How to use headphones with the Roku mobile app for private listening
How to use headphones with the Roku mobile app for private listening
Private listening is a feature of the Roku mobile app that lets you listen to your TV on headphones that are connected to your phone or tablet. When others nearby do not want to be disturbed, you can still enjoy the sound from streaming channels and live digital broadcast television on wired headphones plugged into your mobile device, or Bluetooth® headphones that are connected wirelessly.
You can use the Roku device comparison chart to determine which current-generation products support private listening with the Roku mobile app.
What to know before using private listening
- You must first install the latest version of the Roku mobile app and connect your mobile device to your Roku device. To establish this wireless connection, both your mobile device and your Roku device must be connected to the same wireless network.
- When private listening is active, you will not hear audio from your TV speakers.
- You must have an HDTV antenna connected to your Roku TV to use private listening with live digital broadcast television. Mobile private listening is not supported with analog over-the-air broadcast television.
- Private listening is also available when using your headphones with a compatible Roku voice remote.
How to activate private listening
Before you begin, make sure your wired headphones are plugged into your mobile device or your Bluetooth headphones are paired and connected. For pairing help, visit the website for the manufacture of your headphones and/or mobile device, or contact them directly. When you are ready, use the steps below to activate private listening.
IMPORTANT: Do not put your headphones on until the volume is at a safe level.
- Open the Roku mobile app
- Tap Remote  from the navigation bar
- Tap the Headphone icon to activate private listening
Once private listening is activated, adjust the volume to a comfortable level and put on your headphones. When you want to deactivate private listening, simply tap the Headphone icon again. If you have wired headphones, you can also activate and deactivate private listening by plugging in and unplugging your headphones when the Roku mobile app is already open.
