How do I add speakers to my Android TV?

Android TV is Google’s smart TV platform that runs on select smart TVs, set-top boxes, and media streamers. It provides an interface optimized for TV screens and allows access to streaming services, apps, and games.

One useful capability of Android TV devices is the ability to connect to external speakers through various audio outputs. For example, most Android TVs have built-in speakers, but also allow you to connect separate speakers via HDMI, Bluetooth, WiFi, USB, or an optical audio port to output higher quality audio. Many models also support surround sound setups like 5.1 or 7.1 speaker configurations. With the right accessories and settings, Android TV provides flexible audio options to create an immersive home theater experience.

Check Audio Settings

The first step is to access your Android TV’s audio settings to see the available audio outputs. You can typically find the audio settings by going to Settings > Sound on your Android TV remote. Here you’ll see options like “Speakers” which may be the TV’s built-in speakers, HDMI ARC if you have a sound system connected via HDMI, Optical for an optical audio connection, Bluetooth to pair Bluetooth speakers, etc.

To change the audio output, navigate to this Sound settings menu and select your preferred audio output device. For example, if you want the audio to play through your connected Bluetooth speaker instead of the TV speakers, choose the Bluetooth option (Source). The TV will then switch the audio routing to that selected output.

If you don’t see your desired audio output device listed, you may need to go through the setup process to pair and connect speakers as covered in the next sections.

Add Speakers Through HDMI

One easy way to connect external speakers to your Android TV is by using an HDMI cable. Many modern TVs and sound systems support HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows audio to be sent both ways on a single HDMI cable.

To connect speakers via HDMI ARC/eARC:

Make sure both your TV and speakers support HDMI ARC/eARC.
Use a compatible HDMI cable and connect one end to the HDMI ARC/eARC port on your TV. This is usually a specific HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC.

Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI input on your speakers.
In your TV’s audio settings, make sure HDMI ARC/eARC is enabled.
Set your speakers as the default audio output device.

Once connected properly via HDMI ARC/eARC, your Android TV will be able to transmit audio from any source, including streaming apps and live TV, directly to your external speakers. The audio quality is excellent since it’s a digital connection.

Just make sure to get a high-speed HDMI cable to support ARC/eARC. This allows you to simplify your setup with a single cable for both video and audio.

Bluetooth Speakers

One of the easiest and most convenient ways to add external speakers to an Android TV is by pairing Bluetooth speakers. Most Android TVs have built-in Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to pair compatible Bluetooth speakers.

Here is the general process for pairing Bluetooth speakers to an Android TV:

Turn on your Bluetooth speaker and put it in pairing mode, usually by pressing and holding a button until an indicator light flashes. Refer to your speaker’s manual for specific instructions.
On your Android TV, go to Settings > Remotes & Accessories > Add accessory and select your speaker when it appears in the list of available devices. Some TVs may require going to Network & Internet > Bluetooth to start pairing.

Your Android TV and Bluetooth speaker should now be paired. You may have to set your TV’s audio output to the Bluetooth speaker in the TV’s audio settings.

Most Bluetooth speakers will support the common Bluetooth audio codecs like SBC and AAC for streaming music and audio from your Android TV. Higher-end Bluetooth speakers may also support advanced codecs like aptX and LDAC for improved audio quality.

You can pair multiple Bluetooth speakers to your Android TV for multi-room audio, though the speakers need to support multi-pairing. Pair each speaker individually, then set up groups and stereo pairs through your Android TV’s audio settings or a third-party multi-room app like Google Home if available on your Android TV.

According to Android Authority, Bluetooth range can be limited between your TV and speakers, usually up to 30 feet. Position your Bluetooth speakers within range of your TV for seamless streaming.

WiFi/Network Speakers

Many modern wireless speakers support popular streaming protocols like Chromecast, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect. This allows you to connect compatible speakers to your Android TV over WiFi without physically plugging them in.

To set up WiFi speakers:

Make sure your Android TV and wireless speakers are on the same WiFi network.
Open the settings on your wireless speaker and enable WiFi/streaming mode as per the device instructions.
Open the appropriate app on your Android TV e.g. Google Home to access Chromecast devices, the Spotify app for Spotify Connect etc.

Follow the prompts to add your wireless speaker and connect it to your Android TV.
You should now be able to select your wireless speaker from the app and start streaming audio to it.

Streaming protocols provide an easy way to connect WiFi-enabled speakers without cables or pairing. Just make sure your speakers and Android TV support the same protocols before purchasing.

USB Speakers

Connecting USB speakers to an Android TV is a convenient way to add audio without extra cables or a complicated setup process. Most Android TVs have at least one USB port that can provide both power and audio output to self-powered computer speakers or soundbars.

To connect USB speakers, first identify an open USB port on your Android TV. Many models have USB ports located on the side or back of the unit. Refer to your TV’s manual if you’re not sure where to find the USB inputs. Standard USB A ports are typically used.

Next, turn off your TV before connecting the USB speakers. Plug the speakers directly into the USB port – no hubs or extenders should be used. Once connected, turn on your Android TV and the speakers should automatically be detected. You may need to visit the TV’s Audio settings to change the audio output to the newly connected USB device.

One consideration with USB speakers is that the USB port must supply enough power. Look for self-powered, active speakers that do not need a separate power connection. Passive speakers or those with higher wattage demands may not work properly if the USB port cannot provide sufficient power. If you experience issues, try connecting the speakers to a powered USB hub or explore alternative connectivity options like HDMI or Bluetooth.

Soundbars

Soundbars are a popular audio upgrade for televisions. They conveniently package multiple speakers into a compact sound system that sits below or above the TV screen. There are two main ways to connect a soundbar to an Android TV:

Wired Connection

The most reliable wired connection is HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or the newer eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). This allows audio signals to be sent from the TV to the soundbar over the HDMI cable, eliminating the need for a separate audio cable. Most modern Android TVs and soundbars have HDMI ARC ports, but older models may lack this feature (1).

Wireless Connection

Many soundbars also have wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth or WiFi. Bluetooth provides a direct wireless connection but may have latency and quality issues, especially over longer distances. WiFi allows greater range and higher bandwidth but requires your soundbar and TV to be on the same network (2).

Overall, a wired HDMI ARC/eARC connection is the simplest and most robust way to add a soundbar to an Android TV. But wireless options like Bluetooth or WiFi can also work if your devices are compatible.

Surround Sound

If you want a truly immersive home theater audio experience, you may want to set up a surround sound system with your Android TV. Surround sound uses multiple speakers placed around the viewer to create a three-dimensional audio environment. The most common surround sound configurations are 5.1 and 7.1.

A 5.1 surround system uses five main channels of sound: left front, right front, center, left surround, and right surround. The “.1” refers to a subwoofer dedicated to low frequency effects (LFE). A 7.1 system adds left and right rear surround speakers.[1]

Proper speaker placement is crucial for surround sound. The left, center, and right front speakers should be placed at ear level and equidistant from the central listening position. Surround speakers should be placed to the sides and just behind the listening position. Subwoofers can go in a corner of the room. For 7.1, the rear surrounds go behind the listener, separated widely.

With good speaker placement and audio content mixed for surround sound, you can enjoy a fully immersive experience with sound coming at you from all directions.

Troubleshooting Audio Issues on Android TV

If you are experiencing problems with audio on your Android TV, such as no sound, low volume, or audio lag, here are some troubleshooting tips:

First, check to make sure the TV is not muted. Press the volume up button on your remote control to unmute the TV. You can also go into the audio settings on the TV and ensure “Mute” is turned off (see this guide for steps).

Next, verify that the correct audio output mode is selected in your TV’s settings. Navigate to Sound > Audio output and select TV speakers (see instructions from Sony). This ensures audio is routing to your TV’s built-in speakers or soundbar if connected via HDMI or optical.

You can also try adjusting the volume levels in the audio settings. Increase the TV volume, speaker volume, and make sure audio leveling is turned on for consistent loudness across content.

For low audio volume, check that any connected speakers or soundbar are powered on and volume is up. Make sure cables connecting external speakers to the TV are securely inserted. Test different cables if possible.

If experiencing audio lag or lipsync issues, try enabling any audio delay or sync settings in the TV’s sound settings. This aligns the timing of the audio to match the video. Also check TV picture settings for any motion smoothing or processing effects that could be introducing lag.

Factory resetting the TV audio settings to defaults can also help resolve persistent sound problems. Just be aware this will erase any custom settings.

Conclusion

There are a lot of options to add audio and external speakers to an Android TV. The most common and convenient methods are to use an HDMI, Bluetooth or USB connection. HDMI allows you to connect a soundbar or surround sound system for an immersive audio experience. Bluetooth speakers provide wireless audio up to 30 feet away. And USB speakers simply plug into the TV’s USB port for clear sound.

Upgrading your TV’s audio with external speakers is highly recommended to improve sound quality and volume. The tiny built-in TV speakers can’t provide the full range of sound that movies, TV shows and games deserve. Adding dedicated speakers makes dialogue clearer, provides richer bass, and creates a more immersive home theater experience.