How to connect headphones to your TV
Connecting headphones to your TV gives you an audio experience that’s all yours. Whether you’re enjoying a late-night movie marathon or immersing yourself in a hot new video game, you’ll be able to hear all the onscreen action without disturbing others.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, covering various connectivity options and troubleshooting tips to get you hooked up in no time at all.
TV connectivity
Before we dive into the actual connection process, you’ll need to find out your TV’s connectivity options.
A lot of modern TVs come equipped with Bluetooth functionality, which allows for wireless headphone connections. To check if your TV supports Bluetooth, navigate to the settings menu and look for a Bluetooth or connectivity section. If Bluetooth is available, you’re in luck! You can then proceed with pairing your Bluetooth headphones.
If your TV doesn’t support Bluetooth, don’t worry – most TVs offer alternative audio output options, such as headphone jacks, RCA ports, or optical outputs. These connections let you use wired headphones or additional devices like Bluetooth transmitters for wireless connectivity.
Pairing Bluetooth headphones
If your TV has Bluetooth capabilities, pairing your Bluetooth headphones is a simple process. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn on your Bluetooth headphones and put them in pairing mode. If you don’t know how to do this, refer to the user manual.
- Go into your TV’s Bluetooth settings from the menu. The location might vary depending on your TV’s brand and model – just look for options related to Bluetooth or audio devices.
- Scan for available deviceson your TV. Your Bluetooth headphones should appear in the list of available devices.
- Select your headphones from the list and follow any on-screen prompts to complete the pairing process.
Right – you’re all paired up! Your TV should now automatically send its audio to your Bluetooth headphones.
Options for non-Bluetooth TVs
If your TV doesn’t have Bluetooth functionality, you can still get wireless audio by using Bluetooth transmitters or specialised adapters.
These devices connect to your TV’s audio output ports and transmit audio wirelessly to Bluetooth-enabled headphones. Simply plug the transmitter into your TV’s headphone jack or other audio output ports, pair it with your Bluetooth headphones, and you’re good to go.
Additionally, some TVs offer wireless headphone systems utilizing RF (radio frequency) technology. These systems typically come with a base station that connects to your TV and dedicated wireless headphones. RF headphones might not be as versatile as Bluetooth headphones, but they do provide reliable wireless audio without the need for additional adapters.
Wired headphone solutions
You might want to use wired headphones if your TV doesn’t have Bluetooth – or if you’ve got a comfy set of wired headphones that you’re happy with.
Go ahead and look for the headphone jack or audio output ports on your TV and plug in your headphones. Once connected, you might need to adjust the volume settings on your TV or headphones.
Special headphones for TV listening
If you’re really into TV, it might be worth investing in specialised TV headphones. They come with features designed for extended TV use, such as long battery life, comfortable ear cushions, and optimised audio settings. Additionally, some models offer features like voice clarification or adjustable volume controls specifically for TV audio.
Troubleshooting common TV connection issues
Something not going right? Here are solutions to five common problems you might have when trying to connect headphones to your TV:
- Interference or dropout. Make sure that there aren’t any obstacles between your Bluetooth headphones and the TV. You can also try repositioning the devices for a better signal reception.
- Low audio quality. Check the audio settings on your TV and headphones and make sure that they’re optimised for the best sound quality.
- Device not found. Double-check that your Bluetooth headphones are in pairing mode and within range of the TV. You might need to restart both devices.
- Incompatibility. Verify that your headphones are compatible with your TV’s Bluetooth version. Older devices might have limited compatibility with newer technology.
- Audio delay. Some Bluetooth headphones might experience a slight delay in audio playback. If this is happening with yours, check if your TV offers audio delay adjustment settings to sync audio with video.
FAQs
What are the best wireless headphones to watch TV?
If you’re looking for the best wireless headphones for TV viewing, go for features such as long battery life, comfortable design for extended wearing and viewing, low latency for synchronised audio, and customisable audio settings that give you the best viewing experience.
How can I tell if my TV has Bluetooth?
Navigate to your TV’s settings menu and look for options related to connectivity or Bluetooth. If Bluetooth is available, you’ll usually find it listed in the settings menu with the option to enable or disable it.
Why is my TV not connecting to Bluetooth?
Several factors could prevent your TV from connecting to Bluetooth, including incompatible devices, signal interference, or software issues. Try restarting both your TV and Bluetooth headphone when they’re both in pairing mode – and if that doesn’t work, check out our troubleshooting guide above.
Source: CURRYS