Symptoms
- Headphones don't appear in the TV's Bluetooth device list
- Pairing seems to succeed but no sound comes through
- Headphones connect then disconnect repeatedly
- Previously paired headphones stopped working
Likely causes
- CommonHeadphones already connected to another deviceMost Bluetooth headphones can only actively connect to one device at a time, even if paired to several.
- CommonTV's Bluetooth needs to be re-enabled or resetA stuck Bluetooth radio on the TV can prevent new devices from pairing until restarted.
- CommonHeadphones not in pairing modeMost headphones need a specific button held to enter pairing mode versus just being turned on.
- PossibleTV model doesn't support Bluetooth audio outputSome TVs only support Bluetooth for remotes or accessories, not for audio output.
What to do
- Turn off Bluetooth on your phone or any other device the headphones might already be connected to.
- Put the headphones into pairing mode by holding the dedicated pairing button, usually indicated by a flashing light.
- On the TV, go to settings and select Bluetooth devices, then choose to add or pair a new device.
- If the headphones don't appear, remove/forget them from the TV's paired list and try pairing fresh.
- Restart the TV and try pairing again if the Bluetooth menu seems unresponsive.
- Check your TV model's manual or specs to confirm it supports Bluetooth audio output, since some only support Bluetooth for a remote.
Tools and parts
Bluetooth audio transmitterSearch: “bluetooth audio transmitter for TV”
When to call a pro
Not a repair issue; if your TV lacks Bluetooth audio support, a small Bluetooth transmitter plugged into the TV's audio output solves it.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.