How to connect Wi-Fi headphones to a Samsung TV: 3 proven methods + troubleshooting

Wireless headphones are no longer a luxury; they've become the standard for comfortable watching movies, games, and videos without the hassle of wires. But when it comes to connecting them to Samsung TV, many people face unexpected difficulties: Bluetooth connection not foundSometimes the sound is delayed by half a second, sometimes the headphones refuse to sync at all. The cause is often not the devices themselves, but rather a problem with the TV's firmware or an incorrect connection method.

In this article we will look at all current connection methods — from standard Bluetooth to the use of specialized adapters for headphones with support Wi-Fi Direct or KleerNetLet's take a closer look at the models Samsung QLED 2020+ And Crystal UHD, where the synchronization algorithm differs from the budget series. And if you've already tried connecting and received an error, there's a section at the end of the article with unique solutions for error codes BT-107 And AU-302, which are not described in the official Samsung documentation.

1. Compatibility check: which headphones are compatible with your Samsung TV?

Before attempting to connect your headphones, make sure they are technically compatible With your TV model. Samsung supports most wireless audio standards, but there are some nuances:

• 🔵 Bluetooth 5.0+ - Suitable for all Samsung TVs since 2018 (series Q, UHD, The Frame). Older models (2016–2017) can only work with Bluetooth 4.2 and below.
• 🎧 Wi-Fi Direct / KleerNet - used in headphones Sennheiser RS 175, Bose QuietComfort and some models Sony WH-1000XM5Requires TV support (see below for a list of compatible models).
• ⚡ RF (radio frequency) headphones - work through a base station (for example, Sennheiser RS 120). Connect to TV via 3.5 mm jack or RCA.
• 🔌 USB adapters - If the TV does not have built-in Bluetooth, you can use external modules (for example, Avantek WBA-100).

To determine exactly which standard your TV supports:

1. Press on the remote control Menu → Support → Contact Information.
2. Look at the line Model (For example, UE55QN90B).
3. Please check the compatibility table below.

⚠️ Note: If your TV was released before 2018 and does not have built-in Bluetooth, you can only connect wireless headphones via external adapter or transmitter (For example, Creative BT-W5). Check the port availability. USB 2.0 or optical output on the back of the TV.

2. Method 1: Connecting via built-in Bluetooth (for TVs from 2018–2026)

This is the simplest method, but it only works if your TV equipped with a Bluetooth moduleThe instructions are valid for firmware Tizen 5.5 and newer (see the next section for how to check the version).

Step-by-step algorithm:

1. Turn on the headphones in pairing mode (usually hold the power button for 5-7 seconds until the indicator light flashes).
2. On the TV remote, press Menu → Settings → Sound → Sound Output.
3. Select List of Bluetooth devices (in some models the item is called Audio devices).
4. Wait until the name of your headphones appears in the list and select them.
5. Confirm pairing on both devices (sometimes you need to enter a PIN code, by default 0000 or 1234).

If your headphones don't appear in the list:

• 🔄 Restart your TV (unplug it for 30 seconds).
• 📱 Make sure the headphones are not connected to another device (phone, laptop).
• 🔧 Update your TV firmware (instructions in the next section).

Put the headphones into pairing mode

Disconnect them from other devices

Check the battery charge (at least 30%)

Update TV firmware (if available) -->

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Samsung The Frame 2021–2023 After connecting headphones, the sound may automatically be duplicated to the TV speakers. To disable this, go to Settings → Sound → Additional settings → Simultaneous audio output and select Bluetooth only.

3. Method 2: Using a USB-Bluetooth adapter (for TVs without a built-in module)

If your TV doesn't support Bluetooth out of the box, you can add it with an external adapter. Compatible models:

• 🔌 Avantek WBA-100 (supports aptX Low Latency)
• 🔌 1Mii B06 Pro (for headphones with AAC)
• 🔌 Creative BT-W5 (optimal for gaming, latency < 40 ms)

Connection instructions:

1. Insert the adapter into USB port on the back of the TV (use the port USB 2.0, if there is a choice).
2. Put the headphones into pairing mode.
3. On TV, select the sound source: Menu → Sound → Sound Output → USB Audio.
4. Select your headphones from the list of devices.

Important nuances:

• 🔋 Some adapters require separate power supply (for example, through USB-hub). If the indicator on the adapter is not lit, connect it to the charger.
• 🎮 For console games (PS5, Xbox) via TV, select adapters with support aptX LL - this will reduce the audio delay to 30–50 ms.
• 🔊 If the sound is interrupted, try moving the adapter further away from the router (Wi-Fi can interfere with the 2.4 GHz frequency).

4. Method 3: Connecting via Wi-Fi Direct or KleerNet (for Sennheiser, Bose headphones)

Some premium headphones (eg. Sennheiser RS 175 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra) are used proprietary wireless transmission protocols, such as KleerNet or Wi-Fi DirectThese technologies provide a more stable connection and lower latency than Bluetooth, but require special configuration.

Connection algorithm for Sennheiser RS 175/195:

1. Connect the headphone base station to the TV via optical cable (TOSLINK) or 3.5 mm jack.
2. On the TV remote control, select the sound source: Menu → Sound → Sound Output → Optical Output (or Analog output for 3.5 mm).
3. Turn on the headphones - they will automatically sync with the base station.
4. If necessary, adjust the sound balance on the station (buttons Tone or Surround).

For headphones Bose QuietComfort with support Wi-Fi Direct:

1. Activate the mode Wi-Fi Direct on the headphones (see the instructions for the model).
2. On TV, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Select headphones from the list and confirm the connection.
4. In the sound settings (Menu → Sound → Sound Output) select Wi-Fi Audio.

⚠️ Caution: When using Wi-Fi Direct The TV will not be able to simultaneously connect to the internet via Wi-Fi. For streaming content (Netflix, YouTube), use wired Ethernet connection.

How is Wi-Fi Direct better than Bluetooth?

Wi-Fi Direct provides higher throughput (up to 250 Mbps versus 3 Mbps for Bluetooth), which is critical for transmitting audio in the format FLAC or DTS:XAdditionally, audio latency when watching movies is reduced to 20–50 ms (versus 100–200 ms with standard Bluetooth). However, Wi-Fi Direct drains the headphone battery faster and can interfere with other devices on the 2.4 GHz network.

5. Troubleshooting: audio delays, connection drops, connection errors

Even after a successful connection, users often encounter problems technical problemsHere are the most common errors and how to fix them:

🔊 Problem: The sound is lagging (lip sync)

Audio lag relative to video is a common issue when using Bluetooth. Causes and solutions:

• 📶 SBC codec — the standard Bluetooth codec has a latency of ~200 ms. Solution: use headphones that support aptX Low Latency or AAC.
• 📺 Video processing - some Samsung TVs (for example, QLED 2020) add a delay during image post-processing. Disable these features. Motion Plus And Judder Reduction in the screen settings.
• 🔄 Buffer mismatch - reset your TV sound settings to factory settings (Settings → Sound → Reset sound settings).

🚫 Problem: Headphones connect, but there is no sound

Possible reasons:

• 🔕 The wrong audio source is selected on the TV. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound Output and select your headphones.
• 🔇 The headphones are connected to another device. Disconnect them from your phone/laptop and restart them.
• 🔌 The adapter (if used) is not receiving enough power. Connect it through USB hub with external power supply.

❌ Problem: Error BT-107 or AU-302

These errors occur when the TV firmware and headphone protocol are incompatible. Solutions:

• 🔄 Update your TV firmware (see section 6).
• 📱 Reset Bluetooth settings on your TV: Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings.
• 🔧 If the error appears when connecting via an adapter, try a different USB port or a different brand of adapter.

6. Samsung TV firmware update: why it's important to connect headphones

Many problems with connecting wireless headphones are solved software update TV. Samsung regularly releases patches to fix Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct bugs. For example, in the firmware Tizen 6.0 (1630) the error was fixed BT-107, which interfered with the connection of headphones Sony WH-1000XM4.

How to update firmware:

1. Press on the remote control Menu → Support → Software Update.
2. Select Update now.
3. If the update is not found, download it manually from the Samsung website (specify the exact TV model!) and upload it via USB.

Important notes:

• 🔌 During the update do not disconnect the TV from the network - This may lead to a system failure.
• 📡 If your TV is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, use an Ethernet cable for stability.
• ⏳ The update may take up to 30 minutes. Do not interrupt the process, even if the screen goes dark.

⚠️ Note: After updating the firmware, Bluetooth settings may be reset. You will need to reconnect the headphones (see Section 2).

7. Alternative methods: connecting via optical transmitters and HDMI ARC

If none of the above methods worked, consider alternative connection options:

🔆 Optical transmitter (TOSLINK)

Suitable for headphones with a base station or transmitter (eg. Sennheiser RS 175, Audio-Technica ATH-W1000Z).

• Connect the transmitter to the TV optical output (Digital Audio Out).
• Set up audio output: Menu → Sound → Sound Output → Optical Output.
• Select audio format PCM (for maximum compatibility).

🔄 HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)

If your TV and sound system (or AV receiver) support HDMI ARC, you can connect headphones through an intermediate device:

1. Connect the TV to the receiver via the port HDMI ARC.
2. Connect your headphones to the receiver via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm.
3. In TV settings, select Menu → Sound → Sound Output → Receiver (HDMI ARC).

The advantages of this method:

• 🎵 Multi-channel audio support (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X).
• 🔇 No sound delay.
• 🔌 Possibility of connecting multiple devices (headphones, soundbar, speakers).

8. Comparison of connection methods: which one to choose?

The connection method you choose depends on your TV model, headphone type, and intended use. Below is a comparison table:

Recommendations for selection:

• 🎮 For games: use USB adapter with aptX LL or HDMI ARC.
• 🎬 For movies: Wi-Fi Direct or optical transmitters.
• 🎵 For music: Bluetooth with AAC codec or Wi-Fi Direct.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting headphones to a Samsung TV

❓ Can AirPods be connected to a Samsung TV?

Yes, but with reservations. AirPods (all models) support only the codec AAC, which can cause up to 200ms of lag on some Samsung TVs. To minimize lag:

1. Update your TV firmware to the latest version.
2. In the sound settings, select Audio Output → AirPods (if available).
3. Disable video post-processing features (Motion Plus).

On TVs Samsung QLED 2021+ The delay usually does not exceed 100 ms.

❓ Why do my headphones connect, but the sound is intermittent?

Interference in sound during a wireless connection occurs due to:

• 📶 Overloaded Wi-Fi channel (if you use Wi-Fi Direct). Solution: Switch the router channel 5 GHz or change the 2.4 GHz channel in the router settings.
• 🔌 Faulty USB port (if you are using an adapter) Solution: try a different port or USB-hub.
• 🔋 Low battery headphones. A charge below 20% may cause audio interruptions.

Also check if there are any sources of interference near the TV, such as microwaves, cordless phones, or other Bluetooth devices.

❓ How do I connect multiple pairs of headphones at the same time?

Samsung TVs support multi-streaming audio transmission (up to 2 devices) only on models QLED 2020+ And The Frame 2021+To do this:

1. Connect the first pair of headphones (see section 2).
2. Without turning them off, activate pairing mode on the second pair.
3. On TV, select Settings → Sound → Advanced settings → Multi-stream audio.

For older TV models you will need Bluetooth transmitter with Dual Link support (For example, 1Mii B06 Plus).

❓ Can I use the headphones as a microphone for SmartThings or voice search?

No, Samsung TVs do not support Using Bluetooth headphones as a microphone for:

• Voice assistant Bixby.
• Calls through SmartThings or Google Duo.
• Game chat (for example, in Fortnite through GeForce Now).

For these purposes, you will need to connect a separate microphone via USB or use gamepad with microphone (for example, for PS5/Xbox).

❓ Why did my headphones stop connecting after updating the firmware?

Sometimes new firmware versions reset Bluetooth settings or change pairing protocols. To restore the connection:

1. Remove headphones from the list of paired devices: Settings → Sound → Bluetooth Device List → Delete.
2. Perform a network reset: Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings.
3. Restart your TV and try pairing again.

If the problem persists, check on Samsung's website to see if they have posted a solution. patch for your model (Sometimes updates are rolled out in stages).