How to Connect AirPods to Your Roku TV

PDF download Download Article
Get private listening with a Roku TV and AirPods
PDF download Download Article

Do you want to listen to your Roku TV using your AirPods? You can connect AirPods directly to some specific Roku devices. If your Roku device doesn't support Bluetooth, you can still use AirPods with your TV using the Roku mobile app. This wikiHow article teaches you how to connect AirPods to Roku Plus Series TV, Roku devices, and specific soundbars.

Can I pair my AirPods to my Roku TV?

If the Roku TV, device, or soundbar supports Bluetooth, you can connect directly. Otherwise, connect to your TV with the app, then connect your phone or tablet to your AirPods. Turn on Private Listening, and you can hear the TV with your earbuds instead of through the speakers.

Section 1 of 3:

Pairing with Roku Plus Series TV

PDF download Download Article
  1. Press the Home button on your remote to return to the Home screen, where you can open Settings.
    • Only specific devices support Bluetooth:
      • Roku Streambar SE
      • Roku Streambar
      • Roku Streambar Plus
      • Roku Smart Soundbar
      • Roku Ultra (models 4800 & 4802)
      • Roku Ultra LT (model 4801)
      • Roku Plus Series TV
    • Find your model by going to Settings > System > About .
    • If a soundbar or device you have supports Bluetooth, you can pair your AirPods directly with those.
  2. It's near the top of the menu.
    Advertisement
  3. If you don't see this item on the menu, the Roku you're using is not compatible with Bluetooth. In that case, pair your AirPods with your phone or tablet, then use the Roku mobile app with Private Listening.
  4. This will allow you to pair your AirPods. Remember that you only need to do this once unless you forget or cancel the pairing.
  5. Make sure your earbuds are charged and that the case is close to your Roku TV.
    • Open the case to turn on your AirPods.
    • Press the button on the back or inside the case to activate Pairing Mode.
  6. After they are paired, sound will automatically play through your AirPods whenever they are on and within range.
    • If you want to disconnect your AirPods from your Roku TV, go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Wireless headphones > Your Headphones > Disconnect.
    • If audio is currently playing, you can disconnect your AirPods still by pressing the Star button on your Roku remote and selecting Wireless headphones > Your Headphones > Disconnect.
    • If audio doesn't automatically start playing through your AirPods, make sure they are connected by going to Settings > Remotes & devices > Wireless headphones > Your Headphones > Connect .
    • You can also toggle "Auto-detect" in that menu to change how the auto-detect feature behaves. [1]
    7. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Pairing with Phone or Tablet

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you have an iPhone or iPad, pairing is as simple as opening the case next to your iOS device. If you have an Android, turn on Bluetooth in Settings or the Quick Panel, put your AirPods in Pairing Mode, and tap the earbuds when they appear on your screen.
    • Use this method if your Roku doesn't support Bluetooth.
  2. If you don't already have it, you can download it from the App Store (iPhone and iPad) or Google Play Store (Android) for free.
    • The app will automatically detect and connect with your Roku TV as long as your phone or tablet is on the same network. [2]
  3. Doing so will change your options to control your Roku with your phone or tablet.
  4. This will initiate Private Listening so you can hear the audio through your AirPods. [3]
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

PDF download Download Article
  1. Make sure both devices are on the same network. If your router supports two networks, make sure your TV, phone, or tablet are connected to the same one.
    • Update the app and your Roku device.
    • If you have a VPN active on your phone, you can't connect to your TV. Turn it off.
    • You can't have AP isolation activated on your network.
    • Accept any permissions on your phone or tablet.
    • Accept any permissions on your TV. Go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Control by mobile apps > Network access and change it to "Default" or "Permissive" if you think the setting is off.
    • Restart the Roku device and your app.
  2. A few issues could prevent your wireless earbuds from showing up in the list of available devices.
    • Make sure they are charged. To check the charge, put the AirPods in the case with the lid open and look at a paired device. A pop-up on the screen will let you know their charge.
    • Make sure they are close to your Roku TV.
    • Update your AirPods with your iPhone or Android.
    • Restart your AirPods. Put them back in the case, wait about 15 seconds, then take them out again. [4]
    3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • You can also plug wired headphones into the Roku remote or your mobile device to start Private Listening. [5]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • The steps in this article work for AirPods and any other Bluetooth headset or earbuds.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Does Your PC or Mac Have Bluetooth? 4 Ways to Check
      How to
      Wear Wireless Earbuds
      Why Are Your Beats Not Showing Up on Bluetooth? Here's How to Fix It
      Connecting Bluetooth Headphones to a PC: Windows 10 + 11
      Connect Two Bluetooth Speakers to a PC or Mac at the Same Time
      Use Your Bluetooth to Share Your Phone’s Internet Connection
      How to
      Connect Your Phone to Your Car
      How to
      Share Apps on Android Bluetooth
      How to
      Use a Bluetooth Dongle on Windows or Mac
      Pair Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds on iPhone & iPad: 6 Easy Steps
      A Beginner's Guide to Use and Connect Bluetooth Devices
      How to
      Stop Other Devices From Connecting to Bluetooth
      How to
      Connect a Bluetooth Speaker to a Computer
      How to
      Sync Plantronics Headset
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.roku.com/article/12210854415383
      2. ↑ https://support.roku.com/article/115001480188
      3. ↑ https://support.roku.com/article/217478308
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118576
      5. ↑ https://support.roku.com/article/115002930768

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 9,766 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement