Where is Bluetooth option in Android TV?

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that allows devices to communicate with each other without cables or wires. It relies on radio frequency to connect devices within a certain proximity, usually up to 10 meters. With Android TVs, Bluetooth can be used to connect wireless accessories like headphones, speakers, game controllers, keyboards and more.

Some key uses of Bluetooth technology on Android TVs include:

Connecting wireless headphones for private listening

Pairing Bluetooth speakers to enhance the audio experience
Using wireless game controllers and keyboards
Transferring files like photos, videos and music from a mobile device to the TV

Controlling the TV via Bluetooth remotes

Overall, Bluetooth provides Android TV users with the convenience of wire-free connectivity and the flexibility to enhance their viewing experience in different ways.

Accessing Bluetooth Settings

To enable and access the Bluetooth settings on an Android TV, you need to go into the Settings menu. According to Sony’s support article, first scroll down and select the Settings app or icon usually located on the homescreen or apps menu. Once inside the Settings, scroll down and look for an option called “Network & Accessories” or “Remote & Accessories” and select that.

As TCL outlines, you can use the navigational buttons on your remote to scroll to the Settings icon, press OK to confirm and open it, then scroll down to find and open the “Remote and Accessories” submenu. This will allow you access to the Bluetooth settings and options.

Enabling Bluetooth on Android TV

Bluetooth can be easily enabled on most Android TVs. To turn on the Bluetooth setting:

Navigate to the Settings menu using the remote or navigational buttons on the TV. Go to the Settings icon and select it

Scroll down and find the option for “Remote & Accessories” or “Bluetooth & other devices”. Select it to open Bluetooth settings [1]
Locate and select the option to turn Bluetooth Off/On. Choose to enable/turn on Bluetooth
The TV will scan and display available Bluetooth devices. You can now pair Bluetooth accessories

Once Bluetooth is enabled, you can connect wireless headphones, speakers, game controllers and other accessories to the Android TV. If Bluetooth is still not working, refer to the troubleshooting section below.

Pairing Bluetooth Devices

To pair Bluetooth devices such as headphones or speakers with your Android TV device:

Go to the Settings menu and select “Remotes & Accessories” or “Bluetooth & other devices” depending on your device model.
Toggle on Bluetooth if it is not already enabled. The TV device will start scanning for available Bluetooth devices.

Put your Bluetooth accessory like headphones in pairing mode (the process will vary, refer to its instructions). The Android TV should detect it.
Select the detected Bluetooth device name from the list on your TV. Confirm pairing on both devices when prompted.

Once paired, the Bluetooth device will automatically connect to your Android TV whenever it is turned on and in range. To disconnect or unpair a device, open Bluetooth settings on your TV and choose “Forget”. Just repeat the steps above to pair additional Bluetooth accessories.

If you have issues getting a Bluetooth device to connect properly, try rebooting both devices and ensure the accessory is charged. You can also consult the Bluetooth troubleshooting tips later in this guide.

Source: https://support.google.com/googletv/answer/10049908?hl=en

Connecting Bluetooth Controllers

There are a couple ways to pair a Bluetooth controller with your Android TV.

First, open Android TV’s Settings and scroll down to the “Remotes & Accessories” section. Select “Pair remote or accessory” then choose your Bluetooth controller from the available devices list. Your Android TV will attempt to pair with the controller. Follow any pairing prompts displayed on the TV or controller screen.
Second, you can initiate pairing from the controller itself. Start with your Bluetooth controller powered off. Then press and hold the controller’s PS or Home button to put the device into pairing mode. The controller’s lights will flash indicating it is in pairing mode. Then on your TV’s “Remotes & Accessories” screen, select “Pair remote or accessory” and your Android TV will scan and find the controller to connect with.

If using a DualShock4 PS4 controller or similar, these also connect via USB. Simply use a compatible USB cable to plug your game controller into an open USB port on your Android TV.

Once successfully paired via Bluetooth or connected via USB, your game controller will be ready to control Android TV’s games, apps, and menus. Test your controller with a game like Asphalt 9 to ensure all buttons and joysticks register input as expected.

If you run into any issues connecting your Bluetooth controller, retry the above steps. Or you can remove paired controllers from your Android TV’s “Remotes & Accessories” menu and start fresh.

Using Bluetooth Remotes

Bluetooth remotes provide a convenient way to control your Android TV device and have several benefits over IR remotes. To set up a Bluetooth remote with your Android TV:

First, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your Android TV device. Go to Settings > Remotes & Accessories to turn on Bluetooth and make your TV visible to devices.
Put your Bluetooth remote into pairing mode by pressing and holding a button or button combination outlined in the remote’s instructions.

Go back to the Settings > Remotes & Accessories menu on your TV and select ‘Add accessory’. The TV will search and find your remote to pair with.
Once paired, you can use the directional pad and buttons on the remote to navigate the Android TV interface.

Some tips for using Bluetooth remotes include:

Check battery levels and recharge the remote when low to prevent issues.
For gaming, look for remotes with integrated gyroscopes for motion control.
Troubleshoot pairing issues by resetting or unpairing and trying again. An app like the Android TV Remote can also initiate pairing.

Using a Bluetooth remote provides the flexibility of wireless control and extensive button layouts for an optimal Android TV experience.

Bluetooth File Transfer

With Android TV, you can transfer files from your phone to your TV through Bluetooth. Some key details on Bluetooth file transfer include:

To transfer files via Bluetooth, both your phone and TV must have Bluetooth enabled. Go to Settings > Remotes & Accessories and enable Bluetooth on your Android TV. On your phone, simply enable Bluetooth through the settings app.

Once Bluetooth is on, go to the file manager on your phone and select the files to share. Choose “Bluetooth” as the sharing option and wait for your Android TV to show up as an available device. Your TV should then get a notification that the phone is attempting to send files via Bluetooth. You’ll need to allow the transfer on your TV for the files to begin sending.

The Bluetooth transfer speed will vary depending on the file size and format. For large files like videos, use an app like Send Files to TV, as it utilizes WiFi for faster transfer speeds.

Troubleshooting Bluetooth

Bluetooth can sometimes be tricky to set up on Android TVs. Here are some common Bluetooth connectivity issues and fixes:

Bluetooth device not showing up on available devices list: If your Bluetooth device like headphones or speakers don’t show up under available devices, try disconnecting existing paired devices and reconnecting. Alternatively, reset and re-pair the Bluetooth device according to its manufacturer instructions.

Speaker cutting out: Sound intermittency is another common Bluetooth complaint with smart TVs. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the Bluetooth speaker. Also move the speaker closer to your TV and remove obstacles in between.

Bluetooth won’t turn on: If you’re “unable to turn Bluetooth on due to an error” as some Sony TV owners have reported, try unpairing devices, rebooting your TV, and ensuring no issues with the remote/IR sensor.

If you’ve tried re-pairing and other basic troubleshooting but your Android TV still has Bluetooth issues, it may require further manufacturer support. Factory reset could also resolve persistent software/connectivity issues.

Bluetooth Alternatives

If Bluetooth connectivity is not working properly on your Android TV or you want to use a different wireless technology, there are some alternatives you can try:

Wi-Fi Direct – Many Android TVs support Wi-Fi Direct which allows devices to connect directly to each other without an internet router. For example, you may be able to connect wireless headphones or speakers using Wi-Fi Direct.

Some limitations are that all devices need to explicitly support Wi-Fi Direct and need to be within range. Setup can also be more complex than Bluetooth.

Chromecast Built-in – Many Android TVs come with Chromecast built-in which allows wireless streaming from your phone, tablet or laptop directly to your TV. This uses your Wi-Fi network rather than Bluetooth.

Miracast – Some Android TVs support Miracast which is another standard for wireless streaming. You can connect your phone, tablet, or laptop wirelessly to your TV to view photos, video, or mirror your entire display.

Overall, while Bluetooth is the most convenient option for connecting accessories like game controllers, there are alternatives available on Android TVs that may work better depending on your use case.

Conclusion

Bluetooth is often a convenient wireless option for Android TVs. With a few simple steps, you can enable Bluetooth in your Android TV settings and pair devices like headphones, remotes, controllers, keyboards, and more. Once paired, connecting Bluetooth accessories is seamless. You can also transfer files like photos, videos, and music to your Android TV via Bluetooth.

Some tips to remember when using Bluetooth on your Android TV: enable visibility when pairing new devices, keep accessories within 30 feet for best connectivity, update to the latest Android TV software version for Bluetooth improvements, and reset Bluetooth if you experience issues with a device. With the versatility of Bluetooth, you can customize your Android TV experience for gaming, viewing, listening, and browsing needs.