The fastest way to connect your phone to Roku
You can connect your phone to a Roku TV in two ways: screen mirroring (which shows everything on your phone's screen on the TV) or the Roku mobile app (which lets you control the TV and launch apps from your phone). Screen mirroring works with both iPhones and Android phones, though the steps differ slightly. The Roku app works on both types of phones and is often simpler if you just want to control what's playing rather than mirror your entire screen.
Both methods require your phone and Roku TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If your TV is not yet connected to Wi-Fi, do that first through the TV's settings menu — you'll need your network name and password.
Key Takeaways
- Screen mirroring shows your phone's entire screen on the TV and works differently on iPhones (AirPlay) versus Android phones (built-in casting).
- The Roku mobile app lets you control your TV and launch channels without mirroring your whole phone, and works the same way on both iPhone and Android.
- Both methods require your phone and TV to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you start.
- If screen mirroring doesn't work, check that both devices are on the same network and that your TV's mirroring setting is turned on in Roku settings.
Screen mirroring from an iPhone to Roku
On an iPhone, screen mirroring is called AirPlay. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to open Control Center. Look for the "Screen Mirroring" button (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom). Tap it and select your Roku TV's name from the list.
Your iPhone screen will now appear on the TV. Everything you do on your phone — opening apps, scrolling, typing — shows up on the TV in real time. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap "Screen Mirroring," and select "Stop Mirroring."
If your Roku TV doesn't appear in the list, make sure both your iPhone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You can also try restarting your TV and iPhone, then trying again.
Screen mirroring from an Android phone to Roku
On Android, the feature is usually called Cast or Screen Cast, though the exact name depends on your phone's manufacturer. Open your phone's settings and look for "Connected devices," "Display," or "Cast." The location varies — Samsung phones put it in "Advanced features," while Google Pixel phones have it in "Display."
Once you find the casting option, tap it and select your Roku TV from the list. Your Android screen will now mirror to the TV. To stop casting, go back to the same menu and tap "Disconnect" or "Stop casting."
If your TV doesn't appear, restart both devices and make sure they're on the same Wi-Fi network. Some Android phones also require you to turn on developer options first — if casting still doesn't work, search your phone's support site for "[your phone model] cast to TV" for exact steps.
Using the Roku mobile app to control your TV
The Roku app is often easier than screen mirroring because you don't have to show your entire phone screen on the TV. read the free Roku app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Android). Open the app and sign in with the same Roku account you used to set up your TV.
The app will automatically find your Roku TV if both are on the same Wi-Fi network. Tap your TV's name to connect. You'll now see a remote on your phone — use it to change channels, adjust volume, and navigate menus. You can also see what's currently playing and launch apps directly from the app without mirroring your phone.
The Roku app is useful for controlling your TV from another room or for launching specific channels without showing your phone's notifications, messages, or other private content on the TV screen.
Troubleshooting when your phone won't connect
If your phone and TV aren't connecting, start by checking that both are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your phone's Wi-Fi settings and your TV's network settings (usually under Settings > Network on Roku) and confirm they match. If they don't, connect your phone to the TV's network.
Next, restart both devices. Turn off your TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Restart your phone the same way. Then try connecting again. This fixes most temporary connection problems.
If you're using screen mirroring, check that mirroring is enabled on your Roku TV. Go to Settings > System > Screen mirroring on your TV and make sure it's set to "On" or "Prompt." If it's set to "Off," change it to "On" and try again.
For the Roku app, make sure you're signed into the same Roku account on both your phone and TV. If you're not sure, check your TV's settings under System > About and your phone app's settings to confirm the account name matches.
When to use mirroring versus the Roku app
Use screen mirroring when you want to show your phone's screen on the TV — for example, to display photos, watch videos from your phone, or show someone a website. Mirroring sends everything on your phone to the TV, including notifications and messages, so use it only when you're comfortable with that.
Use the Roku app when you want to control the TV itself — changing channels, launching apps like Netflix or YouTube, or adjusting volume. The app is also better if you want to keep your phone's screen private while controlling what's on the TV.
Many people use both: the app for everyday control and mirroring when they need to show specific content from their phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Roku account to connect my phone?
You need a Roku account to use the Roku mobile app, but not for screen mirroring. Screen mirroring works as long as your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Creating a free Roku account takes about two minutes and is worth doing if you plan to use the app regularly.
Can I connect multiple phones to the same Roku TV?
Yes. Multiple phones can use the Roku app to control the same TV at the same time. For screen mirroring, only one phone can mirror at a time — if a second phone tries to mirror while another is already mirroring, the first connection will stop.
Why does my screen mirroring keep disconnecting?
This usually happens when your phone or TV moves out of Wi-Fi range or when the connection is weak. Try moving closer to your router, or restart both devices. If it keeps happening, your Wi-Fi signal may be too weak — consider moving your router or using a Wi-Fi extender.
Can I use screen mirroring to play games on my TV?
Yes, but there's usually a delay (lag) between what you do on your phone and what appears on the TV. This works fine for casual games or showing someone a game you're playing, but competitive games where timing matters will feel sluggish. The Roku app doesn't support game control, so screen mirroring is your only option if you want to play phone games on the TV.
What if my phone is older — will it still work?
Screen mirroring works on iPhones running iOS 12 or newer and Android phones running Android 5 or newer. The Roku app works on iPhones running iOS 14 or newer and Android phones running Android 6 or newer. If your phone is older than these versions, you may not be able to connect, but you can check your phone's settings to see what version it's running.