Connect Your AirPods During Setup or in Settings

To pair AirPods with Apple TV, open the Settings app on your TV, go to Remotes and Devices, then select Bluetooth. Put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white, then select them from the list on your screen. The pairing takes about 10 seconds and works the same way whether you're setting up a new Apple TV or adding AirPods to one you already own.

If you're pairing during initial Apple TV setup, the Bluetooth screen appears automatically after you choose your language and network. If you're adding AirPods later, you'll find the same Bluetooth menu under Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth on any Apple TV model running tvOS 13 or newer.

Key Takeaways

  • Put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the back button on the case until the light flashes white, then select them from the Bluetooth list in Apple TV Settings.
  • Apple TV will remember your AirPods after the first pairing, so you only need to turn them on and they'll connect automatically next time.
  • You can pair multiple sets of AirPods to the same Apple TV, but only one set can play audio at a time.
  • If your AirPods don't appear in the Bluetooth list, restart both the AirPods and the Apple TV, then try pairing again.

What Happens After Pairing Is Complete

Once your AirPods show as "Connected" in the Bluetooth menu, they're ready to use. The next time you turn on your AirPods near the Apple TV, they'll reconnect automatically without any extra steps. You don't need to open Settings again unless you want to unpair them or connect a different set.

Audio will play through your AirPods instead of the TV speakers once they're connected. If you want to switch back to TV speakers, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth and select "Disconnect" next to your AirPods, or straightforward turn the AirPods off.

Pairing Multiple AirPods to the Same Apple TV

You can pair as many sets of AirPods as you want to a single Apple TV. Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth, put a new set of AirPods in pairing mode, and select them from the list. Each set will appear in your Bluetooth devices, and you can switch between them by turning one off and turning another on.

Only one set of AirPods can play audio at a time, so if two people want to listen separately, they'll each need their own AirPods and their own Apple TV, or one person uses AirPods while the other uses the TV speakers.

Troubleshooting When AirPods Won't Appear

If your AirPods don't show up in the Bluetooth list, first make sure they're in pairing mode—hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes white, not amber. The light should flash white to indicate pairing mode is active. If the light is amber or off, the AirPods aren't ready to pair.

If the light is white but your AirPods still don't appear, restart both devices. Put your AirPods back in their case for 10 seconds, then take them out and hold the back button again. At the same time, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart. Once both devices have restarted, try pairing again.

If AirPods still won't connect, check that your Apple TV is running the latest tvOS version. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and install any available update, then restart and try pairing once more.

Using AirPods Pro or AirPods Max with Apple TV

AirPods Pro and AirPods Max pair with Apple TV the same way as standard AirPods—put them in pairing mode and select them from the Bluetooth menu. All AirPods models work with any Apple TV running tvOS 13 or newer, including the latest Apple TV 4K.

With AirPods Pro, you can use Transparency mode to hear the room while watching, or switch to Active Noise Cancellation for full immersion. These features work the same way on Apple TV as they do on your iPhone or Mac—adjust them directly on the AirPods themselves by pressing the stem or using your iPhone's Control Center.

Disconnecting or Forgetting Your AirPods

To temporarily disconnect your AirPods without erasing the pairing, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list, and select "Disconnect." They'll stay paired to your Apple TV, so the next time you turn them on nearby, they'll reconnect automatically.

To completely remove the pairing so your AirPods won't auto-connect anymore, select your AirPods in the Bluetooth menu and choose "Forget This Device." You'll need to pair them again the next time you want to use them with this Apple TV, but they'll still be paired to your other devices like your iPhone or Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPods with Apple TV if they're already paired to my iPhone?

Yes. AirPods can be paired to multiple devices at once. When you turn them on near your Apple TV, they'll connect to whichever device you used most recently. If you want them to connect to your Apple TV instead of your iPhone, turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone or move it out of range.

Why does audio keep cutting out after I pair my AirPods?

Audio dropouts usually mean your AirPods are switching between devices. Move your iPhone and other Bluetooth devices away from your Apple TV, or turn off Bluetooth on them entirely. If the problem continues, restart your AirPods and Apple TV, then repair them.

Do I need to pair AirPods every time I use Apple TV?

No. After the first pairing, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever you turn them on near your Apple TV. You only need to go back to Settings if you want to disconnect them, pair a different set, or troubleshoot a connection problem.

What Apple TV models support AirPods?

Any Apple TV running tvOS 13 or newer supports AirPods, including Apple TV 4K (all generations), Apple TV HD, and older Apple TV models that have been updated. Check your tvOS version in Settings > System > About to confirm your TV can use AirPods.