Yes, you can connect AirPods to Apple TV

AirPods connect to Apple TV the same way they connect to your iPhone or Mac — through Bluetooth. Once paired, your AirPods will automatically switch to Apple TV when you're using it, as long as they're in range and not connected to another device. The process takes about two minutes and you only have to do it once.

Apple TV supports all AirPods models: the standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and AirPods (3rd generation). You'll need an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD running tvOS 12.3 or later. If your Apple TV is more than five years old, check your tvOS version in Settings to confirm it's current enough.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPods pair with Apple TV through the Bluetooth menu in Settings, and the pairing stays saved even after you disconnect.
  • Once paired, your AirPods will automatically connect to Apple TV when you turn them on and the TV is nearby, without any extra steps.
  • You can switch between multiple AirPods on the same Apple TV by going to Settings > AirPlay and Bluetooth > Bluetooth and selecting a different pair.
  • If your AirPods won't connect, restart both the AirPods and Apple TV, then try pairing again from the Bluetooth menu.

Pairing AirPods to Apple TV for the first time

Start with your AirPods powered on and within 10 feet of the Apple TV. On your Apple TV remote, go to Settings, then select AirPlay and Bluetooth. Choose Bluetooth from the menu.

Your Apple TV will begin searching for nearby Bluetooth devices. When your AirPods appear in the list, select them. A confirmation message will appear on screen, and your AirPods will emit a chime to signal they're connected. The whole process usually takes 30 to 60 seconds.

Once paired, your AirPods will stay in Apple TV's memory. You won't have to pair them again unless you unpair them manually or reset your AirPods to factory settings.

Automatic connection after the first pairing

After you've paired your AirPods once, they'll connect automatically whenever you turn them on and your Apple TV is nearby. There's no button to press or menu to open — just put your AirPods in your ears and they'll find the Apple TV on their own.

This automatic connection works because AirPods remember every device they've ever paired with and try to reconnect to the most recently used one. If you've been using your AirPods with your iPhone, they may connect to the iPhone first when you turn them on. To force them to connect to Apple TV instead, go to Settings > AirPlay and Bluetooth > Bluetooth on your Apple TV and select your AirPods from the list.

Switching between multiple AirPods on the same Apple TV

If you have more than one pair of AirPods in your household, you can pair all of them to the same Apple TV. Each pair will appear in the Bluetooth menu with a unique name — usually "Marcus's AirPods" or "AirPods Pro" depending on how you've named them in your iPhone settings.

To switch to a different pair, go to Settings > AirPlay and Bluetooth > Bluetooth and tap the pair you want to use. The Apple TV will disconnect from the current pair and connect to the new one within a few seconds. Only one pair can be connected at a time.

What to do if your AirPods won't connect

If your AirPods don't appear in the Bluetooth menu, restart both devices. Put your AirPods back in their case for 10 seconds, then take them out again. On your Apple TV remote, hold the Menu button for about 6 seconds until the home screen appears, which forces a restart. Wait 30 seconds for the Apple TV to fully boot, then try pairing again.

If they still won't show up, check that your AirPods are charged — a low battery can prevent pairing. Also confirm that your Apple TV is running tvOS 12.3 or later by going to Settings > System > About. If your tvOS is older, you'll need to update it first through Settings > System > Software Updates.

If your AirPods have been paired before but suddenly won't connect, they may be trying to connect to another device instead. Open the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone or Mac and disconnect your AirPods there, then try pairing them to Apple TV again.

Unpairing AirPods from Apple TV

To remove your AirPods from Apple TV's memory, go to Settings > AirPlay and Bluetooth > Bluetooth. Find your AirPods in the list and select them. A menu will appear with an option to "Forget" or "Remove" — select that option. Your AirPods will disconnect when ready and won't automatically reconnect to that Apple TV anymore.

You might want to do this if you're selling your Apple TV, giving it to someone else, or if your AirPods keep connecting to the TV when you don't want them to. Forgetting the AirPods on Apple TV doesn't erase them from your other devices — they'll still work normally with your iPhone, Mac, or iPad.

Audio quality and lag with AirPods on Apple TV

Bluetooth audio on Apple TV works well for most viewing, but there are two things to know. First, there's a slight delay — usually 100 to 200 milliseconds — between the picture on screen and the sound in your ears. This is normal for Bluetooth and you'll barely notice it while watching shows or movies, but it can be noticeable during fast-paced games.

Second, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max will use their standard audio mode when connected to Apple TV, not their spatial audio or adaptive audio features. These advanced features only work with Apple devices like iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The sound quality is still excellent, but you won't get the immersive surround effect you might be used to on other devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPods with Apple TV if I don't have an iPhone?

Yes. You can pair AirPods directly to Apple TV through Bluetooth without owning any other Apple device. You won't be able to customize AirPods settings like noise cancellation or transparency mode without an iPhone or iPad, but they'll work fine for listening to audio on your TV.

Will my AirPods connect to Apple TV automatically if I'm in another room?

No. AirPods need to be within about 30 feet of your Apple TV and have a clear line of sight to connect. If you walk into another room with the door closed, the connection will drop. When you come back into range, they'll reconnect automatically within a few seconds.

Can I use AirPods with Apple TV if I'm also using them with my iPhone?

Not at the same time. AirPods can only connect to one device at a time. If you're listening to something on your iPhone and then turn on Apple TV, your AirPods will stay connected to the iPhone. You'll need to manually disconnect them from your iPhone and reconnect them to Apple TV, or use your iPhone's Bluetooth settings to switch devices.

What if my Apple TV is older than five years?

Check your tvOS version first. Go to Settings > System > About and look for the software version number. If it's tvOS 12.3 or later, your AirPods will work fine. If it's older, you can update through Settings > System > Software Updates. If your Apple TV won't update past an older tvOS version, it may not support AirPods.

Do AirPods work with Apple TV if they're connected to my Mac?

Not simultaneously. Your AirPods will stay connected to whichever device they paired with most recently. To switch them to Apple TV, disconnect them from your Mac first — either by going to Bluetooth settings on your Mac and clicking "Disconnect," or by putting your AirPods in their case for a few seconds.