The simplest way to get your iPhone screen on a Roku TV

You can mirror your iPhone to a Roku TV using AirPlay, which sends video and audio from your phone directly to the TV wirelessly. Your iPhone and Roku must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Control Center on your iPhone (swipe down from the top right), tap Screen Mirroring, select your Roku TV from the list, and your screen appears on the TV within seconds.

Not all Roku models support AirPlay — it works on Roku TV sets made after 2019 and some newer Roku streaming devices, but not older models or basic Roku players. If your Roku doesn't have AirPlay, you can still cast content from specific apps like YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify by tapping the cast icon within the app itself.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPlay mirroring works on Roku TVs made in 2019 or later and requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Screen mirroring sends everything on your iPhone to the TV, including notifications and private content, so check what's on your screen first.
  • If your Roku doesn't support AirPlay, you can still cast from individual apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify using the cast button.
  • Roku devices sometimes need a restart if mirroring fails — unplug the TV for 30 seconds and try again.

Checking if your Roku TV supports AirPlay

AirPlay is built into newer Roku TVs but not all of them. To check, look at the model year on your TV's box or manual — if it was made in 2019 or later, it almost certainly has AirPlay. You can also check by going to Settings on your Roku TV, selecting System, then About to see the software version and model number.

If you have an older Roku TV or a Roku streaming device (the small boxes you plug into an HDMI port), check the Roku support page with your model number to confirm AirPlay is available. The Roku Ultra and Roku Streambar support AirPlay, but older Roku Express and Roku Premiere models do not.

Step-by-step: Mirroring your iPhone screen

Make sure your iPhone and Roku TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If they're on different networks — one on your main Wi-Fi and one on a guest network, for example — mirroring won't work.

On your iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center. Look for the Screen Mirroring button (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom). Tap it, wait a moment for your Roku TV to appear in the list, then tap the TV's name. Your iPhone screen will appear on the TV in a few seconds. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

If the TV doesn't appear in the list, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your Roku TV is powered on. Restart your iPhone's Wi-Fi by turning Wi-Fi off and back on in Settings, then try again.

Casting from apps instead of mirroring your whole screen

If your Roku doesn't support AirPlay or you don't want to mirror your entire screen, you can cast individual apps. This sends only the video or music from that app to the TV, not your notifications, messages, or anything else on your phone.

Open an app like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Apple TV+. Look for the cast icon — usually a rectangle with curved lines in the corner — and tap it. Select your Roku TV from the list. The content plays on the TV while you can use your iPhone for other things. This method works on older Roku devices that don't have AirPlay.

Fixing common mirroring problems

If your iPhone doesn't see your Roku TV in the Screen Mirroring list, the devices are likely on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your iPhone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it's connected to the same network as your Roku. Some homes have a 5GHz and 2.4GHz network with the same name — try connecting your iPhone to the 2.4GHz band, as older Roku devices sometimes work better on that frequency.

If mirroring starts but the picture freezes or drops, restart your Roku TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Also try moving your iPhone closer to the router or Roku TV, as Wi-Fi interference can cause connection problems. If the problem persists, restart your iPhone and try again.

If you see the TV in the list but get an error when you try to connect, check that your Roku TV's software is up to date. Go to Settings on the TV, select System, then System Update to see if an update is available. Install it and try mirroring again.

What you should know before mirroring

When you mirror your iPhone screen, everything on your phone appears on the TV — including notifications, text messages, and anything else that pops up. Before you start mirroring, close apps you don't want others to see and silence notifications if you're sharing the screen with guests.

Mirroring uses more battery power than casting from an app, so your iPhone may drain faster. If you're mirroring for more than an hour, keep your phone plugged in. Also, mirroring works best when your iPhone and Roku are close to the Wi-Fi router — the farther away you are, the more likely the connection will drop.

Using AirPlay with other Roku devices

Roku makes several types of devices beyond TVs. Roku Streambar, Roku Ultra, and newer Roku Express models support AirPlay, but older Roku players and the basic Roku Stick do not. If you have a Roku device you're unsure about, the easiest way to check is to try Screen Mirroring — if it doesn't appear in the list after a few seconds, your device doesn't support it.

Some Roku devices need AirPlay turned on in settings before it will work. On your Roku TV or device, go to Settings, select AirPlay and HomeKit, and make sure AirPlay is set to On. If it's already on and mirroring still doesn't work, try turning it off and back on again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mirror my iPhone to a Roku TV that's on a different Wi-Fi network?

No. Your iPhone and Roku must be on the same Wi-Fi network for mirroring to work. If your home has a guest network, make sure both devices are on your main network. Some routers let you connect both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands under the same network name — try connecting your iPhone to the 2.4GHz band if mirroring fails.

Does mirroring work with older Roku models from 2018 or earlier?

AirPlay mirroring does not work on Roku TVs or devices made before 2019. However, you can still cast from individual apps like YouTube and Netflix by tapping the cast icon within each app. This sends only that app's content to the TV, not your entire screen.

Will mirroring drain my iPhone battery quickly?

Yes, mirroring uses more power than normal use because your iPhone is constantly sending video and audio to the TV. If you plan to mirror for more than an hour, plug your iPhone into a charger. Casting from apps uses less battery than mirroring your whole screen.

What should I do if the mirroring connection keeps dropping?

Move your iPhone closer to the Wi-Fi router or Roku TV, as distance and interference can cause drops. Restart your Roku by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Also check that your Roku's software is current by going to Settings, System, System Update. If problems continue, restart your iPhone and try again.

Can I use AirPlay to mirror my iPhone while playing a game?

Yes, but performance may suffer. Games require fast, responsive connections, and Wi-Fi mirroring can introduce slight delays. For the best gaming experience, use a wired connection or cast through the game's app if it supports casting, rather than mirroring your entire screen.