatible with your TV's inputs.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.