What you need to know before you start
Your Roku TV can connect to Bluetooth speakers, headphones, soundbars, and game controllers — but not all Bluetooth devices work with every Roku model. Before you begin, check whether your specific Roku TV supports Bluetooth by looking at the model number on the back of the TV or in Settings > System > About. Roku TVs made after 2016 almost always have Bluetooth built in, but some older models do not.
The connection process takes about two minutes and happens entirely through your Roku remote. You do not need to download anything or use your phone. Once paired, your Bluetooth device will reconnect automatically the next time you turn on your TV — you do not have to pair it again each time.
One important limitation: Roku TVs can only connect to one Bluetooth audio device at a time. If you pair a soundbar, you cannot also pair wireless headphones simultaneously. You can unpair and re-pair devices as needed, but only one will work at any moment.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings on your Roku TV, go to Remotes & Devices, then Bluetooth, and select Search for Devices to put your TV in pairing mode.
- Put your Bluetooth device into pairing mode at the same time — usually by holding a button on the device for three to five seconds until a light blinks.
- Your Roku TV will show a list of available devices; select the one you want to connect to.
- Once paired, test the connection by playing audio or video to make sure sound comes through the Bluetooth device, not the TV speakers.
- If pairing fails, restart both the TV and the Bluetooth device, then try again from the beginning.
Step-by-step: pairing a Bluetooth device to your Roku TV
Step 1: Open the Settings menu. Press the Home button on your Roku remote. Use the arrow buttons to scroll down and select Settings (it looks like a gear icon). Press OK.
Step 2: Navigate to Remotes & Devices. Scroll down in Settings and select Remotes & Devices. Press OK. You will see options for pairing remotes and other devices.
Step 3: Select Bluetooth. Look for Bluetooth in the Remotes & Devices menu and select it. Press OK. You will see options including "Search for Devices" — this is what you need.
Step 4: Start the search. Select Search for Devices and press OK. Your Roku TV is now in pairing mode and will look for Bluetooth devices nearby. A message on screen will say "Searching for devices" or similar. Leave this screen open.
Step 5: Put your Bluetooth device into pairing mode. While the Roku TV is searching, activate pairing mode on your Bluetooth device. This step varies by device — check the manual or look for a Bluetooth button or pairing button. Common methods include holding down a power button for three to five seconds until a light blinks, or pressing a dedicated Bluetooth button. Do this while the TV is still searching.
Step 6: Select your device from the list. Within 30 seconds, your Bluetooth device should appear on the Roku TV screen. You will see its name in a list. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to highlight it and press OK to select it.
Step 7: Confirm the pairing. The TV may ask you to confirm the pairing on both devices. If your Bluetooth device shows a confirmation code, make sure it matches what appears on your TV screen, then confirm on both. The TV will show a success message when pairing is complete.
Testing your connection
After pairing, play a video or music on your Roku TV to test whether sound comes through the Bluetooth device. Open any app — Netflix, YouTube, or the Roku Channel — and start playing something with audio. You should hear sound from your Bluetooth speaker or headphones, not from the TV speakers.
If you hear sound from both the TV and the Bluetooth device, or only from the TV, the pairing did not work correctly. Go back to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Bluetooth and look for an option to remove or forget the device. Then start the pairing process over from Step 1.
What to do if pairing fails
The most common reason pairing fails is that one device was not actually in pairing mode when the other was searching. If the Roku TV searched but your device never appeared, restart both devices and try again. Turn off your Bluetooth device completely, wait 10 seconds, turn it back on, and immediately put it into pairing mode. Then start the Roku search again.
If your device appears in the list but the connection fails when you select it, the devices may be too far apart. Move your Bluetooth device closer to the TV — within 10 feet — and try pairing again. Walls, metal objects, and other electronics can interfere with the signal, so try moving to a clearer location.
If you have paired this device to your Roku TV before and it is not connecting now, the pairing may have been forgotten. Go to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Bluetooth and look for a list of paired devices. If you see your device listed, select it and choose Remove or Forget. Then pair it again from the beginning.
Unpairing a Bluetooth device
To disconnect a Bluetooth device without deleting the pairing, simply turn off the device or move it out of range. The TV will remember the pairing and reconnect automatically when the device is turned back on and comes within range.
To permanently remove a pairing — for example, if you are selling the TV or giving the Bluetooth device to someone else — go to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Bluetooth. You will see a list of paired devices. Select the device you want to remove and choose Forget or Remove. The pairing will be deleted and the device will not reconnect automatically.
Bluetooth devices that work with Roku TVs
Most standard Bluetooth devices will pair with a Roku TV, but some work better than others. Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, and headphones almost always work. Bluetooth game controllers — including Xbox and PlayStation controllers — also pair successfully with most Roku models.
Some devices have limited compatibility. Older Bluetooth devices made before 2015 may not pair at all. Certain specialized devices like fitness trackers or smartwatches are not designed to work with TVs and will not appear in the search results. If your device does not appear after multiple attempts, check the manufacturer's website to see whether it supports Roku TV pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect two Bluetooth speakers to my Roku TV at the same time?
No. Roku TVs only support one Bluetooth audio device at a time. If you pair a second speaker, the first one will disconnect. You can switch between devices by unpairing one and pairing the other, but both cannot work simultaneously.
Why does my Bluetooth device keep disconnecting?
Disconnections usually happen because the device moved out of range or the battery is low. Keep your Bluetooth device within 30 feet of the TV and make sure it is fully charged. If disconnections continue, restart both the TV and the device, then re-pair them. Interference from other wireless devices like microwaves or Wi-Fi routers can also cause drops — try moving the Bluetooth device closer to the TV.
Do I have to pair my Bluetooth device every time I use my Roku TV?
No. Once you pair a device, it stays paired. The next time you turn on your TV, the Bluetooth device will reconnect automatically if it is turned on and in range. You only need to pair once, unless you remove the device from the paired list.
What if my Roku TV does not have a Bluetooth option in Settings?
Your TV model may not have built-in Bluetooth. Check the model number on the back of the TV and search the Roku website to confirm. If your TV does not support Bluetooth, you can still use external speakers by connecting them with an audio cable to the TV's audio output jack, or by using a Roku Streambar or other Roku audio device that connects via HDMI.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones to watch TV without disturbing others?
Yes. Once you pair Bluetooth headphones to your Roku TV, audio will play through the headphones instead of the TV speakers. Make sure the headphones are charged and in pairing mode before you start watching. If you want to switch back to TV speakers, you can unpair the headphones or simply turn them off.