Connect Your AirPods in Settings
To connect AirPods to Apple TV, go to Settings on your Apple TV home screen, then select Remotes and Devices, and choose Bluetooth. Your AirPods will appear in the list if they are in pairing mode — hold the setup button on the back of the charging case for about 10 seconds until the light flashes white. Select your AirPods from the list, and they will connect within a few seconds.
Once connected, your AirPods will automatically reconnect to that Apple TV whenever you bring them near it and they are not already paired with another device. You do not need to repeat the pairing process each time you want to use them.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, go to Remotes and Devices, select Bluetooth, and put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the case button until the light flashes white.
- Your AirPods will appear in the Bluetooth list within seconds and connect with a single tap.
- AirPods automatically reconnect to the same Apple TV on future uses as long as they are not paired with another device.
- If your AirPods do not appear, make sure they are charged and within 30 feet of the Apple TV.
- You can pair multiple sets of AirPods to the same Apple TV, but only one set can play audio at a time.
What to Do If Your AirPods Do Not Show Up
If your AirPods do not appear in the Bluetooth list, first check that they have enough battery — if the case light is red or does not light up at all, charge them for at least 15 minutes. Make sure you are holding the setup button long enough; it should take about 10 seconds for the light to flash white, not just blink amber.
If the light is flashing white but your AirPods still do not appear, move closer to the Apple TV — Bluetooth range is typically 30 feet in open space, but walls and interference can reduce it. Restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, System, and selecting Restart. After the restart completes, return to Bluetooth and try pairing again.
Switching Between Devices and AirPods
If your AirPods are already paired with your iPhone or Mac, they may not show up on Apple TV because they are actively connected elsewhere. To use them with Apple TV, you need to disconnect them from the other device first. On your iPhone, go to Settings, Bluetooth, find your AirPods, and tap the info icon, then select Disconnect. On Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar, find your AirPods, and choose Disconnect.
Once disconnected from your phone or computer, your AirPods will pair with Apple TV. They will automatically switch back to your iPhone or Mac the next time you use audio on those devices, so you do not need to manually reconnect them each time.
Using AirPods Max with Apple TV
AirPods Max connect to Apple TV the same way as standard AirPods — go to Settings, Remotes and Devices, Bluetooth, and put them in pairing mode by pressing and holding the top button until the light flashes white. The pairing process takes the same amount of time, and they will reconnect automatically on future uses.
AirPods Max have a longer battery life than standard AirPods, so you are less likely to run into power issues during pairing. If you have trouble, the same troubleshooting steps explore: check battery level, move closer to the Apple TV, and restart if needed.
Pairing Multiple Sets of AirPods to One Apple TV
You can pair as many sets of AirPods as you want to the same Apple TV. Each set will appear in the Bluetooth list under Remotes and Devices. However, only one set can play audio at a time — if two sets are connected and you start playing something, only the most recently connected pair will output sound.
To switch which AirPods are playing audio, go back to Settings, Remotes and Devices, Bluetooth, and select the pair you want to use. The audio will switch to that pair when ready. This is useful if multiple people in your household have AirPods and want to take turns without unpairing and repairing each time.
Troubleshooting Audio and Connection Issues
If your AirPods are connected but you hear no sound, check the Apple TV volume first — press the volume up button on your Apple TV remote several times to make sure it is not muted or set to zero. Then check the volume on your AirPods themselves; if you are using AirPods Pro or Max, you can adjust volume by swiping or tapping the stem or ear cup.
If the connection keeps dropping, your AirPods may be too far from the Apple TV or there may be interference from other wireless devices. Move the Apple TV and AirPods closer together, away from microwaves, routers, or other Bluetooth devices. If the problem persists, forget the AirPods from the Apple TV and pair them again: go to Settings, Remotes and Devices, Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list, and select Forget This Device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AirPods with Apple TV if they are already connected to my iPhone?
No, AirPods can only connect to one device at a time. You must disconnect them from your iPhone first by going to Settings, Bluetooth, tapping the info icon next to your AirPods, and selecting Disconnect. Once disconnected, they will pair with Apple TV.
How long does it take to pair AirPods with Apple TV?
Pairing usually takes 5 to 10 seconds after your AirPods appear in the Bluetooth list. If it takes longer than 30 seconds, restart your Apple TV and try again.
Do I have to pair my AirPods every time I use Apple TV?
No. Once paired, your AirPods will automatically reconnect to the same Apple TV whenever you bring them near it and they are not connected to another device. You only pair them once.
What if my AirPods are in pairing mode but do not show up on Apple TV?
Make sure they are fully charged, within 30 feet of the Apple TV, and that the Bluetooth light is flashing white (not amber). If they still do not appear, restart your Apple TV and try pairing again.
Can two people use different AirPods on the same Apple TV at the same time?
You can pair multiple sets of AirPods to one Apple TV, but only one set can play audio at a time. To switch which pair is active, go to Settings, Remotes and Devices, Bluetooth, and select the pair you want to use.