Rokus are handy all-in-one streaming boxes, but they can do more than just stream content from channels and services. You can also cast or mirror your screen straight to Roku, which is great if you want to quickly pop something up on the big screen. How you do that can vary with each device, but our guide will show you how to cast to Roku from iOS, Android and Windows 10.
Key Takeaways:
- Casting will only display the “casted” app, whereas screen mirroring will display your device’s whole screen.
- Your Roku and the device you want to cast or mirror from need to be connected to the same network.
- To cast from a supported app, the app needs to be installed on both the Roku and the device you want to cast from.
Please note that current Roku devices need to be running Roku OS 7.7 or later, and iOS mobile devices need to be running iOS 12.3 or later to support screen mirroring to cast to Roku TV or other Roku devices.
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Yes, you can cast from any iOS device to Roku using a supported app. You just need to ensure that the app is installed on both your iOS device and your Roku streaming player.
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Yes — just make sure screen mirroring is enabled in your Roku’s settings menu. Then, go to your Android device’s screen mirroring settings and turn it on. Keep in mind that Android device settings can vary by brand, so you’ll need to determine how to do it with your particular device.
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What’s the Difference Between Casting and Mirroring?
Although casting and mirroring have the same sort of end goal, they are a little different. Casting lets you launch supported apps like YouTube directly to your TV. You can tell if an app supports casting by looking for the casting icon.
You’ll need to add the channel to your Roku, as well as install it on your mobile device. (If you want to add channels like the YouTube TV app and it’s not available in your region, our best VPN for Roku guide can help.) You need to connect them both to the same network, too (that includes Roku with Ethernet). Once you cast to your TV, it will display the app only, not your device’s whole screen.
Screen mirroring is a little different because it literally mirrors your whole screen to your TV. You will see content exactly as it is shown on your mobile device.
If an app doesn’t support casting, you can still show it on the big screen by mirroring it — provided your device is compatible and it’s connected to the same network as your Roku. Everything you do on your mobile device will be shown on your TV.
Step by Step: Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku
If you want to mirror your whole screen to Roku, you first need to ensure it is enabled on your Roku (this is not required for casting). We’ll show you how to do that now.
- Press the “Home” Button
Make sure you’re on the home screen by pressing the “home” button on your Roku remote.
- Go to “Settings”
Select “settings” from the menu and press “OK” on the remote.
- Go to “System”
Select “system” and press “OK” on the remote.
- Go to “Screen Mirroring”
Select “screen mirroring” and press “OK” on the remote.
- Select “Screen Mirroring Mode” and Press “OK” to Choose Your Setting
Press “OK” on “screen mirroring mode” and choose your preferred setting. If you choose “prompt,” you will see an on-screen prompt asking you to confirm, while “always allow” will allow any device to connect automatically. Do not choose “never allow” unless you do not want to use the screen mirroring feature. Your chosen setting will have a check mark next to it.
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The menu selection “screen mirroring devices” allows you to set specific devices to “always allowed” and “always blocked” for screen mirroring. It’s not a necessary step, but can improve ease of use. You can change these settings at any time by repeating the steps.
Step by Step: Cast to Roku From an iOS Mobile Device
Follow these steps if you want to cast to Roku from your iOS device. We’ve used the Netflix iOS app as an example in this how-to, but it works the same way for other apps.
- Tap the Casting Icon
Tap the casting icon, which is usually found in the top-right corner.
- Select Your Roku Device
Tap on your Roku device in the pop-up box.
- Wait for Your iOS Device to Connect to the Roku
You will see a “connecting” message. Wait for your device to connect.
- Confirm That the App/Content Appears on Your TV Screen
Once the app is cast to your Roku, you will see the app or its content on your TV. You can use your iOS device to control the app. You will also be able to control some settings like play and pause with your Roku remote.
- Tap the Casting Icon Again to Disconnect
When you want to stop casting, simply tap the casting icon on your iOS device again and tap “disconnect.”
How to Use Screen Mirroring on iOS
Before attempting to mirror your iOS device to your Roku, you need to ensure that your Roku device is compatible and running OS 7.7, and that your iOS device is running iOS 9.4 or higher. If your devices are compatible, you need to make sure AirPlay is enabled on your Roku first — then you can follow the steps to mirror your iOS device to Roku.
Step by Step: Enable AirPlay on Roku
- Go to “Settings”
Press the “home” button on your remote to ensure you’re on the home screen. Now go to “settings” and press “OK” on the remote.
- Go to “Apple AirPlay and HomeKit”
Select “Apple AirPlay and HomeKit” and press “OK” on the remote.
- Make Sure AirPlay Is Turned On
Make sure “AirPlay” is turned on. If it isn’t, simply select “AirPlay” and press “OK” on the remote to change the setting.
Step by Step: Mirror Your iOS Device’s Screen on Roku
- Open the Control Center on Your iOS Device and Tap “Screen Mirroring”
Swipe down from the right-hand corner to open the control center (on older devices, swipe up from the bottom). Now tap “screen mirroring.”
- Select Your Roku Device
Tap on your Roku device in the screen mirroring box.
- Enter the Code Shown on Your TV on Your iOS Device
Enter the on-screen code displayed by Roku in the box provided on your iOS device and tap “OK.”
- Confirm That Your iOS Device Is Mirrored on Your Roku
You will now see your iOS device’s screen on your TV (we used Google Maps as a quick example). Everything you do will be shown on your TV. Once you’ve loaded an app, turn your device sideways to view the full screen on your TV.
- Tap the Screen Mirroring Icon Again to Disconnect
To stop mirroring your iOS device’s screen, open the control center, tap the screen mirroring icon (it should have the name of your Roku device) and tap “stop mirroring.”
Step by Step: Cast to Roku From an Android Device
The following steps will show you how to cast to your Roku from an Android device. For this how-to, we’ve used the YouTube Android app as an example.
- Tap the Casting Icon
Tap the casting icon in the top-right corner. The casting icon will be visible on the home page, as well as during video playback.
- Choose Your Roku Device
Tap on your Roku device in the pop-up box.
- Wait for Your Android Device to Connect to Roku
You will see a “connecting” message. Wait for the device to connect to Roku.
- Control the App From Your Android Device or Roku Remote
You can now control the app from your device. The Roku remote will also be able to control some settings, such as pause and play.
- Use Remote, Voice Search or Volume Adjust on Your Device
If you tap the casting icon again, you can turn your Android device into a remote, use voice search and adjust the volume.
- Tap the Casting Icon Again to Stop Casting
To stop casting from your Android device, tap the casting icon again and then tap “disconnect.”
Mirror Your Android’s Screen to Roku
Many Android devices allow screen mirroring, but that’s something you will need to determine for your specific device — Google is your friend. The actual name for screen mirroring can vary by brand, though. Here are some of the common names for it:
- Miracast
- Quick Connect
- Wireless Display
- Display Mirroring
- Cast
- Smart View
- SmartShare
- AllShare Cast
- Screen Casting
- HTC Connect
The steps for setting it up can vary, too, but here’s a quick how-to using an LG G4 mobile device to (hopefully) get you on the right track.
- Go to “Settings”
Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap on the settings icon.
- Go to “Share & Connect”
Tap on “share & connect.”
- Go to “Miracast”
Tap on “Miracast.”
- Turn Miracast “on” and Select Your Roku Device
Toggle Miracast to “on” in the top-right corner and tap on your Roku device.
- Select “Allow” on Your Roku
On the Roku, choose either “allow” or “always allow” and press “OK” to confirm your selection.
- Confirm That You Now See Your Android Device’s Screen on Your TV
Your Android device’s screen should now be mirrored on your Roku. Turn your device sideways to see the full screen.
- Tap Your Roku Device Again to Stop Mirroring
In the “Miracast” setting, tap your Roku device and tap “OK” to stop mirroring your screen.
Step by Step: Enable Screen Mirroring to Roku on Windows 10
You can also enable screen mirroring to Roku from Windows 10. We’ll show you how in the next few steps.
- Open the Windows Action Center and Click “Expand”
Open the Windows Action Center by either clicking the Action Center icon or pressing the Windows key + A. If you don’t see all the icons, click “expand.”
- Click “Connect”
Click on the “connect” icon and the “connect” sidebar will open.
- Select Your Roku Device
Click on your Roku device in the sidebar.
- Select “Allow” on Your Roku
Using your Roku remote, choose either “allow” or “always allow” and press “OK” to confirm.
- Confirm That You Now See Your Windows 10 Screen on Your TV
Your Windows 10 screen will now be displayed on your TV.
- Click “Disconnect” to Stop Mirroring Your Screen
When you want to stop mirroring your screen, go back to the “connect” tab in the Action Center and click “disconnect.”
Can I Cast to My Roku Device?
Casting to your Roku is only available with a supported app, and you need to have that app installed on both your Roku and mobile device. However, screen mirroring is a little different, and some Rokus aren’t compatible.
If you own a current-generation Roku device running Roku OS 7.7 or later, it will automatically support screen mirroring — Rokus update automatically as long as they’re connected to the internet. However, the Roku devices listed below are not compatible with screen mirroring:
- Pre-2016 Roku devices
- Roku Express model 3700 (2016)
- Roku Express+ 3710 (2016)
- Roku Express+ 3910 (2017) supports screen mirroring through the HDMI connection, but not the composite or A/V connection.
Another key point: to use screen mirroring with an iOS device, the Roku needs to support AirPlay. We’ll list the Roku devices/models that are compatible with AirPlay, and you can check your Roku device’s model number by going to settings>system>about.
- Roku Premiere 3920, 4620, 4630
- Roku Streaming Stick+ 3810, 3811
- Roku Ultra 4640, 4660, 4662, 4661, 4670, 4800
- Roku TV Axxxx, Cxxxx, CxxGB, 7xxxx (the “x’s” are placeholders, so just match the other numbers/letters)
- Roku Streambar 9102
- Roku Smart Soundbar 9100, 9101
Note that new Roku players released from 2021 onward support AirPlay. If you’re in need of a new Roku device, check out our Roku buyer’s guide for help with which Roku to buy. We also have a guide on how to set up Roku.
Final Thoughts
Casting to your Roku or mirroring your screen is an easy process, but it can differ with each device or platform. We hope our guide has helped you understand how to cast to Roku from iOS, Android and Windows 10. You can check out our troubleshooting guide if you have issues with your Roku not working.
If you want to display your personal media, such as videos, photos and music, you can use the Play on Roku feature that’s built into the free Roku app.
What’s your experience with casting or screen mirroring to Roku? Have you had any issues? Do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to check out our Roku scams piece to make sure you stay safe. As always, thank you for reading.
The post How to Cast to Roku From iOS, Android and Windows 10 in 2023 appeared first on Cloudwards.
