Want to watch TV in the evening without disturbing anyone, or play on your console with headphones? Connecting AirPods to a TV is easiest with an Apple TV, and with many smart TVs it works directly via Bluetooth. With the PS5 and Xbox, you need a workaround. Here you’ll find every option.
First: put your AirPods into pairing mode
TVs and consoles can only find your AirPods when they’re ready to pair. Put both AirPods in the charging case and open the lid. Then press and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white. AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 don’t have a visible button: double-tap the front of the case instead. There’s more on this in the guide Pair AirPods.
Connect AirPods to an Apple TV
If your Apple TV is signed in with the same Apple Account as your iPhone, it often already knows your AirPods. When their name appears on the screen, press the “TV/Control Centre” button on the Siri Remote. Otherwise, pair them manually once:
- On your Apple TV, open “Settings”.
- Select “Remotes and Devices”, then “Bluetooth”.
- Put the AirPods into pairing mode as described above.
- Select your AirPods under “Headphones”.
On an Apple TV 4K, two people can listen at the same time with their own AirPods. To do this, press and hold the “TV/Control Centre” button, select the AirPods icon at the top and then “Share Audio”.
Connect AirPods to a TV: Samsung, LG and other smart TVs
Many newer TVs can pair with Bluetooth headphones. The menus have different names depending on the manufacturer and model. This is usually how it works:
- On your TV, open the settings and go to the sound section.
- Under sound output, look for a list of Bluetooth devices and start the search.
- Put the AirPods into pairing mode.
- Select the AirPods in the list.
If you can’t find an option like this, check your TV’s manual. If it can’t connect Bluetooth headphones, a Bluetooth transmitter that you plug into the TV’s headphone or audio output will help. On a TV, AirPods work as simple Bluetooth headphones: you adjust the volume with the remote, and the sound may be slightly delayed.
Connect AirPods to a PS5
The PS5 does have Bluetooth, but according to Sony, Bluetooth headphones such as AirPods aren’t compatible with the console. So pairing them directly doesn’t work. These are the workarounds:
- Bluetooth transmitter for the USB port: you plug an adapter like this from another manufacturer into the PS5 and then pair the AirPods with the adapter. Whether the microphone works too depends on the adapter.
- Via your TV: if your TV can pair with Bluetooth headphones, connect the AirPods to the TV. You’ll then hear the PS5’s sound through the AirPods.
- Via your iPhone: with Sony’s “PS Remote Play” app, you can play PS5 games on your iPhone or iPad. The AirPods stay connected to the iPhone as usual.
Xbox and Nintendo Switch
- Xbox: the Xbox connects headsets using its own wireless technology, not Bluetooth. That’s why AirPods can’t be paired with the console directly. The easiest way is via a TV with Bluetooth.
- Nintendo Switch: the Switch can pair with Bluetooth headphones. You’ll find the option for this in the system settings. However, you usually can’t use the AirPods’ microphone.
Not working?
- The AirPods can’t be found: check that the status light is flashing white. Briefly turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone so that the AirPods don’t connect to the iPhone by themselves.
- Only one AirPod plays: put both in the case, reset them and pair them again. The steps are in the guide Reset AirPods.
- The sound lags behind: this is due to the Bluetooth connection. On some TVs, you can compensate for the delay in the sound settings.
- The sound is too quiet: turn up the volume on the TV. You’ll find more tips in the guide Make AirPods louder.
If an AirPod stays silent or the charging case no longer holds its charge, you don’t need a new pair. At Lostpod, you can get the left or right AirPod and the charging case individually, as a genuine replacement part.
Frequently asked questions
Can you connect AirPods directly to a PS5?
No. According to Sony, Bluetooth headphones aren’t compatible with the PS5. You need a workaround, for example a Bluetooth transmitter for the USB port or going via your TV.
Can you also use AirPods as a microphone?
Yes, on an iPhone, iPad and Mac and on most phones and computers. On a TV usually not, and on a console only if the adapter supports it.
How do I connect AirPods to a Samsung TV?
On the TV, open the sound settings, choose the Bluetooth devices under sound output and start the search. Then put the AirPods into pairing mode and select them. Exactly what the menus are called depends on the model.
Can two people listen with AirPods on an Apple TV?
Yes. On an Apple TV 4K, you can send the sound to two pairs of AirPods or compatible Beats. To do this, choose “Share Audio” in the Apple TV’s Control Centre.
