Today, we’re in the golden age of technology, where we want to connect many devices wirelessly to our TVs. But do smart TVs have Bluetooth?
I’ve wondered this about my TV as well because I’ve been wanting to connect my speakers or even my AirPods to it. Well, I’ve got the answers here, and if ever your smart TV doesn’t have Bluetooth, I found a workaround!
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Do Smart TVs Have Bluetooth?
Smart TVs have built-in Bluetooth. Companies like Hisense, Toshiba, Samsung, LG, and Sony all make smart TVs with Bluetooth. However, some smart TVs don’t feature Bluetooth, but you can use a Bluetooth transmitter or download the TV manufacturer’s smartphone app to use Bluetooth on your TV.
Which Smart TV Has Bluetooth?
Here’s a list of some Bluetooth-enabled smart TVs.
- Sharp smart TV – The majority of Android TV series. Some Android TVs don’t have built-in Bluetooth, so you must check it before buying.
- Sony smart TV – Google and Android models launched after 2016.
- Vizio smart TV – The majority of Android TV series. These smart TVs have low-energy Bluetooth that syncs your mobile phone with the TV using SmartCast.
- Toshiba smart TV – Fire TV editions
- Samsung smart TVs – Q900TS, Q800T, Q60T, Q70T, Q80T, Q90T, Terrace, Sero, Serif, Frame, Samsung 6, 7, 8, and 9 series.
- LG smart TVs – ZX, WX, GX, CX, BX, UN7300, UN7370, UN8500, Nanoclass-81, 85, 90, and 99 series.
- Hisense smart TV – Laser TV, A4G, A6G, A60, A6, H9, H8G1, H8G, H55, H8, H65, U6, U7, U8, and U9 series.
How to Know if My Smart TV Has Bluetooth?
The latest smart TVs are likely to come with built-in Bluetooth. With how advanced technology is right now, most likely your smart TV has Bluetooth.
However, you can still check the TV user manual to know if your smart TV has Bluetooth or not. To do that, search for the TV name and model number followed by the word “manual” in your browser. Download the manual and search for Bluetooth to see if you can find anything.
Somehow, if you don’t find the user manual, go to TV settings, highlight “Audio/connectivity“, and see if Bluetooth is listed on that page.
What to Do if My Smart TV Does Not Have Bluetooth?
There are three ways to make your smart TV Bluetooth enabled:
- Buy a Bluetooth transmitter
- Download the smartphone app offered by the TV manufacturer
- Using the secret service menu to enable Bluetooth
1. Bluetooth Transmitter
A Bluetooth transmitter is a device that allows you to use Bluetooth on a non-Bluetooth-enabled smart TV.
There are many devices available on the market that offer very low latency, which means you’ll hear the sound without delay.
The best Bluetooth transmitters are:
- Avantree Audikast Plus Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter— Best for TVs without a headphone jack
- Avantree Oasis Plus Bluetooth Transmitter & Receiver— Premium version of the Avantree Audikast Plus
- TROND V5.0 Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver— Best compact size transmitter
- TROND Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter Receiver for TV— Works with the majority of Smart TVs
I did have an earlier version of a smart TV and it didn’t have Bluetooth yet, so I had to buy a Bluetooth transmitter!
2. Smartphone App
If you’ve decided not to buy a transmitter, then you also have the option to download the smart app for your TV to connect your wireless devices. The app will help you sync your device via Bluetooth to your speakers or headphones.
Take Roku, for instance; their app helps you enable “Bluetooth for Smart TV” to listen to your smart TV wirelessly.
3. Secret Service Menu
The secret service menu allows you to modify some advanced features on your TV. Before accessing the Menu, you need to know some basic things:
- Once you access the secret service menu, you void your TV’s warranty.
- Making changes that are not meant to be done can mess up your TV.
If you’re ready to proceed, keep reading.
Google search for your TV brand followed by the word “service menu codes.”
Once you’ve got access to the codes, try them. Sometimes, you may not be able to get it the first time, so it’s better to give it a few tries before giving up.
Remember not to change any other settings while modifying your desired settings.
Why Do You Need a Bluetooth-Enabled Smart TV?
You might be wondering why I even need Bluetooth for smart TV. The answer is, “Bluetooth offers great functionality that you cannot get otherwise.”
Here’s what you can do on a Bluetooth-enabled smart TV:
- Projecting your phone’s screen and apps onto your smart TV
- Streaming music from your smartphone or iPad
- Sync wireless devices like a keyboard or mouse to your TV
- Convert your smartphone to function like a remote control
- Connect speakers or headphones to your smart TV
Believe me, buying a Bluetooth-enabled smart TV is worth it.
How Can You Enable Bluetooth on a Smart TV?
You don’t need to enable Bluetooth on your smart TV to connect your wireless device, as it is already enabled by default.
Somehow, if you cannot see the name of your TV when you search devices in Bluetooth mode on your smartphone, then you need to follow these steps to enable it using your remote.
Steps to Enable Bluetooth on Samsung TV
- Select “Settings>Sound>Sound Output>Bluetooth.”
Steps to Enable Bluetooth on LG TV
- Select “Settings>Advanced Settings.”
- Scroll down to the Sound menu and select “Sound Out.”
- Now, highlight “LG Sound Sync Bluetooth” from the list and press OK.
- It will start searching for the nearest available device.
Steps to Enable Bluetooth on Sony TV
- Press the “Home” button on your remote.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Now, press the “Select” button.
- Under “Network and Accessories.”
- Highlight “Bluetooth settings” and press the Select button on your remote.
- Turn on Bluetooth if it is turned off.
Steps to Enable Bluetooth on Hisense TV
- Press the Menu button on your remote and hold it for a few seconds.
- Navigate to “Settings” and select “Network/Remotes and Accessories.”
- Select Bluetooth. Enable it if it is disabled.
Steps to Enable Bluetooth on Sharp TV
- Select Menu and go to “Settings.”
- Select the “Network” option and press OK.
- You’ll see the Bluetooth option listed there.
What Can You Connect to Your Smart TV Using Bluetooth?
1. Remote Control
In the past, TV remote controls used infrared to send signals, which means you had to point in a certain direction to send a command to your TV. But today, we have Bluetooth-enabled remote controls for smart TVs that eliminate the need to aim to execute a given command.
You only have to pair the remote control with your TV during the setup. Afterward, it will automatically connect to the TV whenever you turn it on.
2. Mouse and Keyboard
Want to use your smart TV as if it were a desktop computer? Just connect your Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to your smart TV via Bluetooth. You can type to search for a movie or show to watch or click without scrolling too much.
3. Tablet or Smartphone
The latest smart TVs have a smartphone app that you can install from the App Store or Play Store. The app allows you to control your TV functions with your tablet or smartphone.
All you need to do is open the app, turn on your device’s Bluetooth, and pair your TV with your smartphone or tablet. After pairing, you can use your smartphone as a remote control for your smart TV.
4. Bluetooth Headphones and Speakers
Some smart TVs don’t offer high-quality audio performance because of their built-in enhancements. But, you can connect the speaker system to your smart TV to create a customized home theatre setup.
The best part is that you can hear the sound without delay and have a cinematic experience at home.
Or, you can take your Bluetooth headphones and pair them with your TV to watch your favorite movies and shows at night without disturbing anyone.
What Are the Other Wireless Options Smart TVs Have?
1. Voice Command
Voice Command is a cool feature that allows you to search for a video or change a channel using your voice commands through the smart remote.
However, if your smart TV can connect to a smart home speaker system, then you can automate it with the rest of your household. It means you can program it to turn on and off automatically at a certain point, change the channel using a voice command, and many more.
2. Wi-Fi
Connecting your smart TV to Wi-Fi serves two purposes. First, it allows you to surf the internet to watch movies and listen to your favorite music.
Second, it allows you to screencast your phone content onto your smart TV. To stream your tablet or smartphone content on your TV, connect your smartphone and TV to the same Wi-Fi.
3. Mobile High Definition Link (MHL)
The MHL allows you to mirror your smartphone or tablet onto a smart TV, and you’ll see the mirrored screen on one of the HDMI screens of the TV.
If you want to see your smartphone content on your TV, you can do it using MHL.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Search for the TV name and model number followed by the word “manual” in your browser.
2. Download the manual and search for Bluetooth to see if you can find anything.
3. You can also check your TV settings to see if Bluetooth is listed as sound output.
Not all smart TVs have built-in Bluetooth. But, today, you’ll find many Bluetooth-enabled smart TVs, and it’s always better to buy a TV with this feature.
Most Android and Google smart TVs have Bluetooth built-in.
There are three ways to make your smart TV Bluetooth enabled:
1. Buy a Bluetooth transmitter
2. Download the smartphone app offered by the TV manufacturer
3. Using the secret service menu to enable Bluetooth
Using a Bluetooth transmitter, you can turn a non-Bluetooth TV into a Bluetooth TV.
The Bottom Line
Not all smart TVs come with built-in Bluetooth. Companies like LG, Sony, Samsung, and Sharp are most likely to have this feature in their flagship models.
Somehow, if your smart TV doesn’t come with Bluetooth, you can follow these ways to make your TV Bluetooth enabled:
- Buy a Bluetooth transmitter
- Download the smartphone app offered by the TV manufacturer
- Using the secret service menu to enable Bluetooth
What do you like most about using Bluetooth on your smart TV? Let me know in the comments below!
