How to Connect AirPods to Roku TV

You can’t connect directly, but there’s a workaround with the Roku app

by
Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen
Writer
Jeremy Laukkonen is tech writer and the creator of a popular blog and video game startup. He also ghostwrites articles for numerous major trade publications.
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Jeremy Laukkonen
Updated on June 05, 2021

What to Know

  • You can’t connect AirPods directly to a Roku device.
  • To use your AirPods with your Roku, connect your AirPods to your phone.
  • In the Roku app on your phone: Connect phone to Roku device. Turn on Private Listening feature to listen on your AirPods while using TV.

This article explains how to connect AirPods to Roku TV.

How Do I Connect My AirPods to My Roku TV?

You can’t connect AirPods directly to a Roku TV or Roku streaming device, because you can’t connect Bluetooth headphones to a Roku TV in general. However, there is a workaround using the Roku app on your mobile device.

By connecting the AirPods to your mobile device and connecting the Roku app on your mobile device to your Roku TV or streaming device, you can watch a show or movie on your TV and hear the audio through your AirPods.

This same workaround works for any Bluetooth headphones. Just pair the headphones to your mobile device, and follow the rest of the instructions.

Here’s how to connect your AirPods to your Roku TV or streaming device using the Roku app:

  1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone, or pair your AirPods to your Android phone.

  2. Download and install the Roku app on your phone.

  3. Open the Roku app.

  4. Tap Remote.

  5. Tap Devices.

  6. Tap OK.

    Remote, Devices, and OK highlighted in the Roku app

  7. Tap Connect Now.

  8. Wait for the Roku app to find your Roku TV or Roku streaming device, and select it from the list.

  9. After the device connects, tap the remote icon.

    Connect now, Roku device, and Remote icon highlighted in the Roku app

  10. Tap the headphones icon.

  11. Tap OK.

  12. Open the control center, and verify your AirPods are active.

    Headphones icons and OK highlighted in the Roku app

  13. Play a movie or show on your Roku, and you’ll hear the audio in your AirPods.

Can I Connect My Bluetooth Headphones to My Roku TV?

The Private Listening feature available in the Roku App works with whatever headphones you have connected to your phone. You can connect Bluetooth headphones or wired earbuds to your phone, and the feature will work exactly the same. Just pair your Bluetooth headphones to your phone, or plug in your wired earbuds, connect the Roku app to your Roku TV or Roku streaming device, and activate the Private Listening feature.

What if My Roku Won’t Connect to the Roku App?

If your Roku won’t connect to the Roku App, you won’t be able to use the Private Listening feature, so you won’t be able to use your AirPods with your Roku. Here are the most common reasons a Roku device won’t connect to the Roku App:

  • The phone and Roku must be connected to the same wireless network. If your router has more than one network, make sure both devices are connected to the same network.
  • The Roku needs to be fully updated, so update it if necessary.
  • The app needs permission to access other devices if you're using an iPhone, so grant it permission when asked.
  • The phone can’t be connected to a VPN.
  • The network can’t have AP isolation activated.
  • The Roku needs to accept connections. Navigate to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Control by mobile apps > Network access and set it to Default or Permissive.

If you’ve checked all of those settings and your Roku still won’t connect, try restarting the Roku device and restarting the Roku app. Restarting the Roku app may trigger an update if one is available, and the connection may work after performing the update.

FAQ
  • How do I add Bluetooth to my Roku TV?

    You can add Bluetooth functionality by connecting Roku TV Wireless Speakers or the Roku Smart Soundbar to your smart TV. You can then pair your phone with the speakers (not the TV directly) to get audio.

  • Can I pair any speaker to my Roku TV?

    Yes. You can connect any audio/video receiver (AVR) or soundbar to the HDMI port on your Roku TV that supports ARC (audio return channel). If the speaker doesn't support ARC, you can connect it to the optical output (S/PDIF) instead.

  • Why won't my TV connect to the Roku mobile app?

    Your Roku TV and your mobile device should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Go to your TV's settings to make sure the Network access option is set to default, make sure your phone is running the last version of the Roku app, then restart your TV and the app.

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