How to Connect Bluetooth Speakers to TV

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. If your TV doesn’t have Bluetooth built-in, don’t fret; follow our guide on how to add Bluetooth to a TV. It might be different when you need to connect 4 speakers to a 2 channel amp, but it works almost the same way.

Depending on what level of the audio quality of your best speakers, what type of speaker 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 a pair of headphones with your top-rated TV. Alternatively, to make it simpler, you’ll be better off using a soundbar.

If you were having trouble hearing before, adding speakers or a soundbar is a good way to help improve your watching experience. So, if you want to add eye-catching speakers, then you’ll want to check out our JBL PartyBox 710 review.

It can also help by allowing you to focus more on the action on the screen instead of reading subtitles, and you can read our page if you need to know how to turn off subtitles on a TV.

Smart TVs

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:

• All designated “Smart” TVs have Bluetooth connectivity built-in
• Any TV that comes with a smart remote should also have Bluetooth built-in

Once you’ve determined if your TV is Bluetooth capable, these general steps should apply to most TVs:

1. Make sure your Bluetooth speakers (or wireless headphones) and TV are both powered on
2. On your TV’s settings menu, select “Sound Settings” or “Advanced Settings”
3. Select “Sound” or “Sound Out/Sound Output”
4. Select your Bluetooth speakers from the list of audio outputs

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. You may also need to know how to make a Bluetooth speaker louder in the event the audio seems too quiet.

Bluetooth Transmitters

If your TV doesn’t have Bluetooth, you can still connect it to Bluetooth speakers or pairs of headphones using a Bluetooth transmitter, which can be found starting 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. But, it’s a little different than playing music on multiple Bluetooth speakers. When connecting wireless speakers to your TV, it’s somewhat easier. For a more immersive sound, you can check out our page on how to connect surround sound to a TV or connect Bluetooth speakers to a projector. Alternatively, if you want to use a more mobile viewing experience, you can learn how to connect an iPad to Bluetooth speakers or about connecting a Mac to a Bluetooth speaker.

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:

• Connecting the AUX port with an analog 3.5mm or RCA jack is the easiest, most inexpensive, and given the wide availability of such cables, most convenient option
• Connecting via the digital audio/optical port will provide superior audio to using the AUX port, but optical cables are more expensive, not as widely available, and can be more finicky to connect properly

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. However, if your Bluetooth is giving you trouble, you can learn how to use the AUX mode in Bluetooth speakers.

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