How to Connect Headphones to Your Samsung TV

The fastest way: use Bluetooth if your headphones support it

Most Samsung TVs connect to Bluetooth headphones the same way your phone does. Press the remote's menu button, go to Sound, then Sound Output, and select Bluetooth Speaker. Your TV will search for nearby devices. Put your headphones in pairing mode (usually by holding the power button for a few seconds), and they'll appear on the list. Select them, and the connection is done.

This method works with any Bluetooth headphones — wireless earbuds, over-ear headphones, or gaming headsets. Once paired, your headphones will reconnect automatically the next time you turn them on near the TV. You can switch between Bluetooth and the TV's speakers by going back to Sound Output and selecting TV Speaker.

The catch: Bluetooth pairing only works if your headphones have Bluetooth built in. Older wired headphones or gaming headsets that use a USB dongle won't pair this way. Also, some Samsung models have a slight audio delay over Bluetooth, which matters if you're watching movies or playing games where sound and picture need to sync perfectly.

Key Takeaways

Bluetooth headphones pair through the TV's Sound menu and reconnect automatically once set up.
Wired headphones need a 3.5mm jack adapter or USB audio adapter, since most Samsung TVs don't have a headphone jack.
Some Samsung TVs support Samsung SmartThings app pairing for certain wireless earbuds, which can be faster than manual Bluetooth pairing.
Audio delay over Bluetooth is normal on some models and usually only noticeable during movies or games with precise sound timing.

Using a wired headphone adapter if your TV has no headphone jack

Newer Samsung TVs removed the 3.5mm headphone jack, so wired headphones need an adapter. You have two options: a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (if your TV has a USB-C port) or an optical audio adapter (if your TV has an optical audio output port on the back).

For USB-C adapters: plug the adapter into the USB-C port on the back of your TV, then plug your headphones into the adapter. Go to Sound Output in the Sound menu and select USB Audio Device. Your TV will route sound through the headphones when ready.

For optical adapters: connect an optical cable from the TV's optical audio output to a small USB adapter that converts optical to 3.5mm, then plug your headphones in. This route is less common but works if your TV has an optical port and your headphones are wired.

Check your TV's manual or the back panel to see which ports you have. Most Samsung TVs from 2020 onward have USB-C; older models may have optical. Neither method adds noticeable delay, so they're better than Bluetooth if you're watching movies or playing games where timing matters.

Connecting through the TV's audio output if you have powered speakers or a soundbar

If you own powered speakers or a soundbar with a headphone jack, you can connect your headphones to those devices instead of the TV. This works because the soundbar or speakers sit between your TV and your headphones, and most of them have a 3.5mm jack on the back or side.

Plug your headphones into the soundbar or speaker, then adjust the volume on that device. The TV's volume controls won't affect your headphones anymore — only the soundbar's volume knob will. This is useful if you want to keep your soundbar's audio playing for others in the room while you listen privately through headphones.

Some soundbars also have Bluetooth, so you can pair your headphones directly to the soundbar instead of the TV. Check your soundbar's manual for the pairing steps, which are usually similar to pairing with the TV.

Using Samsung SmartThings app pairing for compatible earbuds

Samsung Galaxy Buds and some other Samsung-branded wireless earbuds can pair through the SmartThings app instead of manual Bluetooth pairing. If you have the SmartThings app on your phone and your earbuds are compatible, open the app, go to Devices, select your TV, then look for an audio or headphone pairing option.

This method is faster than going through the TV's menu and sometimes offers better stability than standard Bluetooth. However, it only works with specific Samsung earbuds — check your earbud model in the SmartThings app to see if it's supported.

If your earbuds don't appear in SmartThings, fall back to the standard Bluetooth pairing method through the TV's Sound menu. Both methods work equally well once connected.

Fixing common connection problems

Headphones won't appear in the Bluetooth list: Make sure your headphones are in pairing mode. Most headphones need you to hold the power button for 5 to 10 seconds until a light flashes. If they still don't show up, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then try again. Also check that your headphones are charged — many won't enter pairing mode if the battery is too low.

Sound comes from the TV speakers instead of the headphones: Go back to Sound Output and confirm Bluetooth Speaker or USB Audio Device is selected. If it shows TV Speaker, your headphones disconnected. Reconnect them through the same menu.

Audio is delayed or out of sync with the picture: This is a known issue with Bluetooth on some Samsung models. Switch to a wired connection using a USB-C adapter if possible. If you must use Bluetooth, try moving your headphones closer to the TV or removing obstacles between them.

Headphones connect but produce no sound: Check the volume on your headphones themselves — many have a separate volume control. Also go to Sound menu and make sure the TV's volume isn't muted. If you're using a USB adapter, try unplugging and replugging it, then selecting USB Audio Device again from Sound Output.

When to use each connection method

Use Bluetooth if your headphones support it and you want the simplest setup. Use a USB-C adapter if you have wired headphones and want zero audio delay. Use an optical adapter if your TV has an optical port but no USB-C. Connect to a soundbar if you already own one and want to keep that device as your audio hub.

For gaming or watching movies where sound timing is critical, wired connections (USB-C or optical) are more reliable than Bluetooth. For casual listening or when you're the only one using headphones, Bluetooth is fine and keeps your setup wireless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Samsung TVs have Bluetooth?

Most Samsung TVs made in the last five years have Bluetooth, but not all. Check your TV's manual or settings menu — if Bluetooth Speaker appears in the Sound Output menu, your TV supports it. Older Samsung models may not have Bluetooth at all.

Can I use multiple headphones at the same time on one TV?

Standard Bluetooth only connects one device at a time. Some newer Samsung TVs support dual audio, which lets you connect two Bluetooth headphones simultaneously, but this feature is not available on all models. Check your TV's manual or try pairing a second device to see if it works.

Will my headphones work with Samsung TV apps like Netflix or YouTube?

Yes. Once your headphones are connected through Bluetooth or a wired adapter, all sound from the TV — including apps — routes through them. You don't need to set up headphones separately for each app.

What if my headphones keep disconnecting?

Move closer to the TV and remove obstacles like walls or metal objects between your headphones and the TV. If disconnections continue, restart both your headphones and TV. Some older Bluetooth headphones have weak range and may not stay connected more than 10 feet away.

Can I use a regular phone charger cable to connect wired headphones?

No. A USB-C to 3.5mm adapter is different from a charging cable. You need an adapter specifically labeled for audio or headphones. Charging cables won't carry audio signals and won't work.

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.