Before you connect a wireless speaker to your Roku TV
To connect a wireless speaker to your Roku TV, you first need to know which type of speaker you're dealing with, because the setup process is completely different for Bluetooth speakers versus Roku's own Wireless Speakers. Generic Bluetooth speakers pair through your TV's settings menu, while Roku Wireless Speakers use a dedicated wireless connection that requires a specific Roku OS version. Your Roku TV must be running Roku OS 9.2.6 or higher to work with Roku Wireless Speakers, and those official speakers only work with Roku TVs, Roku Streambar, Roku Streambar Pro, or Roku Smart Soundbar, not with other TVs or Roku streaming players.
How to connect a Bluetooth speaker to your Roku TV
If you want to use a standard Bluetooth speaker for wireless audio for your TV, the pairing process takes less than a minute once you know where to look. This method works with any Bluetooth speaker that supports pairing mode, regardless of the brand, as long as your Roku TV has Bluetooth audio built in.
- Put your Bluetooth speaker into pairing mode. This usually means pressing and holding the Bluetooth or power button until the speaker's light flashes or you hear a pairing sound. Check your speaker's manual if you're unsure how to enter pairing mode.
- On your Roku TV remote, press the Home button to go to the main screen.
- Scroll up or down and select Settings from the menu.
- Navigate to Remotes & devices.
- Select Pair a new device or Set up a new device (the exact wording may vary by model).
- Choose Bluetooth from the list of device types.
- Wait for your Roku TV to scan for nearby Bluetooth devices. This usually takes a few seconds.
- When your speaker's name appears in the list of available devices, select it.
- Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the pairing. Some speakers require you to confirm a code or press a button on the speaker.
- Once paired, your Roku TV will automatically route audio to the Bluetooth speaker. You can adjust the volume using your Roku remote or the speaker's own controls.
After the initial setup, your Roku TV will remember the speaker and reconnect automatically when it's in range and powered on. If you ever want to disconnect or forget the speaker, go back to Settings > Remotes & devices and select the speaker to manage the connection.
How to set up Roku Wireless Speakers
Roku Wireless Speakers are a different beast entirely, they connect using a dedicated wireless protocol rather than Bluetooth, and they're designed specifically for Roku TVs. These speakers (models 9020R2, 9030, or 9040) can be set up for stereo or surround sound, and once connected, your TV's built-in speakers are automatically disabled so all audio comes through the wireless speakers. Roku Streambar, Streambar Pro, and Smart Soundbar can also serve as the host device for Roku wireless speakers, acting as surround sound speakers.
Method 1: Quick setup with the Home button
- Plug your Roku Wireless Speakers into power and wait for them to power on. The LED indicator should light up.
- Make sure your Roku TV is on and connected to the same network.
- Press and hold the Home button on your Roku remote for 5 seconds.
- Select Wireless speakers from the menu that appears.
- Wait for your Roku TV to detect and pair with the speakers. This can take up to a minute.
- Once paired, your TV will confirm the connection and automatically disable the built-in speakers. When Roku wireless speakers are connected to a Roku TV, the TV's built-in speakers are automatically disabled.
Method 2: Setup through Settings
- Plug in your Roku Wireless Speakers and make sure they're powered on.
- On your Roku TV remote, press the Home button.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select Remotes & devices.
- Choose Set up a new device.
- Select Wireless speakers from the list.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
After setup, you can manage your Roku Wireless Speakers by going to Settings > Remotes & devices > Wireless speakers. From there, you can check battery status, adjust volume, or update speaker firmware if needed.
What to do if your Roku Wireless Speakers won't connect
If you're having trouble pairing your Roku Wireless Speakers, there are a few common issues to check before giving up. First, make sure your Roku TV is running Roku OS 9.2.6 or higher, if it's an older model, the speakers simply won't work. Second, verify that you don't have a Roku Streambar, Streambar Pro, or Smart Soundbar connected to your TV, because the wireless speakers will try to pair to those devices instead of your TV. Roku wireless speakers cannot be paired to a Roku TV if a Roku Streambar, Roku Streambar Pro, or Roku Smart Soundbar is already connected to the TV; they would instead pair to the Streambar/Soundbar. If you do have one of those soundbars connected, you'll need to pair the wireless speakers to the soundbar rather than the TV.
Next, check that your wireless speakers are within range of your Roku TV, ideally within 30 feet with no major obstructions like walls or large furniture in between. Make sure both speakers are plugged into power and their LEDs are lit. If they've been powered on for a while, try unplugging them, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging them back in. Also confirm that your Roku TV isn't currently paired to any other Bluetooth devices, as this can sometimes interfere with the wireless speaker connection.
Then attempt the setup process again from scratch. If the problem persists, your speakers may need a firmware update or could be defective, contact Roku support for further assistance.
Using your Roku Wireless Speakers for music
Beyond TV audio, your Roku Wireless Speakers can double as a high-quality Bluetooth speaker system for music playback from your phone, tablet, or computer. Roku wireless speakers can also connect to a phone, tablet, or computer via Bluetooth for playing music, even with the TV screen off. This works even when your TV screen is off, so you can enjoy your favorite playlists without the TV display lighting up the room. To use this feature, put your Roku Wireless Speakers into Bluetooth pairing mode by pressing and holding the Bluetooth button on the back of one of the speakers until the LED flashes. Then, on your phone or tablet, go to the Bluetooth settings and select the Roku speakers from the list of available devices. Once connected, audio from your device will play through the wireless speakers, and you can control playback and volume directly from your phone or from the Roku mobile app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both Roku Wireless Speakers and a Bluetooth speaker at the same time?
No. Your Roku TV can only output audio to one destination at a time, either the built-in speakers, a Bluetooth speaker, or Roku Wireless Speakers. You'll need to disconnect one before using the other.
Will my Roku TV's remote control the volume on a Bluetooth speaker?
Yes, in most cases. Once your Bluetooth speaker is paired, the volume buttons on your Roku remote will control the speaker's volume, provided the speaker supports volume control over Bluetooth. Some speakers may require you to adjust volume using the speaker's own buttons instead.
Can I connect Roku Wireless Speakers to a Roku streaming stick?
No. Roku Wireless Speakers are only compatible with Roku TVs, Roku Streambar, Streambar Pro, and Smart Soundbar. They will not work with Roku streaming sticks, boxes, or any non-Roku device.
What's the difference between Roku Wireless Speakers and Roku TV Soundbar?
Roku Wireless Speakers are standalone speakers that connect wirelessly to your Roku TV for stereo or surround sound. The Roku TV Soundbar is a single soundbar that connects via HDMI or optical cable and can also serve as a host device for pairing Roku Wireless Speakers as surround speakers.
Do Roku Wireless Speakers work with any Roku TV model?
Roku Wireless Speakers work with any Roku TV that runs Roku OS 9.2.6 or higher. If your TV is older and can't update to at least that version, the speakers won't be compatible.
