The fastest way to connect headphones
Samsung TVs connect to wireless headphones through Bluetooth, which takes about 30 seconds once you have the headphones in pairing mode. Go to Settings on your TV remote, select Sound, then Sound Output, and choose Bluetooth Speaker List. Put your headphones into pairing mode (usually by holding the power button for 3 to 5 seconds until a light flashes), and your TV will find them. Select the headphones from the list, and they will connect.
If your headphones do not appear, make sure they are charged and within 10 feet of the TV. Some older Bluetooth headphones may not work with Samsung TVs — the TV supports Bluetooth 5.0 and later versions, though many older models still connect. If pairing fails after two attempts, restart both the TV and the headphones, then try again.
Wired headphones connect through the headphone jack on your Samsung TV remote, not the TV itself. Plug the 3.5mm cable into the remote's jack, and audio will play through the headphones instead of the TV speakers. This works on most Samsung remotes made in the last five years, though some newer models have removed the jack.
Key Takeaways
- Wireless headphones connect through Bluetooth via Settings > Sound > Sound Output > Bluetooth Speaker List on your TV.
- Wired headphones plug into the 3.5mm jack on your Samsung remote, not the TV itself.
- Bluetooth headphones must be in pairing mode and within 10 feet of the TV to connect successfully.
- If your headphones do not appear in the Bluetooth list, restart both devices and try pairing again.
Connecting multiple headphones at the same time
Samsung TVs can connect to two Bluetooth headphones simultaneously, which is useful if two people want to watch with separate audio. After pairing your first headphone through the Bluetooth Speaker List, go back to the same menu and select Add New Device. Put your second headphone into pairing mode, and the TV will find it. Both headphones will then play audio at the same volume.
You cannot adjust the volume separately for each headphone — both will follow the TV's master volume control. If you need different volumes, one person will need to use wired headphones connected to the remote instead, since the remote jack operates independently from the TV's Bluetooth audio.
Troubleshooting when headphones won't connect
If your Bluetooth headphones appear in the list but won't stay connected, the TV and headphones may be too far apart or there may be interference from other wireless devices. Move the headphones closer to the TV and turn off any nearby Wi-Fi routers or cordless phones temporarily to test. If the connection drops during use, restart the TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
Some headphones require a specific app or firmware update to work with Samsung TVs. Check the headphone manufacturer's website to see if an update is available. If the headphones worked before but stopped connecting, try "forgetting" the device: go to Settings > Sound > Sound Output > Bluetooth Speaker List, find the headphones, and select Remove. Then pair them again from scratch.
If your remote's headphone jack is not working, make sure the cable is fully inserted and try a different pair of wired headphones to rule out a cable problem. Lint or debris in the jack can block the connection — gently clean it with a dry cotton swab if needed.
When to use wired versus wireless headphones
Wired headphones through the remote are more reliable if you have older or less common Bluetooth models, since they do not depend on pairing. They also never lose connection or run out of battery. The trade-off is that you are tethered to the remote and cannot move far from it without losing audio.
Bluetooth headphones give you freedom to move around the room and are easier to share between devices — you can pair them with your phone, tablet, or TV without unplugging anything. They work better if you plan to watch for hours at a time, since you do not have to hold or stay near the remote. Battery life on most Bluetooth headphones ranges from 8 to 30 hours depending on the model.
Audio settings that affect headphone sound
Once your headphones are connected, you can adjust how they sound through the TV's audio settings. Go to Settings > Sound and look for Equalizer or Audio Format. Some Samsung TVs let you boost bass or treble, which can make dialogue clearer or music richer depending on your preference.
If the volume through your headphones is much quieter than through the TV speakers, check Settings > Sound > Volume and make sure it is not set to a low level. You can also check whether Dolby Atmos or DTS:X is turned on — these surround sound formats sometimes play quieter through headphones on certain TV models.
Switching audio between headphones and TV speakers
To stop using headphones and play audio through the TV speakers again, go to Settings > Sound > Sound Output and select TV Speaker. Your headphones will stay paired but will not receive audio. You can switch back to them anytime by returning to the same menu and selecting them from the Bluetooth Speaker List.
If you are using wired headphones on the remote, simply unplug the cable to return audio to the TV speakers. The TV does not need to be adjusted — it automatically detects when the jack is empty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AirPods or other Apple headphones with a Samsung TV?
Yes, AirPods and most other Apple headphones support Bluetooth and will pair with Samsung TVs the same way as any other wireless headphone. Put them in pairing mode by opening the charging case and holding the button on the back until the light flashes white, then follow the standard Bluetooth pairing steps on your TV.
Why does my Samsung TV not have a Bluetooth option in the Sound menu?
Older Samsung TV models from before 2015 may not have built-in Bluetooth. Check your TV's model number in Settings > About This TV and look it up on Samsung's website to confirm. If your TV does not support Bluetooth, wired headphones through the remote are your only option.
Do I need to pair my headphones every time I turn on the TV?
No, once you pair Bluetooth headphones, they stay paired. When you turn the TV back on, the headphones will reconnect automatically if they are powered on and within range. You only need to pair them once unless you remove them from the TV's Bluetooth list.
Can I use headphones while other people watch with the TV speakers?
No, when you connect headphones to a Samsung TV, the TV speakers turn off automatically. If you want one person to use headphones and others to hear the TV speakers, use wired headphones on the remote instead — the remote jack operates separately from the TV's main audio output.
What is the range for Bluetooth headphones on a Samsung TV?
Most Samsung TVs support Bluetooth range of about 30 feet in open space, though walls and other obstacles can reduce this to 10 to 15 feet. If you move too far away, the connection will drop and audio will stop. Moving back closer will reconnect automatically.