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Not all not TVs come with Bluetooth built-in, but that doesn’t mean you can’t access some of the benefits of Bluetooth audio functionality regardless. If you want to know how to connect Bluetooth speakers to a TV, you’ve got a couple of simple, inexpensive options that are easy to set up. It might be different when you need to connect 4 speakers to a 2 channel amp, but it works almost the same way.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Depending on what level of the audio quality of your best speakers, what you’re looking for, and the ease of setup and price point you’d prefer, these two options are both good for letting you enjoy the benefits of Bluetooth speakers or headphones with your top-rated TV.
Insider Tip
If your TV has Bluetooth connectivity built-in, connecting to external Bluetooth speakers is as simple as making sure they’re powered on and selecting them in your TV’s audio output settings menu.
If your TV has Bluetooth connectivity built-in, connecting to external Bluetooth speakers is as simple as making sure they’re powered on and selecting them in your TV’s audio output settings menu. This is as simple as how to connect Chromecast to a TV. If you’re not sure if your TV has Bluetooth built-in, here are a few indicators:
Once you’ve determined if your TV is Bluetooth capable, these general steps should apply to most TVs:
Keep in mind, that if you’re not hearing any audio and your Bluetooth setup is correct, you’ll need to check the speakers and do additional troubleshooting.
If your TV doesn’t have Bluetooth, you can still connect it to Bluetooth speakers or headphones using a Bluetooth transmitter, which can be found starting for as low as $18 online. You’ll then be connecting the Bluetooth transmitter to a physical audio output on your TV and connecting your Bluetooth speakers to the transmitter wirelessly via Bluetooth signal.
Here you’ll have two options- connect the transmitter to the TV’s AUX audio out port with a stereo RCA or 3.5mm audio jack, or connect the transmitter to the TV’s digital audio/optical audio port with an optical cable. There are advantages and disadvantages to each option:
Currently, Bluetooth transmitters are the only practical and non-cost-prohibitive way to add Bluetooth functionality to non-Bluetooth TVs, but they’re an effective and inexpensive way to connect Bluetooth speakers. You can also check out how to connect a tablet to a tv if you’d like to mirror your tablet.
If your TV doesn’t have Bluetooth, you can still connect it to Bluetooth speakers or headphones using a Bluetooth transmitter,
Can I use surround sound with Bluetooth speakers on a non-Bluetooth TV?
Using a Bluetooth transmitter via your TV’s AUX outputs, no, but connecting a transmitter via optical/digital audio should allow you to use surround sound settings, though with compressed audio.
How do I know if my TV supports Bluetooth?
If your TV came with a Smart Remote or is a designated Smart TV, it should support Bluetooth, and your TV should be discoverable on a Bluetooth network.
How do I use Bluetooth speakers if my TV has Bluetooth?
If your TV has Bluetooth support built-in, it should be as simple as going to the “sound out” or similarly named sub-menu on your TV’s settings menu and selecting the Bluetooth speakers as your audio output device.
STAT: Bluetooth was first introduced in 1999 by IBM and Ericsson (source)
STAT: In 2020 the market size value of Bluetooth speakers was $1.44 billion (source)
STAT: All modern flat-panel TVs come built with optical and AUX audio outs (source)
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