Despite the fact that AirPods, like any other Apple gadgets, are focused on working in the ecosystem, they can be connected to devices with other operating systems without any problems. Headphones are able to work without problems with a laptop on Windows and a smartphone on Android. But if these are more or less frequent options for connecting AirPods, then there are more exotic ones. For example, to TV. Can they be connected? How to connect AirPods to TV ? How to set them up correctly? We will deal with this in our article.
Connecting AirPods to a TV
This headphone connection option is really exotic. Agree, it’s strange to watch TV this way when it has a built-in Dolby Atmos system or a soundbar. Actually, it’s very convenient. For example, when for some reason you can’t make noise in an apartment or you want to watch TV without being distracted by noise. A great way: it’s much more convenient than connecting wired headphones. Tried connecting my AirPods 2 to a TCL Android TV and it worked. Here’s how it’s done.
- Turn on the TV, press “Settings” on the remote control or select an item on the main screen of Android TV.
- Select Remotes and Devices.
- Open the AirPods case, hold down the button on the back and wait for the light to blink white.
- Click “Add Device” and confirm your choice by clicking “OK”.
- After that, your AirPods will appear in the list. Click to add.
Ready. After that, your AirPods will connect automatically when you open the case nearby and the TV is turned on. Double tap on the earphone works as before, except for calling Siri. And the video will switch to the next or previous, pause/play active. If suddenly the TV does not see AirPods , check if they are disconnected from your iPhone and if Bluetooth visibility is enabled in the TV settings.
How to set up AirPods on Android TV
From my feelings, I can say that AirPods work fine with Android TV , but there are some nuances. For example, when watching a YouTube video, the sound may be slightly sluggish or clicky. But it is easy to solve this by rebooting the TV. In addition, if you use one earphone and insert the second one into your ear, then the sound does not start immediately – not like on an iPhone. However, here are some points that need to be configured manually.
- You can turn off Dolby Atmos if your TV has this option. In headphones, especially in AirPods 2, it is of no use.
- Turn “Dialogue Clarity” to medium. This is a very cool feature that helps you hear dialogue better in podcasts and movies. Works very cool if there is noise around you.
- Sound balance: When connecting AirPods, there is a feeling that the sound in one earbud is a little louder. Checked in several applications – the same. Perhaps a one-time case, but if you encounter this, just move the slider 3 to the right.
- In advanced sound options, turn on “Automatic volume control”: so the sound effects will not interrupt the dialogue when watching a movie.
- Be sure to change the equalizer in the “Preset sound” item: dynamic is the best, but in general there is really a difference in sound if you select a different preset. Why can’t Apple do this?
- After all the manipulations, you need to click “Restart” for them to take effect.
The only drawback is that if AirPods are connected to Android TV , then calling Google Assistant on command will not work for you, even if the switch on the TV case is in the “ON” position. On the other hand, as before, it can be called from the main screen or the button on the remote control.
How to listen to music on TV with headphones
A huge plus of AirPods is the range of up to 50 meters to the sound source due to Bluetooth 5.0, so you can listen to podcasts from your TV. In order not to waste a lot of energy, you need to enable one option.
- Press the “Settings” button on the remote control.
- Select Sound.
- Then click “Audio Only”.
A sign will appear on the screen notifying you that the screen will turn off, and you can turn it back on with any key. In fact, the screen will continue to work: take a closer look, there is an image. Just no backlight! In general, this is very convenient when the TV serves as a sound source and you want to listen to something, but do not leave the screen on.
Disconnecting your AirPods from your TV is pretty easy: you can just go to Settings, select your headphones, and click Disconnect. Or turn off the TV and the connection will end automatically.
