To pair wireless headphones to a Roku TV, you have two primary options: use the Roku mobile app's Private Listening feature, which works with any Roku device, or use direct Bluetooth pairing, which is only available on specific Roku TVs and streaming devices. Choosing the right method for connecting wireless audio for your TV depends entirely on your Roku model and whether you want a universal solution or a direct connection.
How to pair wireless headphones to Roku TV: 2 methods
There are two distinct ways to get wireless audio from your Roku TV to your headphones. The first method uses the free Roku mobile app and works on every Roku streaming device and Roku TV ever made. The second method is direct Bluetooth Headphone Mode, which is built into specific Roku models and lets you pair headphones without a phone. Use the app method if you have an older Roku, a Roku Streaming Stick 4K, or want to connect up to four headphones at once. Use direct Bluetooth pairing if you own a compatible Roku TV or streaming device and prefer a connection that does not require a mobile device.
Check your Roku TV compatibility
Direct Bluetooth Headphone Mode is only available on Roku devices with built-in Bluetooth capability. Compatible Roku TVs include the Roku Select Series HD TV (2025 and onward), Roku Select Series 4K TV (2025 and onward), Roku Plus Series TV, and Roku Pro Series TV. Compatible streaming devices include the Roku Streambar SE, Roku Streambar, Roku Streambar Pro, Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku Streaming Stick (3840), Roku Streaming Stick Plus (3830), Roku Ultra (models 4800, 4802, 4850), and Roku Ultra LT (model 4801). If a Roku Streambar, Streambar Pro, or Smart Soundbar is connected to your TV, you can pair headphones directly with the soundbar/streambar. Your headphones must support Bluetooth version 4.2 or greater for direct pairing. Roku Streaming Stick 4K and older Roku devices typically do not support direct Bluetooth Headphone Mode. All Roku devices, regardless of model, support the Private Listening method via the mobile app.
Method 1: Use the Roku mobile app for Private Listening
This universal method works with every Roku TV and streaming device. It streams audio from your TV to your phone or tablet, which then plays through headphones plugged into or paired with that mobile device.
- Download the free Roku mobile app on your phone or tablet.
- Ensure your phone or tablet and your Roku device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Connect your headphones (wired or Bluetooth) to your mobile device.
- Open the Roku mobile app and tap the "Remote" icon.
- Tap the "Headphone" icon to activate Private Listening.
When Private Listening is active, audio streams to your mobile device and does not play from the TV speakers. Up to four mobile devices can use Private Listening simultaneously, allowing multiple people to listen privately at the same time.
Method 2: Direct Bluetooth pairing on compatible Roku devices
Use this method only if your Roku TV or streaming device is listed as compatible above. Direct pairing connects your headphones straight to the Roku without needing a phone.
- Press "Home" on your Roku remote.
- Navigate to "Settings."
- Select "Remotes & devices."
- Choose "Wireless headphones."
- Select "Add new wireless headphones."
- Put your headphones in pairing mode according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Your Roku TV will scan for available devices. Select your headphones from the list on your TV.
- Select "Connect" to complete the pairing.
Only one pair of Bluetooth headphones can be directly connected to a Roku TV for Headphone Mode at a time.
Alternative: Use the headphone jack on your Roku remote
Some Roku voice remotes include a headphone jack for wired headphones, which is a separate method from wireless pairing to the TV itself. While this is not a wireless method, it provides a simple alternative for private listening without needing to pair anything. Simply plug wired headphones directly into the remote's jack, and audio automatically switches from the TV speakers to the headphones.
Troubleshooting tips
- Restart your devices: Turn off both your Roku TV and your wireless headphones, wait a few seconds, then turn them back on and attempt pairing again.
- Check distance and interference: Ensure your headphones are within a reasonable range of your Roku TV. Physical obstacles like walls or other electronic devices can interfere with the Bluetooth signal. Move closer to the TV or remove potential sources of interference.
- Clear previous pairings: If you have previously paired your wireless headphones with other devices, the Roku TV may have trouble recognizing them. Go into the Bluetooth settings on your Roku TV and remove any existing pairings, then try pairing again.
- Ensure correct pairing mode: Different headphone models have different pairing modes. Refer to the manual or manufacturer's instructions to confirm you are following the correct procedure to enter pairing mode.
- Check for firmware updates for your wireless headphones before pairing.
- Reset headphones to factory settings if experiencing issues or if they were previously paired with another device.
- Update firmware and software on both Roku TV and wireless headphones to resolve compatibility and connectivity issues.
- As a last resort, perform a factory reset on your Roku TV (this erases all settings and personal apps).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any Bluetooth headphones with the Roku mobile app Private Listening?
Yes. The Private Listening method does not require your headphones to be compatible with your Roku TV. You simply connect your headphones (wired or Bluetooth) to your phone or tablet, and the app streams the TV audio to that device.
Why won't my Roku TV find my headphones during direct Bluetooth pairing?
Your headphones must be in pairing mode before the Roku TV scans for devices. Also verify that your headphones support Bluetooth version 4.2 or greater and that your Roku model is one of the compatible models listed above.
Can I listen through both my TV speakers and my headphones at the same time?
No. When Private Listening or direct Bluetooth Headphone Mode is active, audio is routed exclusively to your headphones and does not play from the TV speakers. Using wireless headphones might disable the TV's built-in speakers, so only the audio will be routed through the headphones.
Does the Roku mobile app work if my TV is not connected to the internet?
No. Both your mobile device and your Roku device must be on the same Wi-Fi network for Private Listening to function.
How do I disconnect my wireless headphones from my Roku TV?
For direct Bluetooth pairing, go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Wireless headphones, select your headphones, and choose to disconnect. For Private Listening, simply tap the Headphone icon again in the Roku mobile app to deactivate it. The range of your wireless headphones may vary, so you may experience audio dropouts if you move too far away from the TV.
