Hey there! So you just got a new Roku TV and you’re wondering if you can connect it to your Bluetooth speakers or headphones. Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Roku TVs have exploded in popularity in recent years as an affordable and easy way to enjoy top streaming services like Netflix and Hulu right on your television. But with great convenience comes great complexity when it comes to understanding what these smart TVs can and can’t do. One common question is whether Roku TV models support Bluetooth connections.
The short answer is yes…sort of! Let’s take a deep dive into the Bluetooth capabilities of Roku TVs so you can rock out and watch quietly no matter which model you have.
Roku TV Models That Offer Bluetooth Connectivity
Here’s the deal: not all Roku TV models actually have native Bluetooth built-in. Roku licenses its smart TV software to multiple manufacturers like TCL, Hisense, Sharp, and others. Each of these companies has various Roku TV models in their lineup, some with Bluetooth and some without. Confusing, I know!
So which major Roku TV brands actually support Bluetooth connections? Here’s a quick breakdown:
TCL Roku TVs
TCL is one of the most popular makers of Roku TVs. Most of their newer 4K models include Bluetooth support. This includes:
- TCL 5-Series (2020 and newer models)
- TCL 6-Series (2018 and newer models)
- TCL 8-Series (2019 and newer models)
These TCL Roku TVs have Bluetooth 5.0 which provides extended range and dual audio connections.
Hisense Roku TVs
Many Hisense Roku TV models also include built-in Bluetooth:
- Hisense R6 Series (2019 and newer models)
- Hisense R8 Series (2020 and newer models)
- Hisense U6 Series (2020 and newer models)
- Hisense U7 Series (2020 and newer models)
- Hisense U8 Series (2020 and newer models)
These Hisense Roku TVs have Bluetooth 5.0 like the TCL models.
Sharp and RCA Roku TVs
Most Sharp and RCA Roku TVs have Bluetooth support including:
- Sharp LC-50LB371U (and other LC3xx models)
- Sharp LC-43LE653U (and other LC6xx models)
- RCA RTR322DA (and other R3xx models)
These TVs generally have Bluetooth 4.2 which has decent range but limited to one audio device at a time.
So if you have a Roku TV model from these manufacturers, chances are Bluetooth connectivity is built right in and ready to use! Just make sure you have the latest firmware installed.
Connecting Bluetooth Speakers to Roku TV
Once you’ve confirmed your Roku TV has Bluetooth support, connecting wireless speakers is a breeze. But why would you want to hook up Bluetooth speakers in the first place?
Having great sound completes the Roku TV viewing experience. The built-in speakers on most TVs simply can’t match the sound quality of a dedicated speaker system. Plus you can place Bluetooth speakers anywhere in the room!
Here’s how easy it is to connect Bluetooth speakers to a native Bluetooth Roku TV:
- Turn on your Roku TV and go to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Add New Device
- Put your Bluetooth speaker in pairing mode so it’s discoverable
- Your Roku TV will scan and find the speaker – select it to pair!
That’s it! Your Roku TV will now stream audio directly to the Bluetooth speakers whenever you’re streaming shows or music. No cables, adapters, or pairing to a phone needed!
But what if your Roku TV doesn’t actually have Bluetooth built-in? Don’t worry, you can still connect Bluetooth speakers through a workaround using the Roku mobile app on your smartphone.
Here are the steps:
- Connect your Bluetooth speakers to your smartphone
- Make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network as your Roku TV
- Open the Roku app and tap the Private Listening button
- The app will now stream Roku TV audio to your paired Bluetooth speakers!
This method works with any non-Bluetooth Roku TV. Just keep your phone nearby anytime you want to use the Bluetooth speakers. Think of your phone as a wireless Bluetooth bridge to the TV.
Connecting Bluetooth Headphones to Roku TV
Okay, so you’ve got your Bluetooth speaker situation handled. But what if you want to watch Roku late at night without disturbing the whole house? Break out the Bluetooth headphones!
Bluetooth headphones are perfect for private, quiet listening on your Roku TV. You can crank up the volume on your headphones while everyone else can sleep. No one else will hear a thing!
For Roku TV models with built-in Bluetooth, pairing headphones works just like speakers:
- Turn on Bluetooth mode in your Roku TV settings
- Put your Bluetooth headphones in pairing mode
- Select the headphones from the Roku TV menu to connect
Again, simple as can be with native Bluetooth support!
If your Roku TV doesn’t have Bluetooth, don’t break out the cables just yet. You can still use Bluetooth headphones wirelessly with the Roku mobile app’s Private Listening feature.
Just follow these steps:
- Pair your Bluetooth headphones to your smartphone
- Make sure your phone is on the same WiFi as the Roku TV
- Launch the Roku app and enable Private Listening
- Roku TV audio will now stream to your Bluetooth headphones!
The Private Listening mode is made exactly for wireless headphone use. Just be sure to keep your phone nearby to maintain the Bluetooth connection.
Pro tip: Position your phone in between you and the Roku TV to minimize connection drops from any interference. Happy private listening!
Connecting Bluetooth Game Controllers to Roku TV
Alright, enough with the tunes and TV shows. Let’s talk video games!
Did you know you can play tons of classic and indie games on your Roku TV? And using a Bluetooth game controller makes gaming much more natural than the remote.
On a native Bluetooth Roku TV, connecting a Bluetooth controller is easy:
- Turn on the Bluetooth setting under Remotes & Devices
- Put your Bluetooth controller in pairing mode
- Select the controller from the Roku TV menu
Compatible controllers include the PS4 DualShock and Xbox One controller, which work great across various game apps.
But for Roku TVs without built-in Bluetooth, there’s a catch. You can’t directly connect Bluetooth controllers to non-Bluetooth Roku smart TVs.
Instead, you need to:
- Connect a Roku streaming device to your TV
- Pair the Bluetooth controller to the Roku streaming device
- Play Roku games using the controller through the streaming device
This workaround lets you use Bluetooth controllers to play games on the big screen. Just make sure your Roku streaming stick or box stays powered on.
Other Bluetooth Devices Compatible with Roku TV
In addition to speakers, headphones, and game controllers, your Roku TV may also work with other types of Bluetooth accessories:
- Bluetooth keyboards – Makes typing login info and searches easier, although keyboard use is limited.
- Bluetooth remotes – Provides an enhanced experience and allows “finding your remote” when it goes missing!
- Bluetooth transmitters – Enables a wireless connection for non-Bluetooth sound systems.
- Bluetooth trackers – Can be attached to remote controls or game controllers so you never lose them again!
- Smart home devices – Connect things like lights, switches, sensors, cameras, and more.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless thanks to Bluetooth on Roku TV. Just double check for compatibility before purchasing any accessory.
Maintaining Strong Bluetooth Connections with Roku TV
Alright, let’s wrap things up with some quick tips for keeping your Roku TV Bluetooth connections solid and interference-free:
- Always install the latest Roku TV software updates for bug fixes and Bluetooth improvements.
- Minimize physical obstacles and walls between your Roku TV and connected Bluetooth devices.
- Try to keep devices within 30 feet for optimal Bluetooth range.
- Turn off WiFi when not in use to reduce wireless signal interference.
- Position devices closer together and minimize obstructions for critical connections like headphones.
- Consider the Bluetooth version when planning placement of TV and accessories.
Follow those simple guidelines and your Roku TV Bluetooth connections should be rock solid. You’ll be rocking out to tunes and gaming in peace in no time!
Conclusion
Phew, that was a boatload of information on Roku TV and Bluetooth! The key points to remember:
- Only certain Roku TV models have native Bluetooth built-in.
- For non-Bluetooth models, use the Roku mobile app workarounds.
- Connect speakers, headphones, controllers, and more for an enhanced experience.
- Optimize placement and update software to maximize connectivity.
So there you have it! Now you know exactly how to connect those Bluetooth speakers and headphones to your Roku TV model. Never struggle with Bluetooth pairing again!