AirPlay does not work directly with Roku TVs

Roku TVs do not support AirPlay, which is Apple's wireless streaming standard. If you own a Roku TV and want to stream video, photos, or audio from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you will need to use a different method. The most straightforward option is to use screen mirroring through Roku's built-in casting feature, though this works differently depending on whether you are using an Apple device or an Android phone.

Before you start, make sure your Roku TV and your Apple device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is the single requirement that trips up most people — if they are on different networks, nothing will work. Check your Wi-Fi settings on both devices and confirm they show the same network name.

Key Takeaways

  • Roku TVs do not have AirPlay built in, but you can cast from Apple devices using Roku's screen mirroring feature instead.
  • Your Roku TV and Apple device must be on the same Wi-Fi network before you attempt to connect.
  • On iPhone and iPad, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Roku TV from the list.
  • On Mac, use AirPlay through System Settings or the menu bar, but select your Roku TV only if it appears — most Macs cannot cast to Roku directly.
  • If screen mirroring does not appear as an option, restart both devices and check that your Roku TV has the latest software update.

Casting from iPhone or iPad to your Roku TV

On an iPhone or iPad, the casting feature is called Screen Mirroring and lives in Control Center. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (or up from the bottom on older models) to open Control Center. Look for the icon that shows two overlapping rectangles — this is Screen Mirroring.

Tap Screen Mirroring and wait a moment for your devices to search. Your Roku TV should appear in the list with its name — usually something like "Living Room" or "Roku TV" followed by numbers. Tap your Roku TV's name. Your iPhone or iPad will then mirror everything on its screen to your TV. You will see a blue bar at the top of your phone indicating the connection is active.

To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring. Do not just close the app you were using — that leaves the connection open.

Casting from a Mac to your Roku TV

Mac computers have AirPlay built into the system, but Roku TVs do not receive AirPlay signals. However, some newer Macs can cast to Roku devices if you have the right setup. The most reliable method is to check whether your Roku TV appears in your Mac's AirPlay menu at all.

On your Mac, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar at the top right of the screen — it looks like a triangle with sound waves. If your Roku TV appears in the dropdown list, click it to begin mirroring. If your Roku TV does not appear, your Mac cannot cast to it directly, and you will need to use an alternative method instead.

If you do successfully connect, your entire Mac screen will appear on the TV. To disconnect, click the AirPlay icon again and select your Mac's built-in display.

Why your Apple device might not find your Roku TV

The most common reason Screen Mirroring does not show your Roku TV is that the two devices are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and your Roku TV's network settings — they must match exactly. If you have a 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz network with the same name, try connecting both devices to the same band.

The second most common issue is that your Roku TV software is out of date. On your Roku TV, go to Settings, then System, then System Update. If an update is available, install it and restart the TV. Then try Screen Mirroring again.

If Screen Mirroring still does not work after checking the network and updating, restart both your Apple device and your Roku TV completely. Turn off the TV using the remote, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Restart your phone or Mac as well. Then try connecting again.

Using the Roku app as an alternative

If screen mirroring is not working and you want to cast specific content, read the Roku app on your iPhone or iPad from the App Store. This app lets you control your Roku TV remotely and cast photos, music, and some video content directly to the TV without mirroring your entire screen.

Open the Roku app, tap the device icon at the top, and select your Roku TV from the list. Once connected, you can browse the Roku Channel, control playback, and cast compatible apps. This method uses less battery than screen mirroring because it only sends the content you choose, not everything on your screen.

Casting video and audio from specific apps

Many streaming apps — including YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify — have their own cast buttons built in. Look for the cast icon, which usually looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner. Tap it and select your Roku TV. This method works better than screen mirroring for video because it streams directly from the app to the TV without going through your phone, which means your phone's battery lasts longer and you can use other apps while the video plays.

Not every app supports casting to Roku, but most major video and music apps do. If an app does not have a cast button, screen mirroring is your fallback option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPlay directly on a Roku TV?

No. Roku TVs do not support AirPlay. You must use screen mirroring from your Apple device instead, or use an app's built-in cast feature if available.

Do I need to buy anything to cast to my Roku TV?

No. Screen mirroring is built into all iPhones, iPads, and most Macs. Your Roku TV has the receiving feature built in as well. You only need both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.

Why does my Roku TV not show up in Screen Mirroring?

The most common reason is that your Apple device and Roku TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check both devices' network settings and make sure they are connected to the same network. If they match, restart both devices and try again.

Can I cast from my Mac to a Roku TV?

Some newer Macs can cast to Roku, but it is not may provide. Check your Mac's AirPlay menu — if your Roku TV appears there, you can cast. If it does not appear, your Mac cannot cast to that Roku model.

Will screen mirroring drain my iPhone battery?

Yes, screen mirroring uses more battery than normal use because your phone is constantly sending video to the TV. If you are watching video, use the app's cast feature instead — it streams directly from the app to the TV and uses less battery.