I’m a total night owl, and some nights I stay up until three or four in the morning binge-watching reruns of The Office and Family Guy on my Roku TV. If I lived alone, this wouldn’t be a problem. But, my partner doesn’t appreciate the TV playing into the wee hours of the morning.
So, I’ve needed to find a solution that allows my partner to sleep soundly while I disrupt my circadian rhythm by staying up till dawn.
Lucky for me, I recently discovered it’s possible to connect Bluetooth headphones to my Roku in a few simple steps. What’s more, there are several ways to do so depending on which Roku device you own and your preferred method of connectivity.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to watch your favorite shows on your Roku device without disturbing your partner, roommates, or little ones.
Let’s get started!
Quick Navigation
1. Via the Roku TV’s Settings
The first, and easiest, way you can connect Bluetooth headphones to your Roku TV is by pairing them directly through its settings. This method is similar to pairing your Bluetooth headphones to other devices, like your smartphone or laptop.
Compatible Devices
- All Roku TVs
Installation and Setup
Step 1: Head to the Home screen.
Step 2: Open the Settings tab.
Step 3: Go to Remotes & devices.
Step 4: Navigate to Wireless headphones.
Step 5: Select Add new wireless headphones.
Step 6: Put your Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode.
Step 7: Once your headphones’ name pops up on the screen, hit your remote’s OK button to select and pair with them.
Watch the video tutorial below demonstrating how to connect Bluetooth headphones to your Roku TV.
2. Via the TV’s Bluetooth Feature
If your Roku player is connected to a Bluetooth-compatible TV, you can connect your Bluetooth headphones directly to your TV.
We’ve already outlined how to do this in our article How to Connect AirPods to a Smart TV? With Troubleshooting Tips that uses Samsung, LG, and Sony smart TVs as examples. While the article specifies how to connect AirPods, these instructions will work with any Bluetooth headphones.
Since your Roku is connected to your TV and plays its content through your TV, your paired Bluetooth headphones will play your Roku’s audio.
3. Via the Roku Mobile App
If you’re using a Roku player connected to a non-smart TV, using The Roku mobile app may be your best bet for listening to your Roku’s content through Bluetooth headphones.
Let’s learn how
Compatible Devices
- All Roku streaming players
- All Roku TVs
Requirements to Use The Roku App:
- You must reside in one of these supported countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Ireland, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- Roku OS 6.2 or later
- iOS 11.0 or higher (for iPhones)
- Android OS 5.0 or higher (for Android phones)
Don’t worry if you don’t live in one of these support countries. We have an easy workaround to access The Roku App no matter where you are in this article.
Installation and Setup
Step 1: Connect your Roku device and smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 2: If you haven’t done so already, download The Roku App from the Apple Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
Step 3: When prompted, sign into the same Roku account that’s being used on your Roku device.
Step 4: When the app asks to find your Roku player via Wi-Fi, tap Allow.
Step 5: After a few seconds, your Roku player should appear within the app. Tap it to pair it with the app.
Step 6: Then, go to the Remote icon, marked by a D-pad.
Step 7: Select the Headphone icon.
Step 8: When the Private Listening Activated message pops up on-screen, tap Ok.
Step 9: From here, put your Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode and connect them to your smartphone.
Now, you’ll be able to hear your Roku’s content through your Bluetooth headphones.
Watch our tutorial below demonstrating how to connect wireless headphones to your Roku using The Roku App. Remember, while our tutorial uses AirPods as an example, this process will work with any Bluetooth headphones.
4. Use an HDMI Audio Extractor
Another way you can connect Bluetooth headphones to your Roku is by using an HDMI audio extractor.
This external device connects to your TV via an HDMI cable and lets you pair your Bluetooth headphones directly.
It then extracts your Roku’s audio and delivers it to your Bluetooth headphones.
Compatible Devices
Note: This solution will not work on Roku TVs
Materials Needed
- Roku Streaming Device
- HDMI Audio Extractor with Bluetooth
- HDMI Cable (for connecting Audio Extractor to Display)
- Bluetooth Headphones
Diagram
Installation and Setup
Step 1: Plug the Roku into the HDMI audio extractor.
Depending on which Roku device you have, you may be able to plug the stick directly into the HDMI extractor or you will need to use an HDMI cable.
Step 2: Now, plug one end of an HDMI cable into the HDMI audio extractor’s HDMI OUT port. Do not plug it into the HDMI IN port.
Then plug the other end of the HDMI cable into the TV or monitor’s HDMI IN port.
Step 3: Next, connect the Roku, HDMI extractor, and TV or monitor to power. You may plug these devices into a power strip as long as you are careful not to overload it.
All of these devices come with their own power cables.
You will know that they are sufficiently powered when their LED indicator lights illuminate.
You may use any micro USB port to power the Roku if you don’t have its original power cable.
Step 4: Turn on your Bluetooth headphones and ensure pairing mode is enabled. They should automatically find and connect to your HDMI audio extractor.
But if they don’t, check all of the other Bluetooth-supported devices in your home to make sure they haven’t accidentally paired to your headphones.
We recommend disabling all other Bluetooth devices’ until you’ve successfully paired your headphones to the HDMI audio extractor.
Pro Tip: Some Bluetooth headphones make a ping sound when they’ve paired to a device.
Step 5: Change your TV’s source/input to HDMI with your TV remote. You should see the Roku logo pop up on-screen when you’ve found the right input.
Step 6: Put on your Bluetooth headphones and play something on-screen. If everything’s working correctly, you will be able to hear the audio in your headphones.
Depending on the model of your Bluetooth headphones, you may even be able to adjust the volume using its volume buttons.
Wrapping Things Up
Sometimes you want everyone in the room to hear the show playing on your Roku TV. Other times, you need to listen to content privately.
Luckily, you can ensure no one is bothered by your binge-watching sessions by connecting Bluetooth headphones to your Roku either via your Roku TV’s settings, smart TV’s settings, The Roku App, or HDMI audio extractor.
When using The Roku App, ensure the app and Roku device are both connected to the same Roku account and Wi-Fi network. Otherwise, they will be unable to pair with one another.
When using an HDMI audio extractor, don’t forget to plug it into power and connect the Roku and TV’s HDMI cables to the extractor’s correct HDMI ports.
What’s your experience connecting Bluetooth headphones to a Roku player or TV? What’s your favorite way to privately listen to your Roku?
Let us know in the comments below!
Yesenia Achlim is a technical copywriter and editor with a focus on AV equipment. She aims to break down complicated topics and make technology accessible, no matter your technical expertise. When she’s not teaching you how to replace a projector lamp, you can find her reading and baking.