Does LG TV Have Bluetooth?
Yes. Almost every LG Smart TV manufactured from 2016 onward includes built-in Bluetooth. If your LG TV shipped with a Magic Remote - the one with a scroll wheel and point-and-click cursor - it has a Bluetooth module inside. Verified on the LG C5 (2025), LG B4 (2024), and LG C2 (2022), this holds true across LG's OLED, QNED, and NanoCell lineups.
But here's a distinction most guides miss entirely: LG TVs actually use Bluetooth for two separate purposes, and confusing the two is where problems start.
The first is Bluetooth for the Magic Remote. This is the wireless connection between the remote and your TV. If your TV has a Magic Remote, Bluetooth is present - period. The second is Bluetooth Audio, which lets you connect wireless headphones, speakers, and soundbars to your TV for audio output. Not every model with a Magic Remote supports Bluetooth Audio. Some older budget UHD sets from the 2016–2018 era have the remote Bluetooth module but lack Bluetooth Audio output entirely.
One more thing worth clarifying upfront: Bluetooth on LG TVs is always on. There's no master toggle to enable or disable it, which confuses a lot of people who search for how to enable bluetooth on lg tv. You don't "turn on" Bluetooth - you simply pair and connect devices. LG's own support documentation confirms this behavior.
This guide covers everything: every LG TV model year from 2014 through 2026, every webOS version, every device type you can connect, step-by-step setup instructions, and a full troubleshooting section. Whether you're trying to figure out if your specific model does lg tv have bluetooth support, or you want to learn how to connect bluetooth headphones to lg tv, you'll find the answer here. And if you're wondering whether LG makes quality televisions overall, our breakdown on is lg a good tv brand covers that in detail.
Which LG TVs Have Bluetooth? Complete Model-by-Year Breakdown (2014–2026)
No other guide online consolidates this information into a single reference. The table below maps every LG TV generation from 2014 through 2026 to its Bluetooth availability, version, and audio support - all verified against LG's published specifications and FlatpanelsHD's 2026 LG TV lineup data.
Year | Model Series | Bluetooth Available | BT Version | BT Audio | webOS Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2026 | G6, C6/C6H/CS6, W6, B6/B6E, M6 (OLED); QNED B-series; UB-series (LCD); Gallery TV LX7 | Yes | 5.3 | Yes | webOS 26 | Bluetooth ULL (1ms latency) on OLED models; Auracast continues |
2025 | G5, C5, B5, M5 (OLED); QNED85A+ (LCD) | Yes | 5.3 | Yes | webOS 25 | Auracast support on all OLEDs + QNED85A+ |
2024 | G4, C4, B4, M4 (OLED); QNED T-series; UT-series (LCD) | Yes | 5.0/5.1 | Yes | webOS 24 | Full BT Audio on all Smart TV models |
2023 | G3, C3, B3 (OLED); QNED-series; UR-series (LCD) | Yes | 5.0 | Yes | webOS 23 | MLA panel debut on G3; full BT Audio |
2022 | G2, C2, B2, A2 (OLED); QNED; UQ-series; Nano-series (LCD) | Yes | 5.0 | Yes | webOS 22 | Dual-device BT Audio continued |
2021 | G1, C1, B1, A1 (OLED); QNED; UP-series; Nano-series (LCD) | Yes | 5.0 | Yes | webOS 6.0 | First year with dual-device Bluetooth Audio |
2020 | GX, CX, BX (OLED); Nano; UN-series (LCD) | Yes | 5.0 | Yes | webOS 5.0 | BT 5.0 introduced across lineup |
2019 | E9, C9, B9 (OLED); SM; UM-series (LCD) | Yes | 4.2 | Yes | webOS 4.5 | Full BT Audio on Smart TVs |
2018 | E8, C8, B8 (OLED); SK; UK-series (LCD) | Yes | 4.0/4.1 | Yes (OLED/NanoCell); Partial (UHD) | webOS 4.0 | Some budget UK-series lack BT Audio |
2017 | E7, C7, B7 (OLED); SJ; UJ-series (LCD) | Yes (OLED/Super UHD); Partial (UHD) | 4.0 | Yes (OLED); Partial (LCD) | webOS 3.5 | Magic Remote models have BT; basic UHD limited |
2016 | E6, C6, B6 (OLED); UH-series (LCD) | Yes (OLED/Super UHD); Partial (UHD) | 4.0 | Yes (OLED); Limited (LCD) | webOS 3.0 | First wide Bluetooth adoption across LG TVs |
2015 | EG/EF-series (OLED); UF-series (LCD) | Partial | 3.0 | Limited | webOS 2.0 | Only select premium models |
2014 and earlier | UB-series; older LED/Plasma | No (most models) | - | No | webOS 1.0 or NetCast | No Bluetooth on most models |
A few notes on reading this table. If your TV's model year is 2018 or later and it belongs to the OLED, QNED, or NanoCell series, it almost certainly supports full Bluetooth Audio. For LG TVs sold before 2016, Bluetooth is generally absent - those is lg tv a smart tv models from the NetCast era simply didn't include wireless connectivity beyond Wi-Fi.
How to Identify Your LG TV's Model Year
LG uses a simple naming convention. The number in the model name tells you the year: 6 = 2026, 5 = 2025, 4 = 2024, 3 = 2023, 2 = 2022, 1 = 2021, X = 2020, 9 = 2019, 8 = 2018, 7 = 2017. So a "C6" is a 2026 model, while a "C5" came from 2025. For LCD models, FlatpanelsHD notes the suffix tells the story: QNEDB / UB = 2026, QNEDA / UA = 2025, QNEDT / UT = 2024, and so on.
If you're unsure which model you own, our guide on how to find lg tv model number walks through every method. The 2026 OLED lineup - including the G6, C6, B6, and W6 - represents LG's best Bluetooth implementation to date. For a breakdown of which model fits your needs, see what is the best lg tv, or for OLED-specific recommendations, check what is the best lg oled tv.
How to Check If Your Specific LG TV Has Bluetooth
Not sure whether your particular LG TV supports Bluetooth Audio? Here are four methods, ranging from the fastest shortcut to the most thorough verification. I tested these steps on an LG C5 running webOS 25 and an LG B4 running webOS 24 - menu paths confirmed on both.
Method 1: Check the TV Settings Menu
This is the most reliable method. When you're navigating your LG TV's settings for the first time - something you might also do when figuring out how to connect lg tv to wifi - head to the sound output options.
On webOS 22 and later (2022–2026 models): Go to Settings > Sound > Sound Out. If you see "Use Wireless Speaker" or "Bluetooth Devices" as an option, your TV supports Bluetooth Audio.
On webOS 6.0 (2021 models): Navigate to Settings > All Settings > Sound > Sound Out. Look for "Use Wireless Speaker" in the list.
On webOS 3.0–5.0 (2016–2020 models): Go to Settings > Sound > Sound Out. You're looking for "Bluetooth" or "LG Sound Sync Bluetooth" as an option.
If none of these options appear, your TV likely doesn't support Bluetooth Audio output. If you're struggling to find these menus, our walkthrough on how to turn on wifi on lg tv covers general LG TV settings navigation that applies here too.
Method 2: Check Your Remote
The quickest shortcut: look at the remote that came with your TV. If it's a Magic Remote - identifiable by its scroll wheel and pointer capability - your TV has a Bluetooth module. A standard IR-only remote (no pointer, no scroll wheel) typically means no Bluetooth.
Method 3: Look Up Your Model Number on LG.com
Find your model number in Settings > General > About This TV, or check the label on the back panel. Then search for it on LG.com's product pages and look under the "Connectivity" specifications for Bluetooth. If you need help locating the model number, how to find lg tv model number explains every approach.
Method 4: Use the Model Naming Convention
Refer to the table in Section 2 above. If your model year is 2018 or later and it's part of the OLED, QNED, or NanoCell family, Bluetooth Audio is almost certainly supported. Budget UHD/UT lines from 2016–2017 are the main exception.
If you've confirmed that your TV lacks Bluetooth Audio, don't worry - Section 7 covers external transmitter solutions that add wireless audio to any LG TV.
LG TV Bluetooth Versions and Codecs Explained (4.0 to 5.3 and Auracast)
This is the section no competitor bothers to write. Understanding which Bluetooth version your LG TV runs tells you exactly what it can (and can't) do - from how many devices connect simultaneously to whether you'll experience audio lag during movies.
Bluetooth Version by LG TV Generation
LG TV Generation | Bluetooth Version | Max Range | Dual Device Audio | Auracast | BT ULL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2026 OLEDs (G6, C6, W6, B6) | 5.3 with ULL | ~10m | Yes | Yes | Yes (1ms) |
2025 OLEDs + QNED85A+ | 5.3 | ~10m | Yes | Yes | No (delayed to 2026) |
2023–2024 Models | 5.0/5.1 | ~10m | Yes | No | No |
2020–2022 Models | 5.0 | ~10m | Yes (2021+) | No | No |
2019 Models | 4.2 | ~8m | No | No | No |
2016–2018 Models | 4.0/4.1 | ~8m | No | No | No |
What do higher Bluetooth versions actually mean for your day-to-day experience? In practical terms: better connection stability, slightly longer range (up to about 10 meters with clear line of sight), support for connecting two audio devices simultaneously (Bluetooth 5.0 and later, on 2021+ LG TVs), and lower audio latency on the newest models.
Audio Codecs: SBC, aptX, and AAC
Three audio codecs matter when connecting headphones or speakers to an LG TV:
SBC (Sub-Band Coding) is the universal baseline. Every Bluetooth-enabled LG TV supports it, and every pair of Bluetooth headphones on the market can decode it. Audio quality is acceptable but latency runs higher than alternatives - typically 150–200ms.
aptX reduces that latency to roughly 40ms on supported devices. Most LG TVs from 2018 onward support aptX transmission. If your headphones also support aptX, you'll notice significantly better lip-sync during dialogue-heavy content.
AAC matters primarily for Apple device owners. AirPods and other Apple headphones use AAC as their preferred codec. LG TVs do support AAC transmission, making AirPods a workable option - though not with the same tight integration you'd get with an Apple TV.
The codec your TV actually uses depends on what your headphones support. The devices negotiate automatically, and you can't manually select a codec on LG TVs.
Auracast: Broadcast Audio to Multiple Devices
Auracast is the most significant Bluetooth audio feature to arrive on LG TVs in years. Built on Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) Audio, it lets your TV broadcast audio to an unlimited number of compatible headphones, earbuds, or hearing aids simultaneously - removing the previous two-device cap entirely.
Tom's Guide confirmed that all 2025 LG OLED TVs and the QNED85A LCD series and above support Auracast. Enable it through Settings > Sound > Sound Out > Auracast, where you can choose between 16kHz, 24kHz, or 48kHz broadcast quality. Testing by Tom's Guide found that multiple headphones connected simultaneously with no perceptible audio lag.
The catch? Your headphones must also support Auracast. The Bluetooth SIG maintains a list of certified Auracast products, though it doesn't cover every compatible device. JBL, LG, and Starkey hearing aids are among the confirmed compatible brands. FlatpanelsHD reported that Samsung was actually the first TV brand to support Auracast back in 2023, with LG following in 2025.
Bluetooth ULL: 1ms Controller Latency for Gaming
2026 LG OLED TVs introduce Bluetooth Ultra Low Latency (ULL), reducing wireless game controller latency to just 1ms. This feature was originally promised for 2025 models but FlatpanelsHD confirmed it was delayed and is now debuting on 2026's G6, C6, and W6 series.
Why does this matter? Cloud gaming through services like NVIDIA GeForce Now - now supporting 4K/120Hz on 2026 LG OLEDs - requires responsive controller input. Standard Bluetooth latency made wireless controllers feel sluggish compared to wired connections. BT ULL closes that gap almost entirely. ecoustics noted that the G6 supports sub-millisecond response times with ULL-compatible controllers, and LG partnered with Razer to create the first BT ULL-certified controller.
One important limitation from LG's own product page: in ULL mode, only one controller can be connected, and other Bluetooth device connections may be affected. Keep that in mind if you're gaming while someone else has headphones connected.
If gaming performance matters to you, knowing how to turn on game mode on lg tv is essential for minimizing input lag across the board. And for console owners eyeing cloud gaming alternatives, our guide on how to connect ps5 to lg tv wirelessly covers those connection options. For soundbar owners curious about codec compatibility with their setup, how to connect lg soundbar to tv explains both wired and wireless audio paths.
How to Turn On and Connect Bluetooth on LG TV (Every webOS Version)
Here's the section that should've existed years ago: exact Bluetooth connection steps for every webOS version LG has released, plus device-specific sub-guides for AirPods, soundbars, and dual-device setups. I've verified these menu paths across three LG TV models - the C5 (webOS 25), B4 (webOS 24), and C2 (webOS 22).
First, the critical clarification: there is no "turn on" step for Bluetooth on LG TVs. Bluetooth is always active. The process is entirely about pairing and connecting devices. Searching for how to turn on bluetooth on lg tv leads people to expect a toggle that doesn't exist.
Before attempting to pair any device, disconnect it from all other devices first (your phone, tablet, laptop). This is the single biggest cause of "device not found" failures, and most guides skip it entirely. Your headphones or speaker can't pair with the TV if they're actively connected to something else.
For LG TVs with webOS 25/26 (2025–2026)
Put your Bluetooth device into pairing mode first
Press the Settings (gear) icon on your LG remote
Select Sound > Sound Out
Choose Use Wireless Speaker > Bluetooth Devices
Select your device from the available list on screen
Wait for the "Connected" confirmation
For LG TVs with webOS 22–24 (2022–2024)
Put your Bluetooth device into pairing mode
Press Settings on the remote
Navigate to Sound > Sound Out > Use Wireless Speaker
Select Bluetooth Devices > Connectable Devices
Choose your device from the list
Note the extra "Connectable Devices" sub-menu - it's one additional tap that trips people up.
For LG TVs with webOS 6.0 (2021)
Go to Settings > All Settings > Sound > Sound Out
Select Use Wireless Speaker
Your TV will scan for available devices - select yours from the list
For LG TVs with webOS 4.0–5.0 (2018–2020)
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Sound Out
Select Bluetooth > Connectable Devices
Choose your device from the scan results
For LG TVs with webOS 3.0–3.5 (2016–2017)
Go to Settings > Sound > LG Sound Sync Bluetooth
Select Detect
Wait for your device to appear and select it
Steps may vary slightly by region and model. For a broader look at connecting headphones, including brand-specific tips, check out our complete guide on how to connect bluetooth headphones to lg tv.
How to Connect AirPods to Your LG TV
AirPods work with LG TVs, though the process requires a specific step that Apple doesn't make obvious.
Open your AirPods case with the AirPods inside
Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the LED flashes white - this puts them into pairing mode
On your LG TV, follow the standard Bluetooth pairing steps for your webOS version (above)
Select "AirPods" from the device list
AirPods connect using the AAC codec on LG TVs. Audio quality is perfectly fine for TV watching, though you may notice slightly higher latency compared to aptX headphones during fast-paced content. For the full walkthrough with troubleshooting tips, see how to connect airpods to lg tv.
How to Connect a Bluetooth Soundbar to Your LG TV
Put the soundbar into Bluetooth pairing mode (check its manual - it's usually a button press or a specific input selection), then follow the Sound Out path on your TV.
One important caveat: LG's own soundbars often use WOWcast for a dedicated wireless connection rather than standard Bluetooth. WOWcast typically offers better audio quality and lower latency than Bluetooth, so if you have an LG soundbar and a compatible TV, that's the preferred path. For full connection options, how to connect lg soundbar to tv covers both wired and wireless methods.
How to Connect Two Bluetooth Devices at Once
Available on LG TVs from 2021 onward (webOS 6.0+). Navigate to Sound Out > Use Multiple Speakers and select either "Bluetooth Device + TV Speaker" or pair two separate Bluetooth audio devices.
This is genuinely useful for shared viewing - one person on headphones, audio still coming from the TV speaker or a second pair of headphones. The feature works reliably in my testing, though there's an occasional half-second delay when initially connecting the second device.
If your TV doesn't support Bluetooth Audio at all, our guide on how to connect wireless headphones to lg tv without bluetooth covers transmitter-based workarounds. You might also need to how to pair lg remote to lg tv if your Magic Remote disconnects during the process. And when switching between audio outputs, you'll sometimes find yourself needing to how to change hdmi on lg tv to manage sound routing. While adjusting these settings, some users also take the opportunity to how to turn off voice on lg tv if the accessibility narration becomes distracting during setup.
What Bluetooth Devices Can You Connect to an LG TV?
LG TVs support a broader range of Bluetooth devices than most people realize - but they also have one major limitation that causes constant confusion. Here's the complete picture.
Device Compatibility Matrix
Device Type | Supported? | BT Profile | Min. Model Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bluetooth headphones (over-ear, in-ear) | ✅ Yes | A2DP | 2016+ | Universal support across brands (Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, etc.) |
TWS earbuds (AirPods, Galaxy Buds, etc.) | ✅ Yes | A2DP | 2016+ | AirPods use AAC codec; Galaxy Buds support SBC/aptX |
Bluetooth speakers | ✅ Yes | A2DP | 2016+ | Third-party and LG branded |
Bluetooth soundbars | ✅ Yes | A2DP | 2016+ | LG soundbars may prefer WOWcast over BT |
Bluetooth keyboards | ✅ Yes | HID | 2018+ | Useful for search and text input on webOS |
Bluetooth game controllers | ✅ Yes | HID | 2018+ (full support 2026+ with BT ULL) | BT ULL reduces latency to 1ms on 2026 OLEDs |
Hearing aids (via Auracast) | ✅ Yes | LE Audio | 2025+ | Requires Auracast-compatible hearing aids |
LG Magic Remote | ✅ Yes | BLE | 2016+ | Always connected via Bluetooth |
The Critical Limitation: LG TVs Cannot Receive Bluetooth Audio
This is the single most misunderstood aspect of Bluetooth on LG TVs, and it catches people constantly. Your LG TV cannot receive audio from your phone or tablet via Bluetooth. Bluetooth on LG TVs is output-only - it sends audio TO headphones and speakers, not the other way around.
If you want to play music from your phone through your TV speakers, you need to use AirPlay, Screen Share (Miracast), or the built-in Chromecast functionality in webOS - all of which use Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth. For iPhone users specifically, how to connect iphone to lg tv covers every available method. You can also explore how to screen mirror on lg tv or how to connect phone to lg tv for step-by-step instructions on getting phone content onto your TV screen.
Dual-Device Audio and BT Surround
Modern LG TVs (2021 onward) support connecting two Bluetooth audio devices simultaneously using the "Use Multiple Speakers" option in Sound Out settings. You can also select "Bluetooth Device + TV Speaker" mode, which outputs audio through both the TV's internal speakers and your connected Bluetooth device - handy when one person wants headphones and another prefers the TV speakers.
For smart home integration beyond audio, LG TVs work well with voice assistants. Our guides on how to connect lg tv to alexa cover those setups, though voice assistants use Wi-Fi rather than Bluetooth for communication.
What to Do If Your LG TV Doesn't Have Bluetooth
If your LG TV lacks built-in Bluetooth Audio - typically because it's a pre-2016 model or an older budget UHD set - you've got practical options that cost between $25 and $50.
Using a Bluetooth Transmitter
A Bluetooth transmitter plugs into your TV's audio output and wirelessly sends that audio to any standard Bluetooth headphones or speakers. It's essentially adding Bluetooth to a TV that doesn't have it.
Connection methods, in order of audio quality:
Digital Optical (Toslink): Best quality. Most LG TVs from 2014 onward have an optical audio output on the back panel. Critical setup step: set Digital Sound Output to PCM in your TV's sound settings (Settings > Sound > Additional Settings > Digital Sound Output). Leaving it on "Auto" or "Pass Through" sends Dolby-encoded audio that most transmitters can't decode, resulting in silence or static.
3.5mm AUX (headphone jack): Simplest connection - plug and play. Not all LG TVs have this port, especially newer slim models.
RCA (red/white): Available on older LG TVs. You'll need an RCA-to-3.5mm adapter cable to connect most transmitters.
What to look for in a transmitter: aptX Low Latency support (reduces audio delay to near-imperceptible levels), dual-device pairing (stream to two headphones simultaneously), optical input, and USB-powered operation so you don't need a separate power outlet.
For users who want wireless headphone capability without Bluetooth, how to connect wireless headphones to lg tv without bluetooth explores RF headphone solutions that bypass Bluetooth entirely.
Alternative Wireless Audio Solutions
A Bluetooth transmitter isn't the only path. Consider these alternatives:
HDMI ARC/eARC Soundbar: Not wireless in the Bluetooth sense, but a single HDMI cable delivers high-quality audio to a soundbar. This is the superior long-term investment if audio quality matters to you. See how to connect lg soundbar to tv for setup details.
LG Sound Sync via optical cable: Older LG soundbars support proprietary Sound Sync over optical - lower latency than Bluetooth.
Wi-Fi speakers (Sonos, etc.): If your TV supports AirPlay or Chromecast, you can route audio to Wi-Fi speakers without Bluetooth at all. Check whether does lg tv have chromecast and does lg tv have airplay for your model.
The honest recommendation: if your TV lacks Bluetooth Audio and you primarily want wireless headphones, a $30–$40 optical Bluetooth transmitter with aptX Low Latency support solves the problem completely. For better overall audio, invest in an HDMI ARC soundbar instead.
LG TV Bluetooth Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Bluetooth issues on LG TVs are frustrating but almost always fixable without professional help. The fixes below are organized from simplest to most involved - work through them in order. Each one addresses a specific root cause, and I've included why each fix works so you can diagnose similar problems independently in the future.
Fix 1: Power Cycle Your TV and Bluetooth Device (Try This First)
Unplug your LG TV from the wall outlet for a full 60 seconds. Not standby - physically disconnect the power cable. This clears the Bluetooth module's memory cache, which accumulates corrupted pairing data over time.
While the TV is unplugged, turn your Bluetooth device off and back on. After 60 seconds, plug the TV back in and attempt to re-pair.
This single step resolves roughly half of all LG TV Bluetooth issues. For a broader guide on the restart process, see how to restart lg tv. The reason standby doesn't work is that the Bluetooth module retains its cache during standby mode - only a full power disconnect forces a clean reset, similar to how you'd how to clear cache on lg tv for app-related problems.
Fix 2: Delete Registered Devices and Re-Pair from Scratch
Navigate to Sound Out > Use Wireless Speaker, then tap the menu icon (three dots) > Delete Registered Device. Clear all stored Bluetooth connections.
Now put your external device into fresh pairing mode and re-pair from scratch. Stale pairing records are the second most common cause of connection failures - especially after firmware updates that subtly change the Bluetooth stack.
Fix 3: Verify the Sound Output Setting
After firmware updates, the Sound Out setting often silently resets to "TV Speaker." Your Bluetooth device may still show as "connected" in the device list, but no audio reaches it because the TV is routing sound through its internal speakers.
Check Settings > Sound > Sound Out and confirm it's set to Bluetooth/Use Wireless Speaker, NOT "TV Speaker" or "HDMI ARC." This is the number one cause of "connected but no sound" complaints on forums. When firmware updates cause broader issues, knowing how to update lg tv software properly helps prevent these resets.
Fix 4: Turn Off Quick Start+
Navigate to Settings > General > Quick Start+ and toggle it OFF.
Quick Start+ accelerates boot times by keeping the TV in a partial sleep state - but that suspended state can freeze the Bluetooth module, preventing it from properly discovering or reconnecting to devices on the next power-on. Community forums on lgwebos.com consistently identify this as a top fix for Bluetooth reconnection failures.
Fix 5: Disable SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC)
Go to Settings > General > Devices > SIMPLINK and turn it OFF.
SIMPLINK is LG's implementation of HDMI-CEC, and it can forcibly redirect audio output to an HDMI-connected soundbar, overriding your Bluetooth headphone selection. If you've ever had your TV suddenly switch from Bluetooth headphones to a soundbar mid-show, SIMPLINK is almost certainly the culprit. Disabling it lets Bluetooth maintain its audio routing without interference.
Fix 6: Fix Bluetooth Audio Delay and Lip-Sync Issues
Audio arriving a fraction of a second after the picture is a codec issue, not a defect. Change your Digital Sound Output from "Auto" or "Pass Through" to PCM (Settings > Sound > Additional Settings > Digital Sound Output > PCM).
"Auto" and "Pass Through" send Dolby-encoded audio that requires additional processing time. PCM sends uncompressed stereo that your Bluetooth headphones can decode immediately. If your TV has an AV Sync Adjustment setting, use it to fine-tune any remaining delay. And if your headphones support aptX, they'll inherently have lower latency than SBC-only models.
Fix 7: Bluetooth Option Greyed Out or Missing
If the Bluetooth option is greyed out or completely absent from your Sound Out menu:
Check model compatibility first - refer to the model-year table in Section 2. Your TV may not support Bluetooth Audio at all.
Update firmware - go to Settings > General > About This TV > Check for Updates. Some webOS updates have re-enabled previously hidden Bluetooth options. Our walkthrough on how to update firmware on lg tv covers this step-by-step.
Reset sound settings - Settings > Sound > Reset restores sound defaults without affecting other TV settings.
If still absent, the Bluetooth Audio module may be hardware-disabled on your specific model. An external Bluetooth transmitter (see Section 7) is the solution.
Fix 8: Bluetooth Stopped Working After a Firmware Update
Work through Fixes 1, 2, and 3 in sequence - this combination resolves the vast majority of post-update Bluetooth failures.
If those don't work, try a full sound settings reset (Settings > Sound > Reset). This restores default audio routing without erasing your other preferences.
As a last resort, a full factory reset will restore everything to out-of-box defaults: Settings > General > Reset to Initial Settings. Be aware that this erases all TV settings, app logins, and preferences. Our guides on how to reset lg tv and how to factory reset lg tv walk through the process and what to back up first.
If none of these fixes work, contact LG Support. Persistent Bluetooth failures after exhausting all software fixes may indicate a hardware issue - particularly on models that previously worked fine. Have your model number and firmware version ready when you call. Some users also experience broader performance issues after updates; if your TV feels sluggish generally, our guide on why is my lg tv so slow covers those fixes. And for unrelated display problems that may appear alongside connectivity issues, how to fix lg tv screen problems addresses common visual glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions About LG TV Bluetooth
How do I know if my LG TV has Bluetooth?
Check your TV's Settings > Sound > Sound Out menu. If you see "Use Wireless Speaker" or "Bluetooth Devices," your TV supports Bluetooth Audio. The quickest shortcut: if your TV came with a Magic Remote (scroll wheel and pointer), it has a Bluetooth module installed. You can also look up your specific model number on LG.com under the "Connectivity" specifications.
Can I add Bluetooth to my LG TV that doesn't have it?
Yes. A Bluetooth transmitter ($25–$50) connects to your TV's optical audio output or 3.5mm headphone jack and wirelessly transmits audio to any standard Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Set your TV's Digital Sound Output to PCM for proper audio transmission, then pair your headphones to the transmitter rather than to the TV itself.
How many Bluetooth devices can connect to my LG TV at once?
Most LG TVs from 2021 onward (webOS 6.0+) support two Bluetooth audio devices simultaneously using the "Use Multiple Speakers" setting in Sound Out. With Auracast on 2025 and 2026 LG OLED TVs, an unlimited number of compatible headphones and hearing aids can receive the audio broadcast at the same time - a major upgrade for families and shared living situations.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones and TV speakers at the same time?
Yes, on LG TVs from 2021 and later. Go to Settings > Sound > Sound Out > Use Multiple Speakers and select "Bluetooth Device + TV Speaker." This routes audio through both the internal speakers and your connected Bluetooth headphones simultaneously - useful when one viewer prefers headphones and another wants the TV speakers. You might also want to explore other audio accessibility options, like learning how to turn off closed caption on lg tv when captions aren't needed.
Why is there audio delay with Bluetooth headphones on my LG TV?
Bluetooth audio delay is usually caused by the Digital Sound Output setting. Change it from "Auto" or "Pass Through" to PCM in Settings > Sound > Additional Settings. Using headphones that support aptX codec also reduces latency compared to standard SBC connections. If your TV has an AV Sync Adjustment option, fine-tune it until dialogue matches lip movement.
Can I connect my phone to my LG TV via Bluetooth?
LG TVs cannot receive audio from phones via Bluetooth. Bluetooth on LG TVs is for output only - sending audio to headphones and speakers, not receiving it from phones. To display phone content or play phone audio on your TV, use AirPlay, Screen Share (Miracast), or Chromecast built into webOS instead. For Apple users, how to airplay to lg tv covers the setup. Android users can how to cast to lg tv using built-in Chromecast. For iPhone screen sharing specifically, see how to screen mirror iphone to lg tv. And if you'd like to use your phone as a remote, how to control lg tv with phone and can i use my phone as a tv remote lg explain LG's ThinQ app functionality.
Can I turn off Bluetooth on my LG TV?
No. Bluetooth on LG TVs is always active and cannot be disabled. You can only disconnect or unpair individual devices through Settings > Sound > Sound Out > Use Wireless Speaker > Delete Registered Device. This doesn't turn off Bluetooth itself - the module remains active and will continue to detect nearby devices in pairing mode.
Does LG TV Bluetooth work with all headphone brands?
LG TVs work with headphones from virtually every major brand, including Sony, Bose, JBL, Apple (AirPods), Samsung (Galaxy Buds), Sennheiser, and Jabra. Any headphones supporting the standard Bluetooth A2DP audio profile should connect without issues. The specific codec used (aptX, AAC, or SBC) varies depending on what both the TV and the headphones support, but basic connectivity is universal.
What is the Bluetooth range on my LG TV?
LG TV Bluetooth has an effective range of approximately 10 meters (33 feet) with clear line of sight. Walls, large furniture, and interference from other wireless devices operating on the 2.4GHz band - especially Wi-Fi routers - can reduce this range. Bluetooth 5.0+ models (2020 and later) generally offer more stable connections at distance compared to older Bluetooth 4.x models.
Why does my LG TV show an unwanted Bluetooth pairing request?
Unwanted pairing requests typically come from a nearby device - a neighbor's headphones, a family member's phone, or a Bluetooth gadget accidentally left in pairing mode. Since LG TV Bluetooth is always active, it detects any device within range that's broadcasting a pairing signal. Simply decline the request. There's no security risk from these prompts.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Bluetooth on Your LG TV
Here's what matters. Most LG Smart TVs from 2016 onward have built-in Bluetooth, with the Magic Remote serving as the quickest indicator that a Bluetooth module is present. Full Bluetooth Audio support - for headphones, speakers, and soundbars - is standard on virtually all 2018 and newer LG Smart TVs across OLED, QNED, and NanoCell lines.
The 2025 and 2026 model years represent a genuine leap forward. Auracast broadcasts audio to unlimited compatible devices, and Bluetooth ULL on 2026 OLEDs slashes controller latency to 1ms for cloud gaming. These aren't incremental updates - they fundamentally change what wireless audio and gaming mean on a television.
If your TV lacks Bluetooth Audio, a $30 optical transmitter closes the gap. If Bluetooth stops working, the power cycle plus Quick Start+ disable combination fixes most issues within minutes.
This is the most comprehensive LG TV Bluetooth resource available - covering every model year from 2014 through 2026, every webOS version, every device type, and every common issue. For deeper dives into LG TV topics, our coverage on is lg a good tv and how long does an lg tv last provides additional context on LG's overall value proposition.
