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You can use Bluetooth headphones while a TV’s built-in speakers keep playing only if the specific TV supports simultaneous audio output—or if a compatible external transmitter provides a suitable workaround. Bluetooth support alone does not guarantee that both outputs can play at once. Check your TV’s full model number and its manufacturer’s instructions before changing settings or buying hardware.

First, check whether your TV supports simultaneous output

Look in the TV’s manual or model-specific support page for wording such as “TV speakers and Bluetooth headphones simultaneously,” “audio to both,” or “multi-output audio.” Menu names and capabilities vary by model, even within one brand.

For example, Sony’s US support page, displayed as last modified February 10, 2026, lists BRAVIA 8 II (XR80M2), BRAVIA 5 (XR50), BRAVIA 9 (XR90), BRAVIA 8 (XR80), BRAVIA 7 (XR70), and A95L families as supporting TV-speaker audio at the same time as headphones or an audio device and headphones. Sony says to connect the headphones and choose TV Speakers or an audio system from the Quick Settings Speakers menu; the speaker and headphone volumes can be adjusted separately. Check the instructions for your exact model and regional variant rather than assuming that every Sony TV has the same feature. Sony’s simultaneous-output model list and instructions.

Older Sony Google TV and Android TV sets may have different menus and requirements. Sony’s guidance identifies certain 2018–2021 families, while its A2DP help guide describes an “Audio to both TV speakers & other device” option on supported models. The alternative route described for models without that support uses a device connected to the headphone jack and does not provide Bluetooth headphone output. Use the steps for your own model, not a menu path found for a different TV. Sony A2DP help guide.

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Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation
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Use the TV’s built-in dual-output setting when available

  1. Find the exact model number. Check the TV’s label or its Settings/About screen, then open the manufacturer’s support page or manual for that model.
  2. Connect and pair the headphones. Follow the TV’s pairing instructions. If its documentation says it supports simultaneous output, connect the headphones before selecting the audio-output setting.
  3. Select both outputs using the model’s own menu path. On the Sony models covered by the current support article, the instruction is to open Quick Settings, choose Speakers, and select TV Speakers or an audio system while the headphones are connected. Other models may use a different label or location.
  4. Set levels and test your usual source. Where supported, adjust headphone and speaker volume separately. Check a live broadcast, streaming app, or other source you actually use; behavior can vary with the selected audio mode and source.

When native Bluetooth dual output is unavailable

An optical Bluetooth transmitter may work on some TVs if the set has a usable DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT (optical) and the transmitter is compatible with the TV’s output format and your headphones. Sony documents a setup using its WLA-NS7: connect the transmitter to the TV with an optical digital cable and USB, pair the Bluetooth headphones, and keep TV Speakers selected. This is a documented example, not a guarantee that every optical transmitter or headphone combination will work. Sony’s transmitter setup instructions.

Before choosing this route, inspect the ports on the TV and confirm the required settings in its manual. Sony’s instructions include selecting TV speakers for output and adjusting digital audio-out volume if there is no sound. If the TV lacks optical output, the cited guidance does not establish which alternative will work for your particular set; check the TV and transmitter manufacturers’ compatibility information rather than assuming an adapter will solve it.

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Option What must be true What to check
TV’s built-in simultaneous output The exact TV model documents playback through its speakers and headphones or Bluetooth audio device at the same time. Use that model’s menu path, and verify whether the two volumes can be adjusted separately.
External optical Bluetooth transmitter The TV has a usable optical digital output, and the transmitter and headphones are compatible with the TV’s audio output. Confirm the TV’s output settings and test for delay or audio-mode restrictions. Sony documents the WLA-NS7 setup for applicable configurations; compatibility is not universal.

Check for lip-sync delay and audio-mode limits

Test picture and sound together before settling on a setup. Sony warns that video and audio may be unsynchronized on a non-BRAVIA XR TV when using the SRS-NS7 or WLA-NS7. The warning does not establish a delay amount, and it should not be generalized to every TV or transmitter. Sony’s support guidance on synchronization.

Sony also notes that spatial sound can prevent simultaneous playback in specified BRAVIA XR configurations and recommends turning off 3D surround in that case. If dual output stops when you change an audio mode, try the manufacturer’s stated setting for your model, then test again with the intended app or connected source.

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Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone, Blue
  • LONG BATTERY LIFE: With up to 50-hour battery life and quick charging, you’ll have enough power for multi-day road trips and long festival weekends.(USB Type-C Cable included)
  • HIGH QUALITY SOUND: Great sound quality customizable to your music preference with EQ Custom on the Sony | Headphones Connect App.
  • LIGHT & COMFORTABLE: The lightweight build and swivel earcups gently slip on and off, while the adjustable headband, cushion and soft ear pads give you all-day comfort.
  • CRYSTAL CLEAR CALLS: A built-in microphone provides you with hands-free calling. No need to even take your phone from your pocket.
  • MULTIPOINT CONNECTION: Quickly switch between two devices at once.
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Troubleshoot when one output has no sound

  • Only the headphones play: Confirm that the TV’s speaker output is selected as instructed for your model. Pairing headphones does not necessarily activate both outputs.
  • Only the TV speakers play: Check that the headphones are paired and that the TV supports simultaneous output; Bluetooth pairing by itself does not prove dual output is available.
  • A transmitter is silent: Verify the optical cable is connected to the TV’s optical output and transmitter input, confirm the TV’s digital audio-out settings, and check the transmitter’s compatibility requirements. Sony specifically points to digital audio-out volume when there is no sound.
  • The sound is out of sync or dual output disappears: Test the audio mode and source in use. For the Sony configurations it identifies, spatial sound may need to be turned off; its synchronization warning applies to non-BRAVIA XR TVs used with the SRS-NS7 or WLA-NS7.

If the manufacturer does not document a compatible setup for your exact model, the information here cannot determine which alternative hardware will work. Use the TV model number, available ports, headphone model, and transmitter specifications to confirm compatibility before purchasing.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 3
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone, Blue
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone, Blue
MULTIPOINT CONNECTION: Quickly switch between two devices at once.
$33.00
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BERIBES Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear Wireless HiFi Stereo Headsets 65H 6EQ
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