As a new owner of a TCL Roku TV, I wanted to enjoy a late-night program without disturbing my family.
That’s when it dawned on me that I hadn’t checked to see whether my Roku TV had Bluetooth.
Bluetooth is available on Roku TVs, correct?
All Bluetooth-enabled Roku devices are limited to Roku Smart Soundbar and Roku TV Wireless Speakers. You can use Roku’s mobile app to connect the Bluetooth audio device to the mobile phone, and then enable “private listening” in the app to listen to content privately.
As a result, except from the 2 Roku Bluetooth speaker items described before, all of the Roku-based TVs do not support Bluetooth, as stated by Roku itself.
The Roku app may be used for private listening.
“Private listening” in the Roku app is a nice solution for this issue.
Download the Roku app on your smartphone or tablet by typing “Roku” into Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
The search for nearby Roku devices will begin as soon as the app is installed. If you have a Roku TV, it will show up on the list. Please click on it to connect.
You may use a phone as a remote after your Roku TV is linked to the Roku app!
With Bluetooth off, I’ve found this remote to be an upgrade over the original Roku remote.
In order to type or search for a title, you may use your phone as your remote. One letter at a time, using the Roku control is excruciatingly difficult.
You’ll first need to choose the Bluetooth audio device you wish to connect to in order to utilize private listening. Audio devices such as Bluetooth speakers and headphones may be connected.
Initially, connect your audio equipment to your phone or tablet over Bluetooth.
Make sure you’re connected to the same wireless network for your tablet or smartphone as your Roku TV. Different networks might have an impact on your experience.
Open the Roku app, go to Remote, and then click on the symbol that appears like a pair of headphones at the bottom of the screen.
This will allow you to listen to your Roku TV with your Bluetooth device in private mode.
Is it possible for numerous persons to simultaneously utilize private listening?
In private listening, you may have as many as four individuals listening at the same time.
There are, however, a number of prerequisites.
The first thing to keep in mind is that this can only be done on a mobile device, not a tablet. You also need to make sure that your Roku TV is running the latest version of the Roku OS.
Check out System and then About to see what version of Roku you’re using.
Software upgrades for most Roku TVs are automated. Every 24 to 36 hours, your TV will check for updated operating systems and download them for you.
The last step is here.
The Roku app and a network connection are required for several users to utilize private listening at the same time.
Using Bluetooth to connect two or more devices
There are just a few things that can be directly linked to your Roku TV through bluetooth.
Roku Smart Soundbar and Roku TV Wireless Speakers can only be set up if all three devices are on the same wireless network before you can use them.
The device may be connected to your Roku TV once you validate that they are both utilizing the same WiFi network.
Using the Roku remote’s “Home” button, go to Settings and then Remotes and devices.
Make sure the Bluetooth device is selected and then press the “Pair” button.
When the Bluetooth connecting page appears on your Roku TV, navigate to your smart phone to finish the setup.
Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone (tablet or PC).
Observe your phone’s Bluetooth list and choose the Roku device when it shows.
Finally! Roku should now display the message “connected” on your screen. Our goal is for it to demonstrate that you’re linked to your smartphone.
Roku TV volume will be coming from the Roku Bluetooth device when you watch a movie or stream live TV
Unplug the Bluetooth device
Disconnect and “forget” the Bluetooth device on your TV if you no longer want it to play via Roku.
Using your Roku remote, hit home and then go down to Settings, then Remotes and devices, then Bluetooth devices.
Disconnect your device by clicking on it.
Unless you re-establish your Bluetooth connection, you won’t be able to use your smartphone.
Conclusion
It’s only possible to use Bluetooth on Roku TVs to connect to a limited number of Roku devices. Their position is that Roku-based TVs do not have Bluetooth functionality.
There is, however, a fantastic workaround.
In the Roku app, there is a feature called private listening. In order to use this function, you must first connect a Bluetooth audio device to your smartphone before connecting it to your Roku TV.
This method may be used to connect Bluetooth headphones or speakers. You may even have up to four individuals listening to the same song wirelessly at once!
This isn’t optimal for everyone, and there are Bluetooth devices other than audio that would be wonderful to connect. For those who are looking for a TV that is completely Bluetooth-enabled, I’ve compiled a list of alternative manufacturers and models.
In the comments section below, please share your thoughts. When it comes to watching content on your TV, is Roku’s private listening function enough?