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How to add Bluetooth to a TV that doesn't have it

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Why This Matters

Adding Bluetooth support to older TVs enhances wireless audio and accessory connectivity, improving user convenience and entertainment options. Using streaming devices or dedicated transmitters offers practical solutions, making it easier to upgrade without replacing the entire TV. This flexibility benefits both consumers seeking cost-effective upgrades and manufacturers aiming to extend product lifespan.

Key Takeaways

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With the right audio upgrades and a streaming device that unlocks the world of on-demand content, most televisions can last a very long time. Of course, there are certain upgrades that are harder to ignore — wireless connectivity being one of them. Bluetooth has become mainstream in most televisions now, with many infrared remote controls relying on the technology too. If you've purchased your TV in the past decade, there's a good chance it comes with Bluetooth support. Head to the settings menu and look for connectivity options that mention Bluetooth, wireless devices or accessories.

If you do own a television without support for Bluetooth, you're not necessarily out of luck. Pretty much all popular streaming devices, like the Apple TV, Roku or Fire TV Stick, feature Bluetooth as a standard feature. If you own a pair of wireless headphones or a keyboard, you can connect them directly to the streaming device. At $30, the Roku Streaming Stick HD is one of the most affordable ways to not just add Bluetooth support to your TV but also breathe some new life into it with a modern OS.

The only big downside of going the streaming device route is that your Bluetooth accessories will only work when your TV is set to that particular input source. If you switch back to any other device that's also connected to your TV, the sound will once again play from the TV's speakers. If you're looking for a more universal solution, picking up a dedicated Bluetooth transmitter is the better option.