Smart TVs & Headphones: 8 Answers (For Beginners)

Late-night binge-watching is no fun with the volume turned down. But with the help of headphones, you can enjoy your favorite programs or movies without disturbing the whole neighborhood.

Headphones are also a great solution for when you want to tune out noises from the outside world or if you have difficulty hearing.

Here’s What You Need to Know about Smart TVs and Headphones.

One of the notable features of smart TVs is their ability to adapt to different audio devices. That includes compatibility with different headphones, including Bluetooth headphones and wired headphones. 

1. How Do I Connect My Bluetooth Headphones to My Smart TV?

One great thing about modern smart TVs is that they allow you to connect Bluetooth headphones, and it’s quite easy to do, no matter what type of TV you have.

Samsung

For those who use Samsung smart TVs, you can pair your Bluetooth headphones by putting them in pairing mode, then navigating to the Bluetooth Audio Device settings on your TV.

The exact location of these settings depends on the smart TV, but they are often found under “Sound.” Once you get to Bluetooth Audio Devices, select your device from the list to pair the devices.

You also cannot use Wi-Fi audio devices with Bluetooth or TV SoundConnect.

Note that Samsung can only pair with one set of Bluetooth audio devices.

Vizio

If you own a Vizio smart TV, you can pair your Bluetooth headphones by going to the Settings Menu and opening the Sound Output Controls.

Make sure your Bluetooth headphones are in pairing mode, then select your headphones from the speaker list to pair and connect.

LG

LG Smart TV users can connect their Bluetooth headphones by going to Settings and navigating to the Sound options.

Go to Sound Out, then click on LG Sound Sync so your smart TV can begin searching for your Bluetooth device. Make sure your Bluetooth headphones are in pairing mode.

Once you find your Bluetooth headphones on the list, click it so to complete pairing. You should find it under paired devices.

Sony

For those using Sony smart TVs, you should go to the Bluetooth settings of your smart TV and click on Add Device. Make sure your Bluetooth headphones are set to pairing mode.

Your smart TV will then search for all available Bluetooth devices that it can pair with. Find your device on the list and click it. Your smart TV will automatically pair with it.

You can then adjust the volume of your headphones through the remote control of the TV.

2. Do All Smart TVs Have a Headphone Plug?

Modern smart TVs now come with headphone jacks that allow you to plug wired headphones or wireless transmitters that let you connect to wireless headphones.

You may need a cable extender for your wired headphones if your smart TV is too far from where you are sitting.

Or, if you are running a speaker system from your smart TV, you can switch outputs from there.

3. Do All Wireless Headphones Work with Smart TVs?

As long as your smart TV has Bluetooth, you can connect your wireless headphones to it.

If you are using a transmitter for your wireless headphones, you can just plug the transmitter into your smart TV’s headphone output jack.

4. Can You Use Headphones and Speakers Simultaneously?

Not all smart TVs let you use headphones and speakers simultaneously. 

• Smart TVs that use the Bluetooth 5 system can run two Bluetooth headphones or speakers simultaneously. Anything below the Bluetooth 5 system can only run one pair of Bluetooth headphones at a time.
• Some Sony smart TVs feature Speaker Link, which lets you use speakers and a pair of headphones at the same time.
• If you are okay using third-party devices to connect headphones and speakers simultaneously, you can connect your smart TV’s audio output to an audio mixer. You can plug your speakers and headphones into the mixer and run them at the same time.

Note that running them simultaneously may cause some audio inconsistencies as sounds of the speakers may bleed into the headphones.

5. Do All Headphones Work with Dolby Atmos on Smart TVs?

Dolby Atmos works with all headphones.

Dolby Atmos was designed to improve sound quality, regardless of what speaker or headphones you use.

While effects may vary, you can expect Dolby Atmos to positively affect the sound of whatever headphones you use. A good pair of headphones will sound great, while an average or mediocre pair may only sound decent with Dolby Atmos.

6. Can You Use the Microphone of Your Bluetooth Headphones with a Smart TV?

You won’t be able to do much with the microphone of your Bluetooth headphones on a smart TV.

Your Bluetooth headphones only work as audio receivers. You cannot use its microphone for voice commands. You will need to use your remote control or your smart speakers for that.

7. Can You Use USB Headphones with a Smart TV?

Unfortunately, USB headphones are not compatible with smart TVs.

However, you can use USB-powered headphones if they have a separate plug for the audio output.

8. How Do You Disconnect Headphones from a Smart TV?

To disconnect Bluetooth headphones, you can navigate to the Bluetooth Device settings of your smart TV, click on your headphones on the list, and select unpair or disconnect.

If you are using wired headphones, make sure to mute your smart TV first before unplugging the headphones, then unplug them.

 

Sources:

How to connect wireless headphones to any TV

How to get sound from your TV speakers and headphones at the same time