How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to ONN Roku TV: A Comprehensive Guide

Connecting your Bluetooth headphones to your ONN Roku TV for a private listening experience is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite shows and movies without disturbing others. While Roku TVs don’t natively support Bluetooth audio streaming universally, there are effective workarounds to achieve this. The most common and reliable method involves using the Roku mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. Alternatively, you can utilize a Bluetooth transmitter connected to your TV’s audio output.

Utilizing the Roku Mobile App for Bluetooth Headphone Connection

The Roku mobile app offers a “Private Listening” feature that cleverly redirects the audio output to your mobile device. This allows you to then connect your Bluetooth headphones to your phone or tablet, effectively creating a wireless listening setup. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Download and Install the Roku Mobile App

First, download the Roku mobile app from your device’s app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS). Install the app and ensure your smartphone or tablet is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your ONN Roku TV.

Step 2: Connect to Your Roku TV

Open the app. It should automatically detect your ONN Roku TV. If it doesn’t, manually add your TV by following the on-screen instructions. This usually involves selecting your TV from a list of available devices on your network. Ensure your TV is powered on and connected to the internet.

Step 3: Activate Private Listening

Within the Roku mobile app, look for the “Headphone” icon. It’s typically located at the bottom of the screen. Tap this icon to activate Private Listening mode. The audio from your Roku TV will now be routed to your mobile device.

Step 4: Connect Your Bluetooth Headphones

Now, pair your Bluetooth headphones to your smartphone or tablet as you normally would. Go to your device’s Bluetooth settings, put your headphones in pairing mode (usually by holding down the power button), and select them from the list of available devices.

Step 5: Enjoy Private Listening

Once your Bluetooth headphones are connected to your mobile device, the audio from your ONN Roku TV will be streamed directly to your headphones. You can now adjust the volume using the volume controls on your phone, tablet, or headphones.

Using a Bluetooth Transmitter with Your ONN Roku TV

If the Roku mobile app method isn’t ideal for you, a Bluetooth transmitter provides a more direct connection. These devices plug into your TV’s audio output and broadcast the audio signal wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Step 1: Purchase a Bluetooth Transmitter

Acquire a Bluetooth transmitter compatible with your ONN Roku TV’s audio output. Most transmitters use a 3.5mm headphone jack, RCA connectors, or an optical (TOSLINK) connection. Identify the available audio outputs on your TV and choose a transmitter that matches.

Step 2: Connect the Transmitter to Your TV

Plug the Bluetooth transmitter into the appropriate audio output on your ONN Roku TV. For example, if your TV has a 3.5mm headphone jack, connect the transmitter using a 3.5mm audio cable. If using RCA connectors, match the colors (red and white) to the corresponding inputs on the transmitter. For optical connections, use a TOSLINK cable.

Step 3: Power On the Transmitter

Power on the Bluetooth transmitter. This usually involves plugging it into a USB port on your TV or using a separate power adapter. Refer to the transmitter’s user manual for specific instructions.

Step 4: Put Your Headphones in Pairing Mode

Place your Bluetooth headphones in pairing mode. This usually involves holding down the power button until the indicator light flashes, signifying it’s ready to pair.

Step 5: Pair Your Headphones with the Transmitter

Follow the instructions in the Bluetooth transmitter’s manual to pair it with your headphones. This usually involves pressing a pairing button on the transmitter. The transmitter and headphones will automatically search for each other and connect.

Step 6: Enjoy Private Listening

Once paired, the audio from your ONN Roku TV will be transmitted wirelessly to your Bluetooth headphones. Adjust the volume using the TV’s remote or the volume controls on your headphones.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No Sound: Ensure your headphones are properly paired with the device (phone/transmitter). Double-check the volume levels on both your TV and the connected device.
• Audio Delay: Some latency is common with Bluetooth. Look for Bluetooth transmitters that support low-latency codecs like aptX Low Latency.
• Roku App Not Detecting TV: Make sure both your Roku TV and your mobile device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices and try again.
• Interference: Bluetooth signals can be affected by interference from other wireless devices. Try moving the transmitter or headphones closer to the TV.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does my ONN Roku TV have built-in Bluetooth for audio streaming?

Generally, ONN Roku TVs do not have native Bluetooth support for audio streaming. That’s why the workarounds described above are necessary. Some newer, higher-end Roku TVs might include Bluetooth, but it’s not a standard feature on ONN models.

2. Can I use any Bluetooth headphones with the Roku mobile app?

Yes, you can use any Bluetooth headphones that are compatible with your smartphone or tablet. The Roku app simply redirects the audio to your mobile device, which then acts as the Bluetooth audio source.

3. What if my Roku TV doesn’t have a headphone jack?

If your ONN Roku TV lacks a headphone jack, use the RCA audio outputs or the optical (TOSLINK) output, if available. Choose a Bluetooth transmitter that supports these connections.

4. How can I improve the audio quality when using Bluetooth headphones?

To improve audio quality, consider using a Bluetooth transmitter that supports higher-quality audio codecs like aptX or aptX HD. These codecs offer better audio fidelity compared to standard Bluetooth.

5. Will using Bluetooth headphones drain my TV’s battery faster?

Using Bluetooth headphones connected through the Roku app won’t impact your TV’s battery because the audio is being processed on your mobile device. If using a Bluetooth transmitter powered by the TV’s USB port, it might slightly increase the TV’s power consumption, but the impact is minimal.

6. Can I connect multiple Bluetooth headphones to my Roku TV at the same time?

No, using the Roku mobile app, you are limited by the Bluetooth capabilities of your smartphone or tablet, which typically only allows a single Bluetooth audio connection at a time. With a Bluetooth transmitter, some models may support connecting multiple headphones, but this depends on the transmitter’s specifications.

7. What is aptX Low Latency and why is it important?

aptX Low Latency is a Bluetooth audio codec designed to minimize the delay (latency) between the audio and video. This is crucial for a seamless viewing experience, as excessive latency can cause lip-sync issues. If you’re sensitive to audio delay, look for Bluetooth transmitters and headphones that support aptX Low Latency.

8. Is there a limit to the range of Bluetooth headphones when connected to a Roku TV?

The range of your Bluetooth headphones depends on the Bluetooth class of the transmitter or your mobile device. Class 2 devices typically have a range of about 10 meters (33 feet), while Class 1 devices can reach up to 100 meters (330 feet). However, obstacles like walls can reduce the effective range.

9. Can I use a Bluetooth speaker instead of headphones?

Yes, you can use a Bluetooth speaker instead of headphones using either the Roku mobile app or a Bluetooth transmitter. The process is the same; simply pair the speaker with your mobile device or the transmitter.

10. My Bluetooth headphones are cutting out or disconnecting frequently. What can I do?

This could be due to interference or a weak Bluetooth signal. Try moving closer to the TV or transmitter. Ensure there are no other wireless devices interfering with the Bluetooth connection. Restarting your headphones and the transmitter/mobile device can also help.

11. Can I control the volume of my Bluetooth headphones using the Roku remote?

When using the Roku mobile app, you’ll need to control the volume using your smartphone or tablet’s volume controls. If using a Bluetooth transmitter, the TV’s remote might control the audio output level to the transmitter, but the headphone volume will typically need to be adjusted directly on the headphones.

12. Are there any Roku TVs that natively support Bluetooth audio?

While ONN Roku TVs typically lack native Bluetooth for audio, some newer, higher-end Roku TV models from other brands might include this feature. Check the specifications of the specific Roku TV model to confirm. If your Roku TV has native Bluetooth, you can pair your headphones directly through the TV’s settings menu.