Casting Roku to your TV is a simple and convenient way to enjoy your favorite movies, shows, and videos on a larger screen. It enhances your viewing experience by providing better sound and picture quality compared to watching on a phone or laptop. The best part is that you don’t need any extra cables or complicated setup; just a stable internet connection is enough.
Whether you’re using an Android phone, iPhone, or PC, Roku makes it easy to cast and stream content directly to your TV in minutes. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step so you can quickly learn how to cast Roku to your TV and start streaming your favorite content without any hassle.
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What Does It Mean to Cast Roku to Your TV?
Casting Roku to your TV means sending media—like videos, music, or photos—from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to your TV screen. It works over a Wi-Fi connection and doesn’t require any cables. You can easily cast content from popular apps such as YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify, enjoying a full-screen experience with better sound and picture quality than a small device can offer.
The process is simple: both your Roku device and your phone (or laptop) must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You’ll usually see a small “Cast” icon that looks like a TV with Wi-Fi waves; tapping it sends the content to your Roku instantly. Make sure your Roku is set as “discoverable” in the settings menu—this option is typically enabled by default. Once connected, you can use your phone or Roku remote to pause, play, or stop the video anytime.
How to Cast Roku to Your TV From Different Devices
Casting Roku to your TV is simple and works across most devices. While the basic process is similar, the exact steps may vary slightly depending on whether you’re using an Android phone, an iPhone, or a computer. Here’s how to cast Roku to your TV from different devices.
Cast Using Android or iPhone
To begin, make sure the same app is installed on both your Roku device and your smartphone. For example, if you want to cast from Netflix, install the Netflix app on both devices. You don’t need to open it on Roku—just launch it on your phone.
Next, open the app on your phone and tap the Cast icon (a small TV with Wi-Fi lines). Select your Roku device from the available list. The app will automatically launch on your Roku, and the video will start playing on your TV screen.
Once casting begins, you can freely use your phone for other tasks like texting, calling, or browsing—your video will continue playing uninterrupted on the Roku-connected TV.
Cast From a Windows or Mac Computer
You can also cast from your computer using the Google Chrome browser. Open a site like YouTube or any platform that supports casting. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Cast.
From the list of available devices, choose your Roku. The content will then appear on your TV. Make sure your computer and Roku are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, or the cast option may not be visible.
Some streaming sites have their own built-in Cast icon—use that instead of the browser option for smoother performance and better video quality.
Use Apple AirPlay for iPhones and Macs.
If you’re using an iPhone or Mac, you can easily connect to Roku using AirPlay. Start by ensuring AirPlay is enabled on your Roku device. To do this, go to Settings → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit → AirPlay → On.
On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Control Center. Tap the Screen Mirroring icon and select your Roku device from the list. A code may appear on your TV—enter it on your phone to establish the connection. Your iPhone’s screen will now be displayed on your TV.
For Mac users, the process is similar. Open the Control Center on your Mac, click Screen Mirroring, and choose your Roku device. Enter the on-screen code if prompted, and your Mac’s display will instantly appear on your Roku-connected TV.
Cast Roku to Your TV or Use Screen Mirroring?
While both casting and screen mirroring let you view content on a bigger screen, they work differently.
Casting sends a specific video or app from your device to the TV. Once it starts playing, you can use your phone or computer for other tasks—like texting or browsing—without interrupting playback. For instance, you can stream a YouTube video on TV while continuing to use your phone normally.
Screen Mirroring, on the other hand, duplicates your entire screen on the TV. Whatever appears on your phone or computer—including notifications or incoming calls—will also appear on the TV.
Mirroring is helpful when an app doesn’t support casting or when you want to display photos, videos, or presentations. However, it consumes more power and bandwidth.
For streaming movies or shows, casting is the better option—it’s faster, smoother, and saves your device’s battery. But if you want to share your full screen or apps that don’t support casting, mirroring is more flexible.
How to Mirror Your Phone, Laptop, or Tablet Screen to Roku
If casting isn’t working or your app doesn’t support it, screen mirroring is a great alternative. It lets you display your entire device screen—apps, photos, and videos—on your Roku-connected TV. Most Android devices support mirroring, while Apple users can use AirPlay for the same purpose.
Screen Mirroring from Android Devices
Swipe down from the top of your phone to open the quick settings panel. Look for options like Smart View, Screen Mirroring, Wireless Display, or Cast (the name may vary depending on the phone brand).
Select your Roku device from the list of available devices, then tap Start now when prompted. Your entire Android screen will now appear on your TV. You can open photos, apps, or even play games while mirroring.
To stop mirroring, swipe down again and tap Stop Mirroring or Disconnect.
Screen Mirroring from iPhone and iPad
Apple devices don’t support traditional screen mirroring but use AirPlay instead. Swipe down from the upper-right corner of your iPhone or iPad to open Control Center. Tap the Screen Mirroring icon and choose your Roku device.
Enter the four-digit code that appears on your TV, and your iPhone or iPad screen will be displayed on Roku.
Screen Mirroring from a Windows Laptop
On your Windows laptop, press Windows + K to open the casting or connect menu. A list of nearby devices will appear—click your Roku TV name to start mirroring.
Once connected, your laptop screen will show on the TV.
- In Windows 10, the cast panel appears on the right side of the screen.
- In Windows 11, it’s located in the bottom-right corner.
If prompted, enter the PIN code displayed on your Roku TV. After pairing, your full desktop view will appear on your TV.
Screen Mirroring from macOS Devices.
On a Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of the menu bar. Select Screen Mirroring, then choose your Roku device from the list. Enter the displayed PIN code if required.
Your Mac screen will now appear on your Roku TV, allowing you to mirror presentations, web pages, or videos with ease.
Best Apps That Support Casting on Roku Devices
Roku supports casting from a wide range of popular apps, making it easy to stream your favorite content directly to your TV. Some of the most commonly used apps that work seamlessly with Roku include YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max.
To cast from these apps, simply open your preferred app and start playing a video or song. Look for the Cast icon—a small TV symbol with Wi-Fi waves—usually found at the top of the screen. Tap the icon and select your Roku device from the list. The content will instantly play on your TV, and you can control playback using your phone or Roku remote.
If an app doesn’t support casting, you can still enjoy your content using screen mirroring. This method lets you share your entire device screen on your Roku TV.
You can also cast directly from a Google Chrome browser, which works great for platforms like YouTube or web-based streaming sites. For the best performance, always keep your Roku and mobile device connected to the same Wi-Fi network and make sure both the Roku firmware and app versions are up to date. This ensures smoother streaming, faster response, and higher video quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast to Roku without Wi-Fi?
No, casting requires both your Roku device and your phone or computer to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Without Wi-Fi, your devices won’t be able to communicate for casting or mirroring.
Why is my Roku not showing up when I try to cast?
Make sure your Roku and casting device are on the same network, and that your Roku is discoverable in settings. Restart both devices if it still doesn’t appear. Also, ensure your Roku software is up to date.
Do all apps support casting to Roku?
Not all apps support casting. Popular ones like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Hulu do, but others may not. For unsupported apps, use screen mirroring instead.
What is the difference between casting and screen mirroring?
Casting sends only a specific app or video to your TV while allowing you to use your phone for other tasks. Screen mirroring shows your entire device screen on the TV, including notifications and other apps.
Can I cast from my Windows PC or Mac to Roku?
Yes. On Windows, use the shortcut Windows + K or Chrome’s “Cast” option. On Mac, use AirPlay by selecting your Roku device from the Screen Mirroring menu in the Control Center.
Is casting better than mirroring?
For streaming videos and movies, casting is better because it’s faster, smoother, and uses less battery. However, mirroring is useful when apps don’t support casting or when you want to share your full screen.
Conclusion
Casting Roku to your TV is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your favorite videos, movies, and music on a bigger screen. Whether you use an Android phone, iPhone, Windows PC, or Mac, Roku makes the process smooth and hassle-free. You can cast directly from apps like YouTube or Netflix, or use screen mirroring and AirPlay when casting isn’t supported. Just make sure both your Roku and device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for the best experience.
