Learning how to screen mirror to Roku TV lets you display photos, videos, presentations, websites, and apps from a phone or computer on your television. Roku supports several methods, including Android screen mirroring, Apple AirPlay, Windows wireless display, and compatible Roku mobile apps.
The exact steps depend on your device and Roku model. Before starting, make sure your Roku TV or Roku player supports the feature and that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Prepare Your Roku TV for Screen Mirroring
First, check that your Roku device has updated software. On your Roku, go to Settings > System > System update > Check now. Install any available update, then restart the device if requested.
For Android and Windows mirroring, open:
Settings > System > Screen mirroring
You may see three options:
- Prompt: Roku asks for permission each time a device connects.
- Allow: Approved devices can connect automatically.
- Never allow: Screen mirroring is disabled.
Choose Prompt if you want to approve devices individually. Select Always allow only on a trusted home network.
For Apple devices, Roku uses AirPlay rather than traditional screen mirroring. On compatible Roku TVs and players, open Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit and make sure AirPlay is turned on. AirPlay support varies by Roku model, software version, and region.
Keep both your Roku and phone or computer on the same Wi-Fi network. A guest network, VPN, or separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network can prevent the devices from discovering one another.
Screen Mirror to Roku TV from Android
Many Android phones and tablets can mirror their display directly to Roku. Manufacturers use different names for the feature, including Smart View, Cast, Wireless Display, Screen Share, or Screen Mirroring.
To connect:
- Turn on your Roku TV and confirm it is connected to Wi-Fi.
- On your Android device, open Settings.
- Search for “screen cast,” “screen mirroring,” or “Smart View.”
- Tap the matching option.
- Select your Roku TV or Roku device from the list.
- Approve the connection request on the Roku if prompted.
On Samsung Galaxy devices, swipe down twice to open the Quick Settings panel and tap Smart View. Choose your Roku, then select Start now if a confirmation appears.
Android compatibility is not identical across manufacturers. Some phones support Miracast, which Roku uses for screen mirroring, while others only support Google Cast. A Chromecast-only Android device may not appear in Roku’s screen-mirroring list. If your phone cannot connect directly, check whether the app you want to watch supports Roku or AirPlay instead.
Screen mirroring displays your entire phone screen, so notifications may appear on the TV. Turn on Do Not Disturb before playing private content.
Use AirPlay to Mirror an iPhone, iPad, or Mac
If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, AirPlay is usually the easiest way to screen mirror to Roku TV. Your Roku must support AirPlay, and both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
From an iPhone or iPad:
- Open Control Center. On newer models, swipe down from the upper-right corner; on older models, swipe up from the bottom.
- Tap Screen Mirroring.
- Select your Roku device.
- Enter the AirPlay passcode shown on the TV, if requested.
To mirror a Mac:
- Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar.
- Select Screen Mirroring.
- Choose your Roku TV or player.
- Enter the displayed code if necessary.
You can also use the AirPlay icon inside supported video or photo apps. This sends only the selected media to Roku instead of showing the entire device screen. App-based AirPlay may provide better quality and allow you to continue using your phone.
Some streaming services restrict mirroring because of licensing or copy-protection rules. If a video shows a black screen or refuses to play, use the official Roku channel or app instead. Also note that not every iPhone app supports AirPlay, even when the iPhone itself connects successfully.
Mirror a Windows PC to Roku
Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers can often mirror through Connect or Cast, provided the computer supports Miracast.
On the Roku, go to Settings > System > Screen mirroring and set the mode to Prompt or Allow. Then on your Windows PC:
- Press Windows key + K.
- Wait for available wireless displays to appear.
- Select your Roku device.
- Approve the connection on the TV if prompted.
You can also open Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays > Connect to a wireless display, depending on your Windows version.
To choose how the screen behaves, press Windows key + P after connecting. Select Duplicate to show the same image on the TV, Extend to use the TV as a second monitor, or Second screen only to turn off the computer display.
Wireless mirroring works best for presentations, web browsing, and photos. Fast-action video and gaming may show delay or reduced quality. For the lowest latency, connect the computer directly to the TV with an HDMI cable.
Fix Common Roku Mirroring Problems
If your Roku does not appear, confirm that both devices are on the same standard Wi-Fi network. Disable any VPN on the phone or computer and temporarily turn off mobile hotspot mode.
Restart all devices: unplug the Roku for about 30 seconds, restart the phone or computer, and reboot the router if necessary. Then check for system updates again.
If Android mirroring disconnects, move closer to the router and reduce other wireless activity. Some Android phones require Wi-Fi to remain enabled even when mobile data is available.
For AirPlay problems, verify that AirPlay is enabled on Roku and that your Apple device is updated. If the Roku asks for a code repeatedly, restart both devices and try again.
A black screen usually indicates app restrictions, unsupported content, or a connection problem. Try mirroring a photo or web page first. If that works, open the streaming service’s official Roku app rather than mirroring it.
FAQ: Screen Mirroring to Roku
Can every Roku TV mirror an iPhone? No. iPhone mirroring requires a Roku TV or player that supports AirPlay. Check the Roku model and software under Settings > System > About, then compare it with Roku’s current AirPlay compatibility information.
Why does my Roku not show up on Android? The phone may not support Miracast, the Roku setting may be disabled, or the devices may be on different networks. Enable screen mirroring on Roku, connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi, and check the phone manufacturer’s casting requirements.
Can I mirror Netflix or other streaming apps to Roku? Sometimes, but content protection may block screen mirroring. The most reliable option is to install and open the service’s official Roku channel, then sign in with your account.
Conclusion
You can screen mirror to Roku TV from many Android phones, Apple devices, and Windows PCs. Start by updating Roku, placing both devices on the same Wi-Fi network, and enabling the appropriate mirroring or AirPlay setting. For protected streaming video, Roku’s official apps usually provide better reliability and picture quality than full-screen mirroring.
