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How to Connect Your Headphones to Any TV With Bluetooth
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By Stanley Goodner Stanley Goodner Writer Excelsior College Stanley Goodner is a former Lifewire writer who writes about audio equipment, music management, computer hardware, and other consumer technologies. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 26, 2021 Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Choose and Connect a Bluetooth Transceiver Fixing Delayed Audio Fixing Delayed Video If You Still Have Sync Problems Low Latency Is Key This article explains how to connect your wired or Bluetooth headphones to any TV, HDTV, or smart TV to enjoy video in sync with wireless audio. Information here applies to televisions from a variety of manufacturers including, but not limited to, LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, and Vizio. Choose and Connect a Bluetooth Transceiver
Many Bluetooth transceivers (a combination of transmitter and receiver) and transmitters are on the market, but only those with the right hardware will support a superior TV experience. The key is to choose one that features Bluetooth aptX with Low Latency (not just Bluetooth aptX) so that the audio will remain synchronized with the video. Otherwise, there will be a delay between what you see and hear. Lifewire / Miguel Co If your Bluetooth headphones don't support low latency—or if you intend to upgrade your wired headphones with Bluetooth—you'll need a pair of these Bluetooth transceivers. Set one to transmit mode and connect it to the TV/receiver audio output. Set the other to receive mode and plug it into the 3.5 mm jack on your headphones. After installing the Bluetooth adapters you need, follow the instructions to set them up with your headphones. 1:54 How to Connect Headphones to Any TV Via Bluetooth
Fixing Delayed Audio
Sometimes, you might hear everything a split second after it happens on the screen. If your TV is a recent model, check for an audio delay/sync setting (or something similarly named) under the sound options in the TV's system menu. If present, the adjustment is a slider or a box with values typically set in milliseconds. You might see a list of inputs/outputs that can be adjusted. Bringing that slider/number down should minimize the delay so that the audio syncs with the video. Fixing Delayed Video
In rare instances, you'll experience video instead of audio delay, typically when streaming high-definition content. The extra moment the video takes to appear (typically due to buffering) causes it to lag behind the sound. In this case, adjust the sound settings to increase the audio delay, slowing it down so it syncs up with the video. Make small adjustments and test until you find the perfect match. If You Still Have Sync Problems
Check to see if any of your TV’s sound settings are not set to standard. Enabling various sound modes (for example, virtual, 3D audio, surround, or PCM) can inject a delay. If you're streaming video through an app or separate device (such as YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Microsoft Xbox, Sony PS4, a Blu-ray player, or stereo receiver/amplifier), doublecheck the physical connections as well as the audio settings on each. For best results, keep your smart television updated with the latest firmware. Low Latency is Key
Look for Bluetooth aptX with Low Latency when shopping for both the headphones and the transmitter. Low-latency Bluetooth incurs a delay no greater than 40 milliseconds, which keeps what you hear and see synchronized. For reference, typical Bluetooth wireless headphones exhibit audio delays ranging from 80 ms up to 250 ms. Even at 80 ms, human brains perceive audio delays. To browse Bluetooth aptX-compatible products, visit the aptX website. Although the lists are updated frequently, they won't necessarily show everything that is on the market. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Add Bluetooth Adapter to Your TV How to Connect AirPods to PS4 How to Connect AirPods to PS5 How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS4 How to Fix It When Your Headphones Aren't Working on Windows 10 How to Make Wired Speakers Wireless How to Connect Bose Headphones to Your iPhone How to Fix Incorrect Windows 11 Audio Icons 6 Ways to Connect Your Computer to Your TV How to Fix It When There is No Sound on Your iPhone How to Fix Chromecast Audio Delays How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to an Apple Watch The 6 Best Bluetooth Audio Receivers, Tested by Experts How to Connect AirPods to an HP Laptop How to Connect an iPad to a TV No Sounds on Windows 11? Here's How to Fix It Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies