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.
Note: Private listening is only supported on a Roku Streambar® when using its built-in streaming player. Private listening is not supported on this product when using an external device such as a game console, Blu-ray™ player, or cable/satellite set-top box; or when using a Bluetooth device such as a smartphone or computer.
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 aerial 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.
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.
Can more than one person use private listening at the same time?
Yes. Up to four mobile devices can be connected at the same time for private listening.
Troubleshooting private listening
If you are experiencing intermittent connectivity or hear audio issues (such as lip sync), learn how to solve problems with private listening.
Last updated at 2/18/2026 3:18:22 AM
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