I have used almost every model of Roku player since they first hit the market. And while pairing Bluetooth headphones with your Roku player or Roku TV can seem daunting, but it's quite straightforward. Whether you own a Roku Ultra, Streambar, or a Plus Series TV, I will walk you through the simple steps to connect your Bluetooth headphones for a seamless and private listening experience. And if you don't have one of the Bluetooth-supported Roku models, I'll show you the trick to use the Roku app on your phone to get the same result.
Pairing Bluetooth headphones with Roku
Connecting to Select Roku Models
Direct Bluetooth pairing is a feature available in certain Roku models, including the Roku Ultra, Streambar, and Plus Series TVs. Here's how to set it up:
- Navigate to the Roku home screen and select Settings.
- Choose Remotes & devices and then Wireless headphones. (You will only see the ‘Wireless headphones’ option if your player has built-in Bluetooth.)
- Select Add new wireless headphones.
- Put your Bluetooth headphones in pairing mode. Once they appear on your Roku's screen, select them to establish the connection.
Managing auto-connect
Your Roku player will attempt to automatically reconnect to your Bluetooth headphones whenever you turn them on. If you prefer to manage this connection manually, follow these steps:
- From the Roku home screen, go to Settings.
- Choose Remotes & devices and then Wireless headphones.
- Select your paired headphones.
- Turn off the Auto-detect feature to stop automatic reconnection.
Reconnecting Bluetooth headphones manually
If you've previously paired your headphones with your Roku, reconnecting them is a breeze:
- From the Roku home screen, go to Settings.
- Choose Remotes & devices and then Wireless headphones
- Choose your Bluetooth headphones from the list and select Connect.
Adjusting audio settings for optimal sound
Once your Bluetooth headphones are connected, you may want to fine-tune your audio settings for the best experience:
- Go to Settings and select Audio.
- Explore options like Volume modes and Sound leveling to customize your listening experience.
An alternative for non-Bluetooth Roku players
Not all Roku players come with built-in Bluetooth capability. However, you can still enjoy private listening through the Roku mobile app. This method allows up to four individuals to stream audio to their Bluetooth headphones simultaneously. Here's how to use your smartphone and the Roku app for private listening:
- Ensure your Bluetooth headphones are paired with your smartphone.
- Open the Roku mobile app and tap the Remote icon in the bottom navigation bar.
- Activate private listening by tapping the Headphone icon.
Read more: All of the Roku Streaming Players Compared
Troubleshooting common Bluetooth connection issues
Encountering issues while pairing or during audio playback is not uncommon. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:
Headphones not pairing
- Restart your Roku device: Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve pairing issues.
- Re-pair your Bluetooth headphones: Turn off your headphones, then go through the pairing instructions above. When you see your headphones, select them and choose to forget them. Put your headphones back in pair mode and follow the pairing instructions above.
- Reset your Bluetooth headphones: If that re-pairing doesn't work, consult your headphone's user manual to reset them. Resetting will clear all connections on your headphones, so try re-paring first.
Audio lag or sync issues
- Restart both devices: This often helps to resynchronize the audio.
- Check for obstructions: Ensure there are no physical barriers between your Roku device and the headphones.
Final thoughts
Whether you're looking to dive into a late-night movie marathon or jam to your favorite tunes, Roku's wireless audio capability ensures you do so without disturbing anyone.
The process is simple, and with this guide, you're now equipped to set up your private listening session. So, grab your Bluetooth headphones, connect them to your Roku, and lose yourself in the world of wireless audio.
[Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious]
For the past 20+ years, Techlicious founder Suzanne Kantra has been exploring and writing about the world’s most exciting and important science and technology issues. Prior to Techlicious, Suzanne was the Technology Editor for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and the Senior Technology Editor for Popular Science. Suzanne has been featured on CNN, CBS, and NBC.
