We want all our devices to be connected. However, we don’t want to be tied down or restricted by wires in order to do this.
We expect a certain degree of freedom from TVs.
Are smart TVs compatible with Bluetooth?
Many smart TVs today have Bluetooth built-in. All smart TVs are Bluetooth-enabled by Sony, LG Samsung, Toshiba, Hisense, and Toshiba. You can make smart TVs “Bluetooth-enabled” even if they don’t have Bluetooth by either downloading the smartphone app or using a Bluetooth transmitter.
Bluetooth is something that you have probably heard of unless you live under a rock. Bluetooth is a radio-wave technology that allows for data exchanges over short distances.
Bluetooth is a feature that has been integrated into many tech products, including smart TVs.
While many smart TVs have Bluetooth built-in, others don’t. (I’m thinking of Roku, Vizio).
It’s partially since Bluetooth isn’t required on smart TVs, but mostly because of cost.
It is expensive to integrate Bluetooth chips into every smart TV set, so some manufacturers don’t bother.
Which TVs are Bluetooth-enabled?
Bluetooth is supported by these smart TV models:
Hisense – A6, and A60 series
Hisense – H55 and H65, H8G, He8G, H8G1, H9, and H9 series
Hisense – Laser TV, U6, U7, U8 & U9 series
UN7370 series, UN8500 series, and UN7300 series the LG UN7300 and UN7370 series
LG – Nanoclass 85, 90, 90, and 99 series
LIG – CX, BX, GX, and WX models
Samsung – 6, 7, 8, & 9 series
There are four series of Samsung products: Frame, Serif, Sero, and Terrace
Samsung – Q60T, Q70T, Q80T, Q90T, Q800T, & Q900TS series
Sony – Android models and Google models that were released after 2016 (complete listing here).
Toshiba – Fire TV Editions
( hint: To view the most current list of Bluetooth-enabled smart TVs, visit BestBuys website. Filter based on “Bluetooth”, under features.
Manufacturers that do care usually include Bluetooth only in their flagship smart television models (which usually have a higher price).
My experience is that Samsung and Sony as well as Hisense and LG will most likely have Bluetooth built-in.
The easiest thing to do is to check the TV’s manual for information about Bluetooth.
You can search your TV’s model and make to find the manual. You can find manuals online in this way. Simply type in “Bluetooth”, and you will see the results.
To find the TV manual, go to “Audio”, within the TV’s setting and check if “Bluetooth” is listed under “Output options”.
Best Smart TV with Bluetooth Built-in
The Sony X80J Ultra HD LED Smart TV is the best smart TV today. It has Bluetooth connectivity.
The X80J can reproduce more colors than a traditional TV. This results in a picture that is more natural and precise than a regular TV and closer to real life.
You can easily browse 700,000+ TV episodes and movies across all your favorite streaming services from one place with Google TV embedded You can watch content from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ YouTube, Apple TV, and many other streaming services.
The cherry on top is the TV’s compact soundbar which delivers superior sound quality and includes a bass reflex speaker for better audio.
What is a Bluetooth TV capable of?
It might seem like a lot of work, so you may wonder if it’s worthwhile.
It was definitely for me.
Bluetooth offers great functionality that you won’t find anywhere else.
Bluetooth-enabled smart TVs allow you to do the following:
- If you want to connect to the TV wirelessly, use headphones or speakers
- Remote control for your smartphone
- You can type on your TV with a wireless keyboard that has Sync
- Your iPod or smartphone can stream music directly to your TV
- It is possible to protect your smartphone’s screen, apps, and photos onto your TV
Simply being able to use a pair of headsets to view TV late at night, so that I don’t wake my wife up, makes it worth the effort to get my TV “Bluetooth enabled”.
What can you do if your TV isn’t Bluetooth-enabled?
How to connect a TV Bluetooth
There are many ways to make smart TVs “Bluetooth-enabled” for those that don’t come with Bluetooth.
1) Turn on Bluetooth via the TV’s secret menu
2) Download the smartphone app from the TV manufacturer
3) Purchase a Bluetooth transmitter to connect your TV.
Secret service menu
You can make your TV Bluetooth by using its “secret service menu”.
Every digital television has a secret menu. Users can access some advanced features in this menu and change/enable/disable a variety of features you cannot access otherwise.
You can also use certain codes on your remote to access the menu.
Because can make a mistake in the menu, it could “brick” your TV. This is a term that refers to when you screw up a device that’s so useless, it’s almost as useful as one.
You can also access the secret service menu to void your TV’s warranty.
It’s not great.
If you haven’t already been scared, keep reading.
Many of the secret codes for Philips, Samsung, LG, and LG TVs can be found here. Also, you can Google other brands of TVs to find codes.
These codes may take several tries before they work. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t appear immediately.
Take your time, and don’t change any settings while you are there.
App for smartphones
You can download the app from your TV manufacturer to your smartphone and connect your TV using your phone’s Bluetooth. It’s much easier this way.
Roku is one example.
You can use your smartphone’s Bluetooth capabilities with a -free smartphone app.
You can connect your phone’s Bluetooth with your headphones or a speaker via the Roku app and then listen to your TV.
It’s not perfect but it is an option.
Bluetooth transmitter
In the event that Bluetooth is not enabled through the secret menu, you still have one other option.
A Bluetooth transmitter can be purchased.
A Bluetooth transmitter is simply an item that plugs into non-Bluetooth-enabled devices (in this instance your smart TV) and transforms it into a fully functioning Bluetooth device.
The technology is so advanced that these devices have very low latency (meaning that the sound will be almost real-time, and without any delay).
Even better, you can find a great one for as low as $40.
The TOKSEL Viable Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter is a great option if you are considering this route. This gadget has amazing reviews and will turn your smart TV Bluetooth within seconds.
This requires a headphone socket (AUX) to work on your TV. Make sure you have it before purchasing.
The Avantree Bluetooth Transmitter is a great option for TVs without a headphone jack. It has the same amazing reviews as before but offers many different setup options (Optical, Auxiliary, and USB).
You can also bring your Bluetooth transmitter along with you on your next flight. It can be plugged into the headset jack to allow you to finally watch TV from the plane.
Conclusion
Some smart TVs do have Bluetooth, but not all. It is most common for TVs with Bluetooth to be found on the flagship models of Sony, Samsung, and LG.
There are many ways to make smart TVs “Bluetooth-enabled” for those that don’t come with Bluetooth.
- Allow Bluetooth to be enabled through the TV’s secret menu
- Get the smartphone app for your TV manufacturer
- Get a Bluetooth receiver for your TV
Which is your favorite use of your TV’s Bluetooth capabilities? Please leave a comment below!
