How do I connect speakers or a stereo to my TV's headphone socket?
Last checked November 14, 2026
Short answer
Use a 3.5 mm to RCA cable. The small plug goes into the TV's headphone socket and the red and white plugs go into the stereo or powered speakers.
Best match3.5 mm to RCA audio cable
See the Amazon Basics 3.5 mm to 2 RCA Cable (4 ft) on AmazonHow to connect it
- Plug the 3.5 mm end into the TV's headphone socket.
- Plug the red and white ends into the stereo's input, matching the colours (red is right, white is left).
- Turn the TV volume up a little and set the level on the stereo.
Check this first
- Red is the right channel and white is the left. Match them to the colours on the stereo.
- On many TVs, plugging into the headphone socket turns off the TV's own speakers. Check the sound settings if you want both.
- Turn the TV volume up and adjust the stereo, so the sound is not too quiet or distorted.
Questions people ask
Why did the TV's own speakers go quiet?
On many TVs, using the headphone socket turns off the built-in speakers. Some TVs let you keep both on in the sound settings.
What does the headphone socket look like?
A small round hole, 3.5 mm across, often with a headphone symbol or marked AUDIO OUT. It is usually on the back or side of the TV.
Not your setup?
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