If you’re looking to connect your soundbar, headphones, keyboard, or stream media from your smartphone via Bluetooth to your Smart TV, then you’re in the right place! We explore the question, “Do Smart TVs have Bluetooth?”
Do Smart TVs have Bluetooth?
Some Smart TVs are Bluetooth compatible, but not all. Below you will see specific LG, Samsung, Sony, and Vizio models that have inbuilt Bluetooth capabilities.
Bluetooth support was typically reserved for high-end models, which is why not all Smart TVs have the capability. If your TV does not support Bluetooth, then read on to find out how to retrofit it with a Bluetooth transmitter/adapter!
Why Connect Devices to Your Smart TV Using Bluetooth?
While a Smart TV can be connected to a variety of wired devices, you can also use Bluetooth to pair it with a lot of wireless devices. Setting up a Bluetooth connection not only prevents the wires from tangling but also gives you great control, flexibility, and convenience.
The process of pairing the devices to your Smart TV is as simple as connecting them with a smartphone. However, you can use the TV’s remote to easily navigate through the menus.
To get the most out of your best entertainment show, you can connect soundbars and headphones to your Smart TV via Bluetooth. You can even pair a keyboard and a mouse instead of a remote control.
Moreover, a smart remote control can also be paired to a Smart TV that provides easy and instant access to a range of options without needing to navigate through the menus manually.
How Do I Add Bluetooth to My TV?
If your TV doesn’t feature Bluetooth, you can purchase a Bluetooth adapter. It allows you to wirelessly connect speakers or headphones to your TV for an enjoyable experience. The Bluetooth adapter can be connected through a 3.5mm audio input jack or a standard AUX audio port on your TV.
However, you won’t be able to connect a keyboard or a game controller via a Bluetooth adapter.
TaoTronics Bluetooth adapter can work as both transmitter and receiver and provides a battery backup of up to 10 hours
- Can be connected with two Bluetooth devices (such as headphones and speakers) at the same time
- Features low latency technology that delivers audio and video without delay
- Allows you to stream non-stop while charging
- Features an extended transmission range of up to 65 feet
The TaoTronics Bluetooth transmitter and receiver is our top pick. It incorporates all the features you look for in a Bluetooth TV adapter at a very reasonable price. It can be connected to the TV with a 3.5mm cable and allows you to send audio to two Bluetooth devices at once.
This is extremely useful if you are watching your favorite movie with your friend late at night while wearing headphones and don’t want to disturb others around. Thanks to a large transmission range, you won’t have any trouble maintaining a strong wireless link.
Low Latency
Furthermore, this Bluetooth adapter employs a low latency technology that ensures great sound and video synchronization. It’s easy to pair with Bluetooth sound devices and its compact design and 10-hour long battery backup come in handy for a range of scenarios. Besides, you can use this device as a transmitter and receiver, giving you more versatility.
On the downside, the adapter doesn’t support optical digital audio input, meaning if you have an old entertainment setup or your TV doesn’t have a 3.5mm output, you’ll need a converter or some other adapter.
- Features a compact and portable design
- Can be connected with wired headphones to make them Bluetooth ones
- Has a larger battery
- Switches from transmitter to receiver mode with a single push of a button
- Very affordable option
- Doesn’t support optical digital audio input so you’ll need a digital audio output converter if your TV doesn’t have a 3.5mm audio jack
Unlike the older Bluetooth versions, the Avantree Ensemble makes use of the latest Bluetooth 5.0 chipset. As a result, you get a fast, stable, and top-quality sound experience. Moreover, its low latency technology ensures perfect sound synchronization, making it an ideal choice for watching movies.
- When turned on, the transmitter connects with your TV automatically without any pairing steps
- Features low audio delay technology that delivers great quality sound with minimum Bluetooth delay
- Offers up to 35 hours of playtime with a long-lasting battery
- Works with almost any of the TV audio output such as digital, optical, RCA, and AUX/3.5mm port
- Can be used with smartphones, PCs, TVs, and many other Bluetooth-compatible devices
With an extended battery backup that delivers a playtime of around 35 hours, you can count on these headphones for longer trips. The transmitter is compatible with a range of audio devices and offers a convenient way to charge your headphones as well.
How Does a Bluetooth Transmitter/Adapter Work?
A transmitter/adapter decodes the file into a specific format and sends it to the Bluetooth device through radio transmission. This is how the transmitter establishes a connection with a variety of Bluetooth devices.
While the transmitters come with different ports (AUX/3.5mm, RCA, or others), the connection method remains the same. First off, you’ll connect your TV to the transmitter via the port and then turn it on by pressing the power button for a few seconds.
Now that the transmitter is physically connected to the TV, you’ll have to pair it with the Bluetooth device (headphones or speakers). Find the Bluetooth button on your device and hold it for a few seconds for a connection. Your transmitter will start working now and you can listen to your favorite music.
Brand Specific Bluetooth Compatibility
Several Smart TV manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio release their Bluetooth-enabled Smart TVs into the market every year. While all these models don’t support Bluetooth, many high-end models do. So, if you’re interested in getting a Bluetooth-enabled TV, just pay attention to the released specs of the models you have shortlisted.
Now we’ll highlight some of the models from popular brands that offer Bluetooth functionality.
Samsung Smart TV
Many of the modern Samsung Smart TVs feature Bluetooth technology, while for older models you’ll have to go through the specs to confirm whether it supports Bluetooth or not.
If you want to check the Bluetooth support for any existing Samsung model, just open the “Settings” menu. Locate the “Sound” section and then “Sound Output.” There you’ll see “Bluetooth Audio” or “Bluetooth Speaker” if your TV supports Bluetooth. Navigation through the menu can be a little different for different models.
Some Samsung models with Bluetooth technology are Q6F, F4000, V5300, Q60, Q60T, Q80T, and NU6900.
LG Smart TV
LG Smart TVs with Magic Mobile connection lets you connect with smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth devices. This allows you to stream your favorite music and videos wirelessly from your smartphone. Also, you can access mobile apps on the TV’s screen.
To connect any smart device with the Magic Mobile connection, first you’ll need to install the LG TV Plus app on your smart device and connect it with your TV. Now, run the app and follow the instructions to set up the connection.
Some of LG's smart TVs that support Bluetooth connectivity are UN7000, UN7070, UN8500, Smart webOS, Class CX Series OLED, and Nano Cell 90 Series.
Sony Smart TV
In order to connect a Bluetooth soundbar, headphone, or speaker to your Sony Smart TV, you’ll have to verify that the device is compatible. Check with Sony’s support to confirm if your Bluetooth device supports Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP).
Furthermore, if the “A/V sync” option appears on your TV, it supports Bluetooth. To confirm, go to “Settings” and locate the “Sound” or “Display & Sound” option under the “TV” section. There, you’ll see “A/V sync” if your TV offers Bluetooth functionality.
Sony 48H, X800H, X950H, Z8H, Z9H, A9S, X90H, and X95H are a few models from Sony that come with Bluetooth compatibility.
Vizio Smart TV
Like the other brands above, pairing a Vizio Smart TV to a Bluetooth device is quite a simple process. If you want to connect it with your smartphone, just download the Vizio SmartCast mobile app (available for both Android or iOS) and create a Vizio account. Now, check to see the list of devices you can pair with.
Some popular Bluetooth-enabled Smart TVs from Vizio include VIZIO M Series, V Series, D Series, SmartCast, P Series, and Quantum Series. Note that Vizio Smart TVs only come with Bluetooth LE support.
Common Questions Relating to Smart TVs
As mentioned, the majority of Smart TVs these days make use of Bluetooth technology, but not all of them offer this feature. It was a standard feature only for top-tier models back in the past.
But today, as we know, competition is heating up between different brands. Consequently, the prices of Smart TVs continue to drop and manufacturers have now started to include Bluetooth into lower-end models as well. Therefore, most modern Smart TVs include this feature.
One possible way is to Google your model and go through its specifications. Alternatively, you can explore the TV’s settings or read the manual that comes with your TV.
Furthermore, you’ll see a Bluetooth logo printed on the box that contains the TV. The remote of a Bluetooth-enabled TV also comes with the Bluetooth logo.
How do I connect my Bluetooth device to my Smart TV?
While every TV comes with a different set of options to connect with Bluetooth, we’ll take an example of the LG Smart TV and explain the step-by-step process.
- First, make sure your Bluetooth device is in pairing mode.
- Get your TV’s remote, go to the “Settings” section, and then choose “Advanced Settings.”
- Now choose “Sound Out” from the “Sound” menu.
- From the list, select “LG Sound Sync Bluetooth” and then choose “Detect.” Now you’ll see your Bluetooth device on the list if it’s in pairing mode.
The Verdict
As you’ve seen, connecting your speakers to your Smart TV via Bluetooth is a pretty easy process. If your TV doesn’t support Bluetooth, you can get a Bluetooth adapter/transmitter to wirelessly connect with headphones or speakers.
In this discussion, we have provided answers to some questions people often ask about Smart TVs. We also recommended a few quality Bluetooth transmitters if your TV doesn’t have a Bluetooth connection.
TaoTronics Bluetooth adapter can work as both transmitter and receiver and provides a battery backup of up to 10 hours
- Can be connected with two Bluetooth devices (such as headphones and speakers) at the same time
- Features low latency technology that delivers audio and video without delay
- Allows you to stream non-stop while charging
- Features an extended transmission range of up to 65 feet