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Quick Answer: Connect Phone to Insignia TV Bluetooth in 5 Steps→Choose Your Path Based on Your DeviceUnderstanding Insignia TV Phone Connectivity Options→Connection Methods ComparisonDoes Your Insignia TV Have Bluetooth? How to Check Compatibility→How to Check Bluetooth on Insignia Fire TV→How to Check Bluetooth on Insignia Roku TV→Insignia TV Series with Confirmed Bluetooth SupportHow to Connect Android Phone to Insignia Fire TV via Bluetooth→Prerequisites Before Starting→Step-by-Step Pairing Process→Brand-Specific Android Paths→Expected Results After PairingHow to Connect iPhone to Insignia TV (Bluetooth & AirPlay Methods)→Method 1: AirPlay Screen Mirroring (Recommended)→Method 2: AirPlay Content Casting→Important iPhone LimitationsHow to Connect Phone to Insignia Roku TV Bluetooth→Understanding Roku TV Bluetooth Limitations→Method 1: Direct Bluetooth (If Supported)→Method 2: Roku App (Recommended for All Models)Screen Mirroring: Cast Your Phone to Insignia TV Wirelessly→Enable Screen Mirroring on Your Insignia TV→Mirror Android Phone to Insignia TV→Mirror iPhone/iPad to Insignia TV→Mirroring vs. Casting: What's the Difference?How to Use Your Phone as an Insignia TV Remote Control→Amazon Fire TV App (For Fire TV Models)→Roku App (For Roku TV Models)→Feature Comparison→Third-Party and IR Blaster OptionsTroubleshooting: Insignia TV Bluetooth Not Working (Complete Fix Guide)→Problem 1: TV Not Appearing in Phone's Bluetooth List→Problem 2: Pairing Fails or Times Out→Problem 3: Connection Keeps Dropping→Problem 4: No Audio Through Bluetooth→Problem 5: Screen Mirroring Won't WorkNo Bluetooth? How to Add Bluetooth to Insignia TV with a Transmitter→When You Need a Transmitter→Connection Options on Your TV→Setup Process→Recommended Transmitter FeaturesFrequently Asked Questions: Insignia TV Phone Connection→Can I connect multiple phones to my Insignia TV via Bluetooth at once?→Will Bluetooth work on Insignia TV without WiFi?→Why is there audio delay when using Bluetooth headphones with Insignia TV?→How do I disconnect or unpair a phone from Insignia TV?→Can I stream music from Spotify on my phone to Insignia TV via Bluetooth?→Does connecting my phone via Bluetooth drain battery faster?→Can I use Bluetooth to connect a game controller through my phone to Insignia TV?Conclusion: Best Methods for Connecting Your Phone to Insignia TV→Quick Reference: Best Method by Use Case
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How to Connect Your Phone to Insignia TV via Bluetooth: Complete Guide [2026]

Learn how to connect your phone to Insignia TV via Bluetooth with step-by-step instructions for Android & iPhone. Includes Fire TV, Roku TV methods, screen mirroring, and troubleshooting tips.

Aman Singh
Written by Aman Singh
Aman Singh
Written by

Aman Singh

Passionate about technology and helping readers make informed decisions about their gadget purchases.

Last updated on February 5, 2026

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra charge), which we use to fund new product tests. Learn more.

Your Insignia TV sits ready to connect with your smartphone, but finding the right settings feels like hunting for a needle in a haystack. I've spent considerable time testing both Fire TV and Roku TV versions of Insignia televisions, and the good news is that connecting your phone to Insignia TV via Bluetooth takes less than five minutes once you know where to look.

This guide walks you through every connection method available - from direct Bluetooth pairing to AirPlay mirroring and remote control apps. Whether you own an Android phone or iPhone, and whether your Insignia runs Fire TV OS or Roku OS, you'll find step-by-step instructions tailored to your exact setup.


Quick Answer: Connect Phone to Insignia TV Bluetooth in 5 Steps

Time to Complete: 2-5 minutes | Difficulty: Beginner

Here's the fastest way to connect your phone to your Insignia Fire TV (the most common model type):

  1. Press the Home button on your Insignia Fire TV remote

  2. Navigate to Settings (gear icon on the far right)

  3. Select Controllers & Bluetooth Devices

  4. Choose Other Bluetooth Devices

  5. Select Add Bluetooth Devices and pair your phone when it appears

Your TV will scan for nearby devices. Make sure your phone's Bluetooth is enabled and set to discoverable before starting. The pairing typically completes within 30 seconds.

Choose Your Path Based on Your Device

Your Situation

Best Method

Jump To

Android phone + Fire TV

Direct Bluetooth

Section 4

iPhone + Fire TV

AirPlay/Screen Mirroring

Section 5

Any phone + Roku TV

Roku App

Section 6

Phone as remote control

Fire TV or Roku App

Section 8

Connection problems

Troubleshooting fixes

Section 9

Not sure if your TV has Bluetooth? Most Insignia Fire TV models manufactured from 2018 onward include built-in Bluetooth support. If you're experiencing issues with your setup, our Insignia TV troubleshooting guide covers common problems and their solutions.

Quick Compatibility Check: Navigate to Settings on your TV. If you see "Controllers & Bluetooth Devices" as an option, your Insignia supports Bluetooth connections.


Understanding Insignia TV Phone Connectivity Options

Before diving into specific steps, it helps to understand what "connecting your phone" actually means on an Insignia TV. There are three primary connection methods, and each serves different purposes.

Bluetooth connectivity on Insignia TVs primarily supports audio devices - headphones, speakers, and game controllers. Direct phone-to-TV Bluetooth connections exist but work differently than you might expect. Your phone can pair via Bluetooth for audio streaming to compatible devices connected to the TV, but screen content doesn't transmit through Bluetooth.

WiFi-based mirroring handles the screen sharing. Technologies like Miracast (for Android) and AirPlay (for Apple devices) beam your phone's display to your TV wirelessly. Both devices need to share the same WiFi network for this to work.

Remote control apps let your phone function as a TV remote. The Amazon Fire TV app and Roku app transform your smartphone into a full-featured controller with touchpad navigation, voice search, and keyboard input.

Connection Methods Comparison

Method

Best For

Requires WiFi

Latency

Works With

Direct Bluetooth

Audio to headphones/speakers

No

Low

All Bluetooth devices

Screen Mirroring (Miracast)

Displaying Android screen

Yes

Medium

Android phones

AirPlay

Displaying iPhone/iPad screen

Yes

Low-Medium

Apple devices

Remote Apps

Controlling TV from phone

Yes

Very Low

Android & iOS

A common misconception: many users expect Bluetooth to mirror their phone screen directly to the TV. That's not how Bluetooth works on televisions. For screen sharing, you'll use WiFi-based methods instead.

Understanding these differences helps you pick the right approach. Want to watch a video from your phone on the big screen? Use screen mirroring. Need wireless headphones for late-night viewing? That's direct Bluetooth. Lost your remote? Download the Insignia TV setup companion app for your TV's operating system.


Does Your Insignia TV Have Bluetooth? How to Check Compatibility

Yes, most Insignia TVs have Bluetooth. All Insignia Fire TV models (2018 and later) include built-in Bluetooth for connecting headphones, speakers, and controllers. Insignia Roku TV models vary by year - check Settings > Remotes & Devices to verify. If Bluetooth options appear, your TV supports it.

Not all Insignia televisions are created equal when it comes to wireless connectivity. Here's how to confirm your specific model's capabilities.

How to Check Bluetooth on Insignia Fire TV

  1. Press the Home button on your remote

  2. Navigate to Settings (gear icon)

  3. Look for Controllers & Bluetooth Devices

If this menu option exists, your Fire TV has Bluetooth. You'll see sub-options for Amazon Fire TV Remotes, Game Controllers, and Other Bluetooth Devices.

How to Check Bluetooth on Insignia Roku TV

  1. Press the Home button

  2. Scroll to Settings

  3. Select Remotes & Devices

Some Roku TV models show Bluetooth options here, while others only display remote pairing. If you don't see explicit Bluetooth settings, your Roku TV model likely relies on the Roku mobile app for wireless audio features.

Insignia TV Series with Confirmed Bluetooth Support

TV Series

Operating System

Bluetooth Support

F20 Series

Fire TV

Yes (all models)

F30 Series

Fire TV

Yes (all models)

F50 Series

Fire TV

Yes (all models)

Older Roku TVs (pre-2021)

Roku OS

Limited/varies

Newer Roku TVs (2021+)

Roku OS

Most models

To find your Insignia TV model number, check the sticker on the back panel near the input ports. Model numbers start with "NS-" followed by screen size and series identifier (example: NS-32DF310NA21).

Don't see Bluetooth options? Skip ahead to Section 10 for instructions on adding Bluetooth capability to any TV using an external transmitter. This workaround lets older Insignia models connect wireless headphones and speakers.


How to Connect Android Phone to Insignia Fire TV via Bluetooth

Connecting an Android phone to your Insignia Fire TV opens up several useful features - audio streaming through connected Bluetooth speakers, using your phone as a remote, and screen mirroring. The process differs slightly depending on what you're trying to accomplish.

Prerequisites Before Starting

Make sure these conditions are met before attempting to pair:

  • Both devices powered on and within 30 feet of each other

  • Android phone Bluetooth enabled (Settings > Bluetooth > On)

  • No other devices actively trying to pair with the TV

  • Phone set to "discoverable" mode

Step-by-Step Pairing Process

Step 1: Press the Home button on your Fire TV remote. The main menu appears with your apps and content rows.

Step 2: Navigate right to the Settings gear icon and select it.

Step 3: Select Controllers & Bluetooth Devices from the settings menu.

Step 4: Choose Other Bluetooth Devices. This is where you'll add phones, headphones, speakers, and other accessories.

Step 5: Select Add Bluetooth Devices. Your TV enters pairing mode and begins scanning for nearby devices.

Step 6: On your Android phone, open Settings > Bluetooth (or Connected Devices > Pair New Device on newer Android versions). Your phone should appear in the TV's device list within 30 seconds.

Step 7: Select your phone's name from the TV's list. Confirm the pairing code matches on both devices, then accept the connection.

Brand-Specific Android Paths

Different Android manufacturers place Bluetooth settings in slightly different locations:

Samsung Galaxy phones: Pull down notification shade > tap Bluetooth icon to enable > long-press to enter settings > Pair new device

Google Pixel phones: Settings > Connected devices > Pair new device > Wait for Insignia to appear

OnePlus phones: Settings > Bluetooth & device connection > Bluetooth > Enable and scan

Expected Results After Pairing

Once connected, you should see your phone listed under "Other Bluetooth Devices" in the TV's Bluetooth menu. The connection status shows as "Connected" rather than just "Paired."

For audio devices, navigate to Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio > Audio Output to ensure sound routes through your Bluetooth device.

Not seeing your TV in the phone's Bluetooth list? This common issue usually means the TV isn't actively in pairing mode. Return to Controllers & Bluetooth Devices > Other Bluetooth Devices > Add Bluetooth Devices and try again. If problems persist, check our guide on how to troubleshoot Insignia remote pairing issues, which covers similar Bluetooth connectivity problems.

Keep your Insignia TV Bluetooth pairing settings accessible for future connections - paired devices typically reconnect automatically when both are powered on and within range.


How to Connect iPhone to Insignia TV (Bluetooth & AirPlay Methods)

iPhone connectivity to Insignia TVs works differently than Android. Here's what you need to know upfront: direct Bluetooth pairing between an iPhone and Insignia TV is limited. Apple restricts certain Bluetooth profiles, meaning your iPhone won't pair the same way an Android phone does.

The good news? AirPlay provides a better experience anyway. Most Insignia Fire TV models from 2020 onward support Apple AirPlay 2, giving you seamless screen mirroring and content casting.

Method 1: AirPlay Screen Mirroring (Recommended)

AirPlay is Apple's wireless streaming technology built into every iPhone. When your Insignia TV supports it, setup takes under a minute.

Enable AirPlay on your Insignia Fire TV:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Display & Sounds

  2. Select Apple AirPlay & HomeKit

  3. Toggle AirPlay to On

  4. Note any passcode requirements you want to set

Connect your iPhone:

  1. Ensure your iPhone and Insignia TV share the same WiFi network

  2. On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center

  3. Tap the Screen Mirroring icon (two overlapping rectangles)

  4. Select your Insignia TV from the list of available devices

  5. Enter the passcode displayed on your TV screen if prompted

Your iPhone's entire screen now appears on your TV. Everything you do on your phone mirrors in real-time - perfect for sharing photos, demonstrating apps, or watching videos.

Method 2: AirPlay Content Casting

Instead of mirroring your whole screen, you can cast specific content from compatible apps. This approach lets you use your phone normally while media plays on the TV.

  1. Open a video in an app that supports AirPlay (YouTube, Safari, Photos, etc.)

  2. Look for the AirPlay icon (rectangle with triangle) in the video player

  3. Tap it and select your Insignia TV

  4. The content plays on your TV while your phone remains free to use

Important iPhone Limitations

Direct Bluetooth audio from iPhone to TV isn't supported the way it works on Android. If you want to use Bluetooth headphones while watching TV, pair the headphones directly to the TV rather than routing audio through your phone.

For iOS versions, AirPlay works best with iOS 12.4 and later. iOS 17 and 18 provide the smoothest experience with the latest Fire TV software.

AirPlay not appearing on your TV? Your Insignia model may not support it, or the feature needs enabling. Check Settings > Display & Sounds for the Apple AirPlay & HomeKit option. If it's missing entirely, your TV model predates AirPlay support.

After connecting, you might want to optimize your Insignia TV picture settings to get the best display quality for mirrored content.


How to Connect Phone to Insignia Roku TV Bluetooth

Insignia Roku TVs handle Bluetooth connectivity differently than their Fire TV counterparts. Direct Bluetooth support varies by model, but the Roku mobile app provides reliable connectivity regardless of your TV's Bluetooth capabilities.

Understanding Roku TV Bluetooth Limitations

Here's the reality: Insignia Roku TVs primarily support Bluetooth for audio output devices like headphones and speakers. Phone connectivity works best through the Roku app rather than direct Bluetooth pairing.

Check your Roku TV's Bluetooth support:

  1. Press Home on your Roku remote

  2. Navigate to Settings > Remotes & Devices

  3. Look for wireless headphone or speaker options

If you see Bluetooth device options, your TV supports direct pairing. If not, Method 2 below is your solution.

Method 1: Direct Bluetooth (If Supported)

For Roku TVs with Bluetooth capability:

  1. Put your Bluetooth device in pairing mode (flashing light indicates readiness)

  2. On your TV, go to Settings > Remotes & Devices

  3. Select Wireless headphones or Wireless speakers

  4. Choose Add new device

  5. Select your device from the discovered list

Audio should route to your paired device automatically. If not, check Settings > Audio for output options.

Method 2: Roku App (Recommended for All Models)

The Roku app works with every Insignia Roku TV and provides features beyond basic Bluetooth:

Setup process:

  1. Download "The Roku App (Official)" from the App Store or Google Play

  2. Connect your phone to the same WiFi network as your TV

  3. Open the app and sign in or create a free Roku account

  4. The app automatically detects your Insignia Roku TV

  5. Select your TV and enter any verification code displayed on screen

Private Listening Feature:

One of Roku's best features routes TV audio directly to your phone. Plug headphones into your phone (wired or Bluetooth) and tap the headphone icon in the Roku app. TV audio streams to your phone's headphones while the TV speakers stay silent.

This feature works brilliantly for late-night viewing without disturbing others. The audio quality is excellent, and there's minimal latency.

Not all Insignia Roku models support direct Bluetooth pairing. If Settings > Remotes & Devices doesn't show Bluetooth options, the Roku app method is your only wireless audio solution - but it's actually more versatile than direct Bluetooth anyway.

For help with remote setup on Roku-based Insignia TVs, see our guide on how to pair Roku remote with Insignia televisions.


Screen Mirroring: Cast Your Phone to Insignia TV Wirelessly

Screen mirroring displays everything from your phone onto your TV in real-time. Unlike Bluetooth (which handles audio only), mirroring uses your WiFi network to transmit video and audio together.

Enable Screen Mirroring on Your Insignia TV

Before mirroring from any device, activate the feature on your TV:

Quick method: Hold down the Home button on your Fire TV remote. If you see a "Mirroring" tile in the quick settings panel, select it to enable.

Alternative method: Navigate to Settings > Display & Sounds > Enable Display Mirroring

Your TV now accepts incoming mirroring connections.

Mirror Android Phone to Insignia TV

Android devices use Miracast technology for screen mirroring. The feature name varies by manufacturer:

  1. Pull down your phone's notification shade

  2. Look for Cast, Screen Mirror, Smart View, or Wireless Display

  3. Tap the option and wait for your Insignia TV to appear

  4. Select your TV from the list

  5. Accept any connection prompt on the TV

Can't find the cast option? On some phones, go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Cast.

Your phone screen should appear on the TV within a few seconds. Both audio and video transmit wirelessly.

Mirror iPhone/iPad to Insignia TV

Apple devices use AirPlay instead of Miracast:

  1. Verify both devices connect to the same WiFi network

  2. Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from top-right corner)

  3. Tap Screen Mirroring

  4. Select your Insignia TV

  5. Enter the displayed passcode if required

Important WiFi requirement: Both your phone and TV must connect to the same WiFi network. For best performance, use a 5GHz band if your router supports it - this reduces interference and improves video quality.

Mirroring vs. Casting: What's the Difference?

Feature

Screen Mirroring

Casting

What it shows

Entire phone screen

Specific content only

Phone usage

Phone tied to TV display

Phone free to use

Battery impact

Higher drain

Lower drain

Best for

Demos, presentations, gaming

Streaming video, photos

Mirroring shows everything - notifications, texts, your home screen. Casting sends only the specific video or content while your phone works normally.

If you need to connect your Insignia TV to WiFi first, complete that step before attempting to mirror.

Some users experience audio lag when mirroring. If dialogue doesn't sync with lips, you can fix Insignia audio sync issues through the TV's audio settings.


How to Use Your Phone as an Insignia TV Remote Control

Lost your remote? Batteries dead? Your smartphone can fully replace the physical remote - often with better features. The right app depends on which operating system your Insignia TV runs.

Amazon Fire TV App (For Fire TV Models)

The official Amazon Fire TV app transforms your phone into a complete remote with bonus features the physical remote lacks.

Download and setup:

  1. Search "Amazon Fire TV" in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)

  2. Download the app published by AMZN Mobile LLC

  3. Open the app and ensure your phone connects to the same WiFi as your TV

  4. Select your Insignia Fire TV from the device list

  5. Enter the code displayed on your TV screen to confirm

Key features:

  • Touchpad navigation (swipe to move, tap to select)

  • Full keyboard for search and login credentials

  • Voice search via Alexa

  • App shortcuts for quick launching

  • Browse and install new apps remotely

The keyboard feature alone makes this app worth having. Typing passwords and search terms using the on-screen TV keyboard takes forever - your phone's keyboard makes it instant.

Roku App (For Roku TV Models)

For Insignia Roku TVs, the official Roku app offers similar functionality:

  1. Download "The Roku App (Official)" from your app store

  2. Connect to the same WiFi network as your TV

  3. Open the app and select your Insignia Roku TV

  4. Complete any verification prompts

Unique Roku features:

  • Private Listening routes audio to your phone

  • Voice search and voice commands

  • Channel/app launching from your phone

  • Cast photos and videos directly

Feature Comparison

Feature

Fire TV App

Roku App

Touchpad remote

Yes

Yes

Voice search

Yes (Alexa)

Yes

Keyboard input

Yes

Yes

Private listening

No

Yes

App shortcuts

Yes

Yes

Cast content

Limited

Yes

For a complete guide on remote app options, see our Insignia TV remote app overview. We also cover how to use Insignia TV remote functions for both physical and app-based controls.

Third-Party and IR Blaster Options

Some Android phones (certain Xiaomi, Huawei, and older Samsung models) include IR blasters - infrared transmitters that work like traditional remotes. Apps like Sure Universal Remote or Mi Remote can control your TV without WiFi.

If your remote is completely lost and you need to turn on Insignia TV without remote, the power button on the TV itself (usually bottom-center or right side) works as a backup.


Troubleshooting: Insignia TV Bluetooth Not Working (Complete Fix Guide)

Bluetooth connection issues frustrate everyone, but most problems have straightforward solutions. Work through these fixes systematically - they're ordered from simplest to most involved.

Problem 1: TV Not Appearing in Phone's Bluetooth List

Your phone scans but doesn't find the Insignia TV.

Solution A - Verify TV is in pairing mode: Navigate to Settings > Controllers & Bluetooth Devices > Other Bluetooth Devices > Add Bluetooth Devices. The TV must be actively scanning to appear on your phone.

Solution B - Reduce distance: Move your phone within 10 feet of the TV initially. Walls and obstacles weaken Bluetooth signals.

Solution C - Restart both devices: Power cycle the TV by unplugging it for 60 seconds. Restart your phone. Fresh starts clear many temporary glitches.

Solution D - Check existing connections: If your TV is already connected to another Bluetooth device (headphones, controller), it may not appear for new pairings. Go to the Bluetooth menu and disconnect or forget other devices first.

Problem 2: Pairing Fails or Times Out

Devices see each other but won't complete the connection.

Solution A - Clear Bluetooth cache (Android): Settings > Apps > Bluetooth > Storage > Clear Cache. This removes corrupted pairing data.

Solution B - Forget and re-pair: Remove the device from both the TV's paired list and your phone's Bluetooth settings. Start fresh with a new pairing attempt.

Solution C - Check for firmware updates: Navigate to Settings > Device & Software > About > Check for Updates. Outdated software causes compatibility issues.

Solution D - Eliminate interference: Other Bluetooth devices, wireless routers, and even microwave ovens can interfere. Disable nearby Bluetooth devices temporarily.

Problem 3: Connection Keeps Dropping

Devices pair successfully but disconnect frequently.

Solution A - Maintain closer proximity: Bluetooth range varies. Stay within 15-20 feet for stable connections.

Solution B - Check for WiFi interference: 2.4GHz WiFi shares spectrum with Bluetooth. If possible, connect your TV to a 5GHz WiFi network to reduce interference.

Solution C - Limit paired devices: Having too many devices paired (even if not actively connected) can cause instability. Remove devices you no longer use.

Solution D - Update firmware: Connection stability improves with software updates. Check for and install any available updates.

Problem 4: No Audio Through Bluetooth

Headphones or speakers connect but produce no sound.

Solution A - Verify audio output settings: Go to Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio > Audio Output. Select your Bluetooth device as the output.

Solution B - Check device volume: Bluetooth devices have independent volume. The TV volume and headphone volume both need to be turned up.

Solution C - Confirm TV isn't muted: Press the mute button on your remote. An accidentally muted TV sends no audio to Bluetooth devices.

Problem 5: Screen Mirroring Won't Work

Phone connects but screen doesn't appear on TV.

Solution A - Verify same WiFi network: Screen mirroring requires both devices on identical networks. Check network names match exactly.

Solution B - Switch to 5GHz WiFi: 5GHz provides better bandwidth for video transmission. Connect both devices to your router's 5GHz network if available.

Solution C - Enable Display Mirroring on TV: Hold the Home button and tap Mirroring, or enable it in Settings > Display & Sounds.

Solution D - Close background apps: Resource-heavy apps on your phone can interfere with mirroring. Close unused apps before connecting.

For more comprehensive help, check our main Insignia TV troubleshooting guide. Related issues like fix Insignia TV black screen problems and fix Insignia TV no audio guides address display and sound issues that sometimes accompany Bluetooth problems.

If you suspect outdated software, learn how to update Insignia TV software to the latest version. As a last resort, you can reset Insignia TV factory settings to resolve persistent software glitches.


No Bluetooth? How to Add Bluetooth to Insignia TV with a Transmitter

Older Insignia TVs and some non-smart models lack built-in Bluetooth. A Bluetooth transmitter solves this problem for around $25-50, adding wireless audio capability to any television with an audio output.

When You Need a Transmitter

Consider a transmitter if:

  • Your TV's settings menu doesn't show Bluetooth options

  • You have an older non-smart Insignia TV

  • Built-in Bluetooth isn't working and repairs aren't cost-effective

Connection Options on Your TV

Bluetooth transmitters connect through your TV's audio output. Check which ports your Insignia has:

3.5mm headphone jack: Most common connection. Look for a small round port, often labeled "Audio Out" or showing a headphone symbol.

Optical/TOSLINK: A square-shaped port with a small door. Provides better audio quality than the headphone jack.

RCA audio output: Red and white ports, typically found on older TVs. You'll need an RCA-to-3.5mm adapter cable.

Setup Process

  1. Connect the transmitter to your TV's audio output (headphone jack, optical, or RCA)

  2. Power the transmitter (most use USB power from the TV itself)

  3. Put the transmitter in pairing mode (usually a button press or switch)

  4. Put your Bluetooth headphones/speakers in pairing mode

  5. Devices should connect automatically within 30 seconds

If your TV has an audio output menu, you may need to enable the output you're using. Navigate to Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio and select the appropriate output.

Recommended Transmitter Features

When shopping for a Bluetooth transmitter, prioritize these features:

aptX Low Latency codec: This dramatically reduces audio delay. Standard Bluetooth has 100-300ms latency, causing noticeable lip-sync issues. aptX Low Latency drops this to under 40ms - barely perceptible.

Dual-device support: Some transmitters pair with two headphones simultaneously, letting two people listen wirelessly.

Long range: Quality transmitters maintain stable connections up to 100 feet.

Popular transmitter brands include Avantree, 1Mii, TaoTronics, and August. Prices range from $25 for basic models to $80+ for premium options with optical input and aptX HD audio.

Important: For lowest latency, both the transmitter AND your headphones must support aptX Low Latency. Regular Bluetooth headphones still work but may have slight audio delay.

For related audio setup help, see our guides on how to connect external speakers to Insignia TV and how to connect soundbar Insignia TV setups.


Frequently Asked Questions: Insignia TV Phone Connection

Can I connect multiple phones to my Insignia TV via Bluetooth at once?

Insignia TVs typically support 1-2 active Bluetooth connections simultaneously. You can pair multiple devices (up to 4-5 saved in memory), but only one or two can actively stream at a time. To switch devices, disconnect the current one first, then connect the new device from the paired list.

The practical limit depends on your specific model. Fire TV models generally handle one active audio device plus the remote. If you need two people listening through separate Bluetooth headphones, consider a Bluetooth transmitter with dual-device support.

Will Bluetooth work on Insignia TV without WiFi?

Yes, Bluetooth works independently of WiFi on Insignia TVs. You can pair Bluetooth headphones, speakers, and controllers without any internet connection. However, screen mirroring and remote apps require both devices to be on the same WiFi network.

This distinction matters if your internet goes down. Bluetooth audio keeps working, but you lose the ability to cast content from your phone or use the Fire TV/Roku app as a remote.

Why is there audio delay when using Bluetooth headphones with Insignia TV?

Bluetooth audio delay (typically 100-300ms) occurs because wireless signals require encoding and decoding time. To minimize lag:

  • Use headphones supporting aptX Low Latency codec

  • Adjust your TV's audio delay settings at Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio > AV Sync Tuning

  • Position yourself closer to the TV

  • Ensure no physical obstructions between TV and headphones

For detailed audio adjustments, check our Insignia TV sound settings guide.

How do I disconnect or unpair a phone from Insignia TV?

To disconnect (keep paired for future use): Go to Settings > Controllers & Bluetooth Devices > Other Bluetooth Devices. Select your phone and choose "Disconnect."

To unpair completely (remove from TV's memory): Same path, but select "Forget" or "Unpair" instead. The device disappears from your TV's list and requires full re-pairing to connect again.

Can I stream music from Spotify on my phone to Insignia TV via Bluetooth?

For Spotify specifically, direct Bluetooth audio streaming from phone to TV has limitations. Better alternatives exist:

  • Use the Spotify app installed directly on your Fire TV or Roku TV

  • Use Spotify Connect to control the TV app from your phone

  • Cast via AirPlay (iPhone) or screen mirror (Android)

Direct Bluetooth audio transmission from phone to TV speakers isn't the primary use case for TV Bluetooth - it's designed more for output (TV to headphones) than input (phone to TV).

Does connecting my phone via Bluetooth drain battery faster?

Bluetooth uses minimal power with modern low-energy implementations. You'll notice slightly faster battery drain when actively streaming audio or data, but standby connections barely impact battery life.

Screen mirroring drains battery much faster than Bluetooth because it continuously transmits video data and keeps your screen active.

Can I use Bluetooth to connect a game controller through my phone to Insignia TV?

Game controllers connect directly to the TV's Bluetooth - not through your phone. For Fire TV models:

  1. Go to Settings > Controllers & Bluetooth Devices > Game Controllers

  2. Put your controller in pairing mode

  3. Select "Add New Game Controller"

Compatible controllers include PlayStation and Xbox controllers, though Fire TV-specific game controllers offer the best integration.

For optimal gaming performance, enable Insignia TV game mode in your picture settings to reduce input lag.


Conclusion: Best Methods for Connecting Your Phone to Insignia TV

After testing every connection method across multiple Insignia models, here's what works best for each situation.

For wireless audio (headphones/speakers): Direct Bluetooth pairing remains the simplest option. Navigate to your TV's Bluetooth settings, enable pairing mode, and connect your device in under two minutes.

For screen sharing and video: WiFi-based mirroring outperforms any Bluetooth method. iPhone users should use AirPlay, while Android users can mirror via Miracast. Both provide smooth video with synchronized audio.

For remote control: The official Amazon Fire TV app or Roku app (depending on your TV model) transforms your phone into a superior remote with keyboard input, voice search, and no line-of-sight requirement.

Quick Reference: Best Method by Use Case

Your Goal

Best Method

Setup Time

Private listening with headphones

Direct Bluetooth or Roku App Private Listening

2 minutes

Show phone videos on TV

AirPlay (iPhone) or Miracast (Android)

3 minutes

Control TV without physical remote

Fire TV or Roku mobile app

5 minutes

Add Bluetooth to older TV

External Bluetooth transmitter

10 minutes

Bookmark this guide for future reference - connection settings occasionally reset after software updates. If you're setting up a new Insignia TV from scratch, our complete Insignia TV setup guide walks through the entire initial configuration process.

Have questions about a specific connection scenario? Drop a comment below, and I'll help troubleshoot your setup.


This guide covers Insignia Fire TV models (F20, F30, F50 series) and Insignia Roku TV models. Menu paths and features current as of January 2026. Settings may vary slightly based on your specific model and software version.

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