Yes, but the method depends on your TV model

You can connect AirPods to most modern TVs, but the process is not the same as pairing them to an iPhone or Mac. Most TVs do not have built-in Bluetooth that works with AirPods out of the box. Instead, you will need either a TV that supports AirPods directly, an external adapter, or a device that sits between your TV and the AirPods. The fastest route depends on what TV you own and what you are trying to watch.

The three main paths are: using an Apple TV device, enabling hidden Bluetooth settings on Samsung or LG TVs, or plugging in a USB Bluetooth adapter. Each has trade-offs in setup time, cost, and audio quality. If you use a streaming device like Roku or Fire Stick, you will also need an adapter since those platforms do not support AirPods natively.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV devices (4K or HD models) connect to AirPods the same way your iPhone does — hold the AirPods case near the TV and they pair instantly.
  • Samsung, LG, and some other smart TVs have Bluetooth that works with AirPods, but you must enable developer mode or a hidden setting first.
  • If your TV has no Bluetooth or the Bluetooth does not work with AirPods, a USB Bluetooth adapter plugged into the TV's USB port is the cheapest workaround.
  • Streaming devices like Roku, Fire Stick, and Google Chromecast do not support AirPods directly, so you will need an adapter for those too.
  • Audio delay is common when using AirPods with TVs — the sound may lag behind the picture, especially with older or budget adapters.

Apple TV is the simplest option

If you own an Apple TV (4K or HD model), connecting AirPods takes seconds. Open the Control Center on your Apple TV, go to AirPlay and Audio, select your AirPods, and they connect. You can also hold your AirPods case near the Apple TV and it will prompt you to connect, just like pairing to an iPhone.

This is the only TV setup where AirPods work without extra steps or adapters. The connection is stable, audio syncs properly with the picture, and you can switch between multiple AirPods users without re-pairing. If you do not own an Apple TV but want this experience, a used Apple TV HD is often available for under $100, and newer models cost between $99 and $199 depending on storage and resolution.

Samsung and LG TVs have hidden Bluetooth settings

Many Samsung and LG smart TVs include Bluetooth, but it is not enabled for third-party headphones by default. To turn it on, you will need to enter developer mode or find a hidden menu. On Samsung TVs, this usually means going to Settings, then About TV, then pressing a button combination (often the remote's back button five times) to unlock developer options. Once there, look for Bluetooth Audio or Bluetooth Headset Mode.

LG TVs vary by model year, but the process is similar: Settings, then About, then look for a Developer option or Bluetooth Audio setting. Once enabled, your TV will show up in your AirPods' Bluetooth list. Pair them as you would any other Bluetooth device. The catch is that not all Samsung and LG models support this, and the menu locations change frequently. Check your TV's manual or search for your specific model number plus "AirPods Bluetooth" to confirm before trying.

Even when this works, audio delay can be noticeable — the sound may lag a quarter-second or more behind the picture. This is usually not a problem for casual viewing, but it becomes obvious during sports or fast-paced action. If you find the delay unacceptable, a USB adapter or Apple TV will give you better results.

USB Bluetooth adapters work on almost any TV

A USB Bluetooth adapter is a small dongle that plugs into your TV's USB port and adds Bluetooth support. Popular models include the TaoTronics Bluetooth 5.0 adapter and the Avantree USB Bluetooth transmitter. These cost between $15 and $40 and work with nearly any TV that has a USB port, regardless of brand or age.

To use one, plug it into your TV's USB port, then put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds. The adapter will find them and connect. Some adapters have a small button you press to enter pairing mode; others pair automatically. Once connected, audio from your TV plays through the AirPods.

The main drawback is audio delay. Most USB adapters introduce a lag of 100 to 300 milliseconds, which you will notice during dialogue or action scenes. Some newer adapters claim to reduce this, but it is rarely eliminated entirely. If you are watching a movie where timing matters, this may be frustrating. For casual TV, news, or shows where the delay does not stand out, it works fine and costs far less than an Apple TV.

Streaming devices need adapters too

Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, and similar devices do not support AirPods natively. If you want to use AirPods with these devices, you have two options: use a USB Bluetooth adapter (if the device has a USB port) or use AirPlay if the device supports it.

Most Roku and Fire Stick models have a USB port, so a Bluetooth adapter will work. Chromecast does not have a USB port, so your only option is to use a device that supports AirPlay — which means going back to Apple TV or using an AirPlay-compatible receiver or soundbar. If you use a Bluetooth adapter with a streaming device, the same audio delay issue applies. The picture and sound will not be perfectly in sync, though most people do not notice it during normal viewing.

What to expect with audio delay

Audio delay happens because Bluetooth adds processing time between your TV and your AirPods. The TV sends the audio signal, the Bluetooth adapter or TV receives it, and then it transmits to your AirPods — all of which takes time. On Apple TV, this delay is minimal because Apple designed the system to work together. On other setups, especially with USB adapters, the delay is more noticeable.

You will notice it most during dialogue-heavy scenes, sports, or music videos where the sound should match the picture exactly. During a movie with background music or ambient sound, the delay is usually not obvious. If audio delay bothers you, your best option is to use an Apple TV or to check whether your TV's native Bluetooth works with AirPods before buying an adapter. Some newer Bluetooth adapters advertise low-latency support, which can reduce but not eliminate the problem.

Alternatives if AirPods do not work

If connecting AirPods to your TV proves difficult or the delay is too much, consider other options. Many TVs work better with standard Bluetooth headphones that are not AirPods — brands like Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser often have fewer compatibility issues. You can also use a soundbar or Bluetooth speaker instead of headphones; many of these connect more reliably to TVs than AirPods do.

Another option is to use AirPlay instead of Bluetooth. If your TV or a device connected to your TV supports AirPlay, you can send audio to your AirPods through AirPlay rather than Bluetooth. This usually has less delay. Apple TV supports this, and some smart TVs from Samsung and LG have added AirPlay support in recent years. Wired headphones connected to your TV's headphone jack or audio output will have no delay at all, though they lack the convenience of wireless listening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all AirPods models work with TVs?

AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, AirPods (2nd generation and later), and AirPods (3rd generation) all support Bluetooth and can pair with TVs. Older AirPods (1st generation) have limited Bluetooth range and may not work reliably with TVs. Check your model in Settings on your iPhone to confirm which generation you own.

Why is there a delay between the picture and sound?

Bluetooth adds processing time as the signal travels from your TV to the adapter to your AirPods. This delay is usually 100 to 300 milliseconds depending on the adapter and TV. Apple TV minimizes this because it was designed to work with AirPods, but most other setups have noticeable lag.

Can I use AirPods with a regular (non-smart) TV?

Yes, but only with an external device. A regular TV has no Bluetooth or USB ports, so you would need to connect a device like an Apple TV, Roku, or Fire Stick to the TV first, then pair your AirPods to that device. A USB Bluetooth adapter will not work without a USB port on the TV itself.

Will my AirPods drain faster when connected to a TV?

Yes, slightly. Bluetooth uses more battery than a wired connection, and continuous Bluetooth use drains AirPods faster than occasional use with a phone. Expect to charge them more often if you watch TV regularly with them, especially if you use AirPods Pro or AirPods Max.

Is there a way to reduce audio delay?

Use an Apple TV if you can — it has the least delay. If you must use another TV, look for a Bluetooth adapter that supports aptX Low Latency, which reduces delay compared to standard Bluetooth. Even with aptX, some delay remains. Wired headphones or a Bluetooth speaker connected to your TV will have no delay.