Wave goodbye to that outdated tangle of cords running a marathon around your living room! Smart TVs are here, bringing the gift of Bluetooth and flashy new designs.
But wait – do all models come equipped with this feature? How do you check if your Smart TV allows Bluetooth connectivity anyways? Well, we’ve come up with this detailed guide to answer everything from setup tips to compatibility info. So read on!
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Do Smart TVs Have Bluetooth?
Mid to top-tier Smart TVs all incorporate Bluetooth. Although it was previously reserved only for flagship models, most brands nowadays have Smart TVs with Bluetooth enabled. Some of the brands that have Bluetooth-enabled Smart TVs are:
- Sony
- Samsung
- LG
- Vizio
- Toshiba
- Hisense
While some models of Smart TVs don’t include Bluetooth, they’re quickly becoming obsolete. However, you may have to shell out a bit more cash for this cutting-edge communication capability to get ahead of the curve.
How to Check if Your Smart TV Has Bluetooth
The easiest way to check if your TV has Bluetooth is by consulting the user manual that comes with it. However, if you can’t find any information related to Bluetooth, you can still check if your Smart TV has Bluetooth by verifying the following conditions.
- If the cardboard box that your TV came in has the Bluetooth logo, it has Bluetooth enabled.
- If the TV itself or the remote for the TV has the Bluetooth logo on it.
- If the TV menu has a Bluetooth option. This allows you to control the connection by pairing and unpairing with different devices.
- If your TV is listed on your phone’s list of available devices under Bluetooth.
How To Enable Bluetooth On A Smart TV
While not all TVs come with the Bluetooth feature, there are some ways to enable the feature from unconventional methods. We’ve listed the most common methods below.
Method#1: Using the TV’s Secret Service Menu
Every television has a secret service menu. This is a menu of advanced options and features you cannot use otherwise. You can use combinations of codes from your remote to access this menu. You have to be careful since a mistake can ruin your TV. You can find service codes for Sony, LG, Samsung, and Phillips online.
One major disadvantage of this method is that the secret service menu voids your TV’s warranty. If this bothers you, we recommend moving on to the next method.
Method#2: Connecting to Bluetooth through a Smart Phone App
One less intimidating method is downloading your Smart TV manufacturer’s app onto your phone and then using your phone’s Bluetooth to connect. For instance, you can download Roku’s app to utilise its Bluetooth capabilities. This will allow you to listen to your TV by syncing it with your headphones or speakers via the Roku app.
Method#3: Using a Bluetooth Transmitter
A transmitter plugs into a non-Bluetooth device and converts it into a fully functioning Bluetooth device. The latency rate is very low, and there is virtually no lag, so a transmitter is a good alternative to the abovementioned methods. It’s also budget-friendly, being just under forty dollars.
If you’re looking to invest in a Bluetooth transmitter for your Smart TV, the iMii Bluetooth 5.2 Transmitter Reciever is an excellent choice. It requires a headphone jack on your TV, so ensure it has one before buying this transmitter.
Devices You Can Connect to Your Smart TV
There are several devices you can connect your Smart TV to. These include but are not limited to the following.
A Remote Control
Many Smart TVs now use Bluetooth instead of the infrared used before to pair their remote controls. This eliminates the need to pair your remote control before operating the Smart TV.
Bluetooth Speakers and Headphones
The speakers of Smart TVs have average performance at best. They sound good with their built-in enhancements, but many users purchase external speakers for a better audio experience. This can help you augment the volume as per your needs.
Smartphones or Tablets
You can control your Smart TV by downloading an app on your phone or tablet. Here’s how:
- Turn on Bluetooth on the device you’re using.
- Open the designated app.
- Pair your Smart TV with the device.
- The device will now function as a remote controller for your Smart TV.
Note that not all Smart TVs connect to your device via Bluetooth. Some brands require both devices to connect to a similar network before they can be paired.
Keyboard and Mouse
You can pair Bluetooth keyboards or a Bluetooth mouse to your Smart TV. This is a perfect option for users with jittery hands who dislike hovering the remote over a particular option.
First, pair the two devices from your TV settings. Once done, you can use your TV as a desktop computer. You can now click on options without constant scrolling and easily search for films or TV shows you want to watch.
How Can You Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Your Smart TV?
The method to connect headphones to your Smart TV is specific to the make and model you own, but the general directions remain the same throughout. Follow the steps below if you wish to pair the two.
- Go to the Bluetooth settings on your TV. Set them to On or Discoverable.
- Navigate to the list of discoverable devices on your TV.
- The Smart TV will auto-connect to any device it has paired with before. If it does not, manually navigate to your headphones.
- Wait a few seconds for the devices to pair.
- You may have to enter a password or a code to ensure a private connection. Check with the manual to see what it could be, or search it online.
Once the process is done, you’re good to go! Your Smart TV will now be paired with your headphones. Play audio or any video on the television to see if the two devices have paired.
What is The Best Bluetooth Enabled Smart TV?
One of the best options for a Bluetooth-enabled Smart TV is the Sony X80J 4K Ultra HD LED Smart Google TV. It has an impeccable colour quality which is extremely close to real life. It also has Google built-in. In addition, it possesses a compact soundbar with a bass-reflex speaker that provides deeper audio.
On top of all these features, you can pair numerous devices with it via Bluetooth. Therefore, we recommend buying this model if you’re in the market for a new and experiential Smart TV.
Can You Buy A Bluetooth Adapter For Your Smart TV?
To enable Bluetooth on your TV, you can buy a Bluetooth adapter. These are accessories manufactured by your Smart TV brand but are sold separately. There are also a lot of third-party adapters available on the market that pair your Smart TV with a range of devices.
Conclusion
Whether or not smart TVs have Bluetooth capabilities depends on their brand and model. However, there are some general tips that you can follow in order to figure out if your specific TV has Bluetooth built-in.
In this article, we’ve detailed all the necessary information about Smart TVs with Bluetooth enabled. We’ve broken down the information so you can know more about its connectivity and range. We hope it was insightful!