Amazon’s Fire TV devices, including the Fire Stick, Fire TV Cube, and Fire TV Blaster, have transformed how we enjoy TV and streaming content.
These devices bring a wide variety of streaming platforms to your living room, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and HBO Max, offering endless entertainment at your fingertips.
However, one common challenge that many users face is the ability to hear the content clearly without disturbing others.
This is where Bluetooth headphones come into play. Connecting Bluetooth headphones to your Fire TV can significantly improve your viewing experience, offering better sound quality, privacy, and convenience.
In this guide, we’ll explore various ways you can connect your Bluetooth headphones to your Fire TV, so you can enjoy your favourite shows and movies with crisp audio.
Why Use Bluetooth Headphones with Your Fire TV?
Before we dive into the connection methods, let’s discuss why using Bluetooth headphones with your Fire TV can be a game-changer for your TV viewing experience:
- Clearer Sound: Bluetooth headphones can deliver superior sound quality compared to regular TV speakers, helping you catch every detail, especially in movies or shows with intricate sound design.
- No Disturbance: You won’t have to worry about cranking up the volume to uncomfortable levels and disturbing others in your household.
- Wireless Convenience: Bluetooth headphones eliminate the need for tangled cords, providing you with more freedom to move around without being tethered to your TV.
- Adjustable Volume: With Bluetooth headphones, you can easily control the volume on the headphones without adjusting the TV’s sound, which is especially useful for people who have different hearing preferences.
Now that you know why Bluetooth headphones are a great addition to your Fire TV experience, let’s explore how to connect them.
Methods to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Fire TV
There are a few different methods for connecting Bluetooth headphones to Amazon Fire TV. Depending on your setup and preferences, one of these solutions will work best for you.
Method 1: Direct Connection Using Fire TV’s Built-In Bluetooth
Recent models of the Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV Cube come with built-in Bluetooth functionality, which makes it easy to connect Bluetooth headphones directly to the device. This method works best if you only need to connect one pair of headphones.
MUST READ: PS5 and Bluetooth Headphones: How to Set Up for Gaming Audio
Steps to Connect Directly:
- Turn on Your Fire TV: Make sure your Fire TV is powered up and connected to your TV.
- Navigate to Bluetooth Settings: From the Fire TV home screen, go to Settings > Controllers and Bluetooth Devices > Other Bluetooth Devices.
- Put Your Headphones in Pairing Mode: Follow the instructions in your headphone’s manual to enter pairing mode. This typically involves holding a button until a light flashes.
- Pair Your Headphones: Your Bluetooth headphones should appear on the list of Discovered Devices. Select your headphones to pair them with your Fire TV.
- Enjoy Wireless Audio: Once connected, you can enjoy audio through your Bluetooth headphones. The Fire TV speakers will not automatically mute, so you can still hear sound through the TV if desired.
Limitations of Method 1:
- One Pair of Headphones Only: This method only allows one Bluetooth device (headphones) to connect at a time. If you need to connect more than one pair, you’ll need to use a Bluetooth transmitter (Method 2).
- Limited to Fire TV Content: This method works exclusively with content streamed through the Fire TV itself. If you’re using another device (like a DVD player or gaming console), the headphones will not transmit sound from that source.
Method 2: Using a Bluetooth Transmitter for Dual Headphones
If you want to connect two pairs of Bluetooth headphones simultaneously or if your Fire TV device lacks built-in Bluetooth support, a Bluetooth transmitter is your best bet. This solution works with any TV, including older models.
Why Use a Bluetooth Transmitter?
A Bluetooth transmitter, sometimes called a Bluetooth audio adapter, is a device that plugs into your TV’s audio output port. It adds Bluetooth capability to your TV, allowing you to connect multiple Bluetooth devices like headphones and speakers.
Bluetooth transmitters come with a variety of features:
- Dual Connection: Most Bluetooth transmitters allow you to connect two pairs of headphones at once, making it perfect for couples or families.
- Low Latency: Some transmitters support aptX low latency, which reduces the delay between audio and video, providing a seamless viewing experience.
- Simultaneous Audio Output: Certain transmitters support output through both Bluetooth headphones and your TV’s external speakers, so you don’t have to choose one or the other.
Steps to Connect Using a Bluetooth Transmitter:
- Plug in the Bluetooth Transmitter: Connect the Bluetooth transmitter to your TV’s audio output port. This could be the 3.5mm headphone jack, optical audio port (TOSLINK), or RCA audio output.
- Put Your Headphones in Pairing Mode: Put your Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode and have them ready to connect.
- Pair the Headphones to the Transmitter: Once your Bluetooth headphones are in pairing mode, they should show up on the transmitter’s pairing list. Follow the transmitter’s instructions to complete the connection.
- Adjust Audio Settings: If necessary, adjust the audio output settings on your TV to ensure the sound is routed through the Bluetooth transmitter.
Why Choose a Bluetooth Transmitter?
- Connect Two Headphones: You can connect two Bluetooth headphones at the same time, which is useful if multiple people in the household need to use headphones.
- Works with Any TV: As long as your TV has an audio output port, this method works with both smart and non-smart TVs.
If you want to simplify the process, some manufacturers offer headphone + transmitter kits, which bundle Bluetooth headphones and the transmitter together, eliminating the need for manual pairing.
Method 3: Connecting Bluetooth Headphones via TV’s Built-In Bluetooth (If Available)
Many newer smart TVs come with Bluetooth built into the device, which allows you to pair Bluetooth headphones directly with the TV, bypassing the need for additional adapters or transmitters.
Steps to Connect Using Built-In Bluetooth:
- Check for Bluetooth Support: Check your TV’s settings to see if it has Bluetooth capabilities.
- Put Your Headphones in Pairing Mode: Activate the pairing mode on your Bluetooth headphones.
- Connect via TV’s Bluetooth Menu: If your TV supports Bluetooth, navigate to the Bluetooth settings menu, select your headphones from the list of available devices, and pair them.
This method is quick and easy but is only an option if your TV has Bluetooth capabilities. Not all TVs offer this feature, especially older models.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve covered the three main methods for connecting Bluetooth headphones to your Amazon Fire TV, you can select the one that best fits your needs:
- Method 1 (Direct Connection) is great for those with newer Fire TV devices who only need to connect one pair of headphones.
- Method 2 (Bluetooth Transmitter) is the most versatile option, allowing you to connect two Bluetooth headphones simultaneously and works with any TV.
- Method 3 (Built-in Bluetooth) is the easiest option if your TV has built-in Bluetooth.
Each method offers unique benefits, from simplicity to flexibility. Whether you’re enjoying a movie solo or sharing the experience with a friend, Bluetooth headphones will enhance your TV experience, giving you better sound quality and more freedom.
People May Ask
Can I connect more than one pair of Bluetooth headphones to Fire TV?
Yes, but not directly through the Fire TV device. If you need to connect multiple headphones, use a Bluetooth transmitter that supports dual connections.
Why is there no sound coming through my Bluetooth headphones?
Make sure your headphones are properly paired and that your TV’s audio output is set to the correct device (either the Bluetooth transmitter or the Bluetooth device connected to the TV).
Do I need a special Bluetooth transmitter to connect headphones?
No, any Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into your TV’s audio output will work. However, some transmitters offer additional features, like low latency or the ability to connect multiple headphones simultaneously.
How can I reduce audio lag when using Bluetooth headphones with Fire TV?
For minimal lag, choose a Bluetooth transmitter and headphones that support aptX Low Latency. This technology helps sync the audio and video, reducing any noticeable delay.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones with Fire TV on non-smart TVs?
Yes, using a Bluetooth transmitter allows you to connect Bluetooth headphones to any TV, including non-smart or older models. Just plug the transmitter into the audio output and pair your headphones.
Click here to learn more.
