To connect wireless speakers to a television, you have two main paths depending on your TV: a direct wireless connection using Bluetooth or AirPlay if your TV supports it, or an external transmitter kit if it does not. This guide covers both methods so you can enjoy wireless audio for your TV without running cables across the room.
How to connect wireless speakers to a television: the basics
Modern smart TVs can connect directly to wireless speakers using Bluetooth or Apple AirPlay, while older TVs typically require a small transmitter plugged into the TV's audio output. The direct method is simpler, your TV finds the speakers and streams audio to them, but it depends on your TV having the right wireless hardware. If your TV lacks built-in Bluetooth or AirPlay, a transmitter kit bridges the gap by converting the TV's audio signal into a wireless one that your speakers can receive.
Connect wireless speakers to an Apple TV via AirPlay
If you use an Apple TV, you can send audio to HomePod, HomePod mini, or other AirPlay-enabled speakers. The speakers must be on the same network as the Apple TV. Apple TV 4K (2nd generation and later) can receive audio over HDMI ARC/eARC from a supported TV.
- On your Apple TV, go to Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Output.
- Select the HomePod or AirPlay-enabled speaker you want to use as the default output.
- For a temporary output change, press and hold the TV/Control Center button on the remote to open Control Center, then choose the speakers.
Key limitations to know: On Apple TV 4K, home theater audio (including surround sound) is documented only for HomePod and HomePod mini. Other AirPlay-compatible speakers are not supported for home theater audio. When AirPlay-enabled speakers other than HomePod are used as the default output, system alerts and game sounds still play through the TV speakers. When AirPlay-enabled speakers are used as a temporary output, the selection resets after Apple TV sleeps.
If you are using HomePod or HomePod mini with Apple TV 4K for home theater audio, set the speaker as the Default Audio Output under Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Output. For HDMI ARC or eARC audio from your TV through Apple TV 4K, go to the same menu, confirm the Default Audio Output, then under Audio Return Channel choose Play Television Audio (this works on Apple TV 4K 2nd generation and later).
Connect Bluetooth speakers to a Sony Google TV or Android TV
Sony TVs running Google TV or Android TV can connect to Bluetooth audio devices, including speakers and headphones, if the TV supports the A2DP Bluetooth profile. To check, look for an A/V sync option in the TV settings menu; if it is present, the model supports Bluetooth audio devices.
- Press the Quick Settings button on the remote (if available), then select Settings. On models without a Quick Settings button, go to Settings > Display & Sound > Audio output > Bluetooth device settings.
- Navigate to Display & Sound > Audio output > Bluetooth device settings.
- Put your Bluetooth speaker into pairing mode, then select it from the list of available devices on the TV.
Once paired, audio from the TV will play through the Bluetooth speaker. If you experience lip-sync delay, check whether an A/V sync adjustment is available in the TV settings menu.
Connect wireless speakers using a transmitter
For TVs without built-in Bluetooth or AirPlay, a wireless transmitter kit is the solution. The transmitter connects to your TV's audio output, typically an optical (Toslink) output, a 3.5mm headphone jack, or RCA audio jacks, and sends the audio signal wirelessly to your speakers. After plugging the transmitter into the TV and powering it on, put the transmitter and your speakers into pairing mode according to the transmitter's instructions. Once paired, audio from any source on the TV will stream to the speakers.
Troubleshooting common wireless speaker connection issues
No sound from the wireless speakers
Check that the TV volume is turned up and not muted, and that the speakers are powered on and paired. If using a transmitter, confirm the audio cable is fully inserted into the correct TV output. Try resetting the transmitter and re-pairing the speakers.
Audio dropouts or intermittent sound
Move the speakers and transmitter closer together and away from other wireless devices (routers, microwaves, cordless phones) that may cause interference. Physical obstructions like walls can also weaken the signal.
Lip-sync problems (audio delay)
On Apple TV, use the Wireless Audio Sync feature: go to Settings > Video and Audio > Calibration > Wireless Audio Sync, then follow the onscreen instructions using an iPhone to sync the speakers. On Sony Android/Google TVs, look for an A/V sync setting in the audio output menu and adjust it until the audio matches the video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect wireless speakers to a TV that doesn't have Bluetooth?
Yes. Use a wireless transmitter that plugs into your TV's audio output (optical, 3.5mm, or RCA). The transmitter sends the audio wirelessly to your speakers, bypassing the need for built-in Bluetooth.
Why is there a delay between the picture and the sound?
Wireless audio can introduce a slight delay. Many TVs and transmitters offer a lip-sync or audio delay adjustment. On Apple TV, the Wireless Audio Sync feature uses an iPhone to automatically correct the timing.
Do I need the same brand of TV and wireless speakers?
No. Bluetooth and AirPlay are open standards, so speakers from any brand that support those technologies will work with your TV, as long as the TV has the corresponding wireless capability or a compatible transmitter.
Can I use a Bluetooth speaker with a Sony TV that doesn't show Bluetooth in settings?
If your Sony TV lacks a Bluetooth menu, it likely does not support the A2DP profile needed for audio. In that case, use a Bluetooth transmitter plugged into the TV's audio output to add Bluetooth capability.
Will wireless speakers work with all TV apps and sources?
Yes. Once the speakers are connected, whether directly or through a transmitter, they will play audio from any source, including built-in apps, cable boxes, game consoles, and streaming devices connected to the TV.
