Want to enjoy your favorite Samsung TV shows without disturbing others? Many AirPods owners struggle to connect their Apple earbuds to Samsung TVs. The good news is that you can connect AirPods to Samsung TVs using Bluetooth, though there are some specific steps and limitations to know about.
This guide covers everything you need to know about pairing AirPods with Samsung TVs and phones, with step-by-step instructions for all models and solutions to common problems.
What You Need to Know Before Connecting AirPods to Samsung TV?
Before you start pairing AirPods with Samsung TV, here are some important things to understand:
Compatibility: All AirPods models (including AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and standard AirPods) can connect to Samsung TVs with Bluetooth capability. Most Samsung Smart TVs from 2014 and later support Bluetooth connections.
Limitations: When you use AirPods with non-Apple devices like Samsung TVs, you lose some Apple-specific features. You won’t have access to Siri, automatic switching between devices, or the battery life widget. However, basic audio functions like play/pause and volume control will still work.
What you’ll need:
- Your AirPods with a charged case
- A Samsung TV with Bluetooth capability
- Your Samsung TV remote control
| AirPods Model | Works with Samsung TV | Key Features Available |
| AirPods (1st-4th gen) | ✓ | Basic audio, play/pause |
| AirPods Pro (1st-3rd gen) | ✓ | ANC, Transparency mode |
| AirPods Max | ✓ | All audio features |
| AirPods with Charging Case | ✓ | Basic audio only |
Step-by-Step Guide: Pairing AirPods with Samsung TV
The exact steps for pairing AirPods with Samsung TV vary depending on your TV model year. Here are the detailed instructions for each generation:
For 2020-2022 Samsung Smart TVs
Follow these steps for pairing AirPods with Samsung TV on newer models:
- Press the Settings button on your Samsung TV remote
- Select Settings (All Settings)
- Navigate to Sound
- Select Sound Output
- Choose Bluetooth Speaker List
- Open your AirPods case without removing the earbuds
- Press and hold the button on the back of the AirPods case until the light flashes white
- Wait for your AirPods to appear in the TV’s Bluetooth list
- Select your AirPods and click Pair and Connect
Pro tip: Keep your AirPods case within 3 feet of the TV during pairing for the best connection.
For 2017-2019 Samsung Smart TVs
If you have an older Samsung TV, follow these steps to pair airpods with samsung tv:
- Press the Home button on your remote
- Go to Settings
- Select Sound
- Choose Sound Output
- Select Bluetooth Speaker List
- Put your AirPods in pairing mode (press the back button until the light flashes white)
- Select your AirPods from the list and tap Pair
Note: Some 2017-2019 models might label Bluetooth settings differently. Look for terms like “Bluetooth Audio” or “Wireless Speaker Manager” if you don’t see “Bluetooth Speaker List.”
For 2014-2016 Samsung Smart TVs
For connecting AirPods to Samsung TV models from 2014-2016:
- Press the MENU button on your remote
- Select Sound
- Choose Speaker Settings
- Select TV Sound Output
- Pick Bluetooth Headphone
- Put your AirPods in pairing mode
- Select your AirPods when they appear
Important: These older models have limited Bluetooth support and may not work with all AirPods models. If you have trouble, check your TV’s user manual for Bluetooth compatibility.
How to Connect AirPods to Samsung Phones and Galaxy Devices?
Pairing AirPods with Samsung Phone
The process for pairing AirPods with Samsung phone is similar to connecting to any Android device:
- Open Settings on your Samsung phone
- Tap Connections
- Select Bluetooth and turn it on
- Open your AirPods case near your phone
- Press and hold the button on the back until the light flashes white
- Tap your AirPods under “Available Devices”
- Select Pair when prompted
Your AirPods will now connect to your Samsung phone whenever they’re nearby and the case is open.
Connecting AirPods to Samsung Galaxy
For pairing AirPods to Samsung Galaxy devices, the steps are the same as above. Galaxy phones run on Android, so the Bluetooth pairing process is identical across all Samsung smartphones.
Real example: Sarah uses AirPods Pro with her Samsung Galaxy S22. She says, “I was worried they wouldn’t work well together, but the connection is actually great. I just miss the automatic switching between my iPhone and Galaxy phone.”
Common Problems and Solutions When Connecting AirPods to Samsung TV
AirPods Connect But No Sound
This is the most common issue when you connect apple airpods to samsung tv. Here’s how to fix it:
- Go to Settings on your Samsung TV
- Select Sound
- Choose Expert Settings
- Find Digital Output Audio Format
- Change it from Bitstream to PCM
This fix works because PCM audio format is more compatible with AirPods than Bitstream. For more detailed troubleshooting, check out our guide on Bluetooth Pairing But No Sound? Quick Fixes That Work.
AirPods Won’t Pair or Connect
If you’re having trouble pairing airpods to samsung, try these solutions:
Reset your Samsung TV:
- Turn on your TV
- Hold down the power button on your remote until the TV turns off and back on again
- Try pairing your AirPods again
Reset your AirPods:
- Put your AirPods in their case
- Close the lid
- Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid
- Press and hold the button on the back for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white
- Try pairing again
Connection Drops Intermittently
If your AirPods keep disconnecting from your Samsung TV:
- Reduce distance: Keep your AirPods within 10-15 feet of the TV
- Remove obstacles: Walls, furniture, and other electronics can interfere with Bluetooth
- Update firmware: Check for TV and AirPods software updates
- Restart devices: Turn both TV and AirPods off and on again
Verified data point: Bluetooth signals can travel up to 30 feet in open space, but walls and other electronics reduce this range significantly.
Alternative Solutions for Wireless Audio with Samsung TV
If you’re still having trouble with pairing airpods to samsung, consider these alternatives:
Bluetooth Transmitters: These small devices plug into your TV’s audio output and create a stronger Bluetooth signal. Brands like TaoTronics and Avantree work well with Samsung TVs.
Optical Audio Connection: Some Samsung TVs have optical audio outputs. You can use a Bluetooth transmitter that connects via optical cable for better sound quality.
Samsung Multi-Connect: If you have a 2022 or newer Samsung TV, you can use the Multi-Connect feature to connect two Bluetooth devices at once. This is great if you want to watch TV with a friend using AirPods.
Tips for Better AirPods Experience with Samsung TV
Battery Life Management
AirPods last about 5 hours on a single charge, and the case provides multiple additional charges. For longer TV sessions:
- Keep the charging case nearby
- Put one AirPod in the case while using the other to extend listening time
- Charge your AirPods during commercial breaks
Audio Quality Optimization
For the best sound quality when connecting airpods to samsung phone or TV:
- Keep your TV’s audio format set to PCM
- Position yourself within 10 feet of the TV
- Avoid areas with lots of wireless interference (microwaves, WiFi routers)
- Use AirPods Pro for Active Noise Cancellation in noisy environments
Multiple Device Switching
While AirPods don’t automatically switch between Apple and Samsung devices, you can manually switch:
- Disconnect from your current device in Bluetooth settings
- Connect to the new device
- Some Samsung phones let you quickly switch between paired devices from the quick settings panel
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my AirPods Pro 2 play sound on my Samsung TV?
This is a common issue with AirPods Pro 2 and Samsung TVs. The problem is usually related to the audio format. Go to your TV’s Sound settings, then Expert Settings, and change the Digital Output Audio Format from Bitstream to PCM. This fix works for most users experiencing no sound issues with newer AirPods models.
Do I lose any AirPods features when connected to Samsung TV?
Yes, you lose some Apple-specific features when using AirPods with non-Apple devices. You won’t have access to Siri, automatic device switching, battery life notifications, or the Find My network. However, core features like Active Noise Cancellation (on Pro models), Transparency mode, and basic audio controls still work perfectly.
Can I connect multiple AirPods to one Samsung TV?
Most Samsung TVs only support one Bluetooth audio device at a time. However, 2022 and newer Samsung TVs have a Multi-Connect feature that allows two Bluetooth devices to connect simultaneously. Check your TV’s specifications to see if this feature is available on your model.
Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting from my Samsung TV?
Frequent disconnections usually happen due to distance, interference, or software issues. Try moving closer to the TV, removing other wireless devices from the area, updating your TV’s firmware, and resetting both your TV and AirPods. If problems persist, there might be a compatibility issue between your specific AirPods model and TV.
Is it better to use Galaxy Buds with Samsung TV instead of AirPods?
Galaxy Buds offer better integration with Samsung TVs, including features like 360 Audio and seamless switching between Samsung devices. However, if you already own AirPods and are invested in the Apple ecosystem, they work perfectly fine with Samsung TVs for basic audio playback. The choice depends on whether you prioritize cross-brand compatibility or ecosystem integration.
How do I reset my Samsung TV to fix AirPods connection issues?
To reset your Samsung TV, hold down the power button on your remote until the TV turns off and back on again. This soft reset often fixes Bluetooth connection problems. For a full factory reset, go to Settings > General > Reset > Factory Reset. Note that a factory reset will erase all your settings and installed apps.
Conclusion
Connecting AirPods to Samsung TV is definitely possible and works well once you know the right steps. Whether you’re pairing airpods with samsung tv, connecting airpods to samsung phone, or pairing airpods to samsung galaxy, the process is straightforward with the right guidance.
Remember to check your TV model year for specific instructions, try the PCM audio format fix if you experience no sound issues, and keep your devices close for the best connection. With these tips, you’ll be enjoying wireless TV audio through your AirPods in no time.
