Discover how to mirror your Apple devices or stream media directly to your Roku TV using AirPlay. This comprehensive guide covers setup, troubleshooting, compatible devices, and step-by-step instructions.
A Quick Overview of AirPlay and How It Works with Roku
AirPlay allows you to wirelessly stream or mirror content from your Apple devices to compatible smart TVs and media players.
With AirPlay enabled on your Roku device, you can:
- Mirror your entire iPhone, iPad or Mac screen directly to your Roku TV
- Stream photos, videos and music directly from apps on your Apple devices to the Roku TV
- Use AirPlay to view content from your Apple devices on your Roku without needing cables or wires connecting them
In addition to Roku, AirPlay works with many other smart TV brands and models. Check out our guides on using AirPlay with Insignia TVs, AirPlay with Vizio TVs, and AirPlay with TCL TVs.
Key Components Needed:
- A Roku TV or player running Roku OS 9.4 or later that has AirPlay enabled
- An iPhone, iPad or Mac running a compatible version of iOS or macOS
- Both devices connected to the same wireless network
How to Set Up AirPlay on Your Roku
Before you can use AirPlay with your Roku TV, you first need to enable the feature.
Here are the steps:
- From your Roku home screen, go to Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit
- Toggle AirPlay to On
- Your Roku device name should now appear as an available option when you access AirPlay on your Apple devices
Additional Tips:
- Check Roku OS version under Settings > System > About
- Update to latest system software if needed
- For screen mirroring, enable under Settings > System > Screen Mirroring
- Set mirroring mode to “Prompt” or “Always Allow“
Streaming video tutsplash Also in: iPhone & iPad
Now that AirPlay is set up on both devices, you can start wirelessly streaming media directly to your TV.
Streaming from an iPhone or iPad
To stream videos, music or photos from apps on your Apple mobile device:
- Open the media content you want to AirPlay in any app
- Tap the AirPlay icon
- Select your Roku TV from the list
- Media will start playing directly on your TV
Apps that support direct AirPlay streaming include:
- Apple Music
- Spotify
- YouTube
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Disney+
- HBO Max
- Prime Video
You can even AirPlay TikTok videos from your iPhone to your TV or AirPlay ESPN to watch live sports and highlights on the big screen.
Streaming from a Mac
You can also stream media directly from a Mac computer to your Roku TV:
- Ensure AirPlay is enabled in your Mac menu bar
- Open the music, video or photo on your Mac
- Click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar
- Choose your Roku TV
- Content will begin streaming to your TV
Mirror Your Apple Device’s Screen on Your Roku
In addition to streaming media across devices, you can mirror your iPhone, iPad or Mac’s entire screen to your TV using AirPlay. This displays everything shown on your Apple device directly on your TV.
Mirroring from an iPhone or iPad
- Open Control Center on your device
- Tap Screen Mirroring
- Choose your Roku TV from the list
- Enter AirPlay passcode on TV (if prompted)
- Your mobile device screen is now mirrored on the TV
To stop mirroring, tap the Screen Mirroring button again and select Stop Mirroring.
Mirroring from a Mac
- Click the Screen Mirroring icon in your Mac’s menu bar
- Click the name of your Roku TV
- Accept AirPlay passcode on TV (if prompted)
- Your Mac’s screen will now be mirrored to the TV
To stop mirroring, click the Screen Mirroring icon again and select Turn AirPlay Off.
Troubleshooting AirPlay Issues Between Roku and Apple Devices
If you are having issues getting AirPlay to work properly between your Apple device and Roku TV, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Restart both your Roku and Apple device
- Ensure both devices are on the same wireless network
- Double check AirPlay is enabled in Roku settings
- Update Roku device and apps to latest versions
- Move devices closer together or improve WiFi signal
- Disable VPNs, filters or smart home hubs interfering with connectivity
In most cases, simply restarting all devices or ensuring they can connect to the network properly resolves any streaming issues.
Roku Devices and Apple Devices That Are Compatible With AirPlay
While AirPlay can work between a variety of Apple and Roku products, compatibility varies across device generations and software versions.
Here are the officially supported models:
Apple Devices
- iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch with iOS 12.3 or later
- Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or later
- Apple TV (3rd generation or later) with tvOS 12.3 or later
Roku Devices Running Roku OS 9.4 Or Higher
- Roku smart TVs (models Axxxx, Cxxxx, CxxGB, 7xxxx)
- Roku Streambar (model 9102)
- Roku Streambar Pro (9101R2)
- Roku audio products like smart soundbars and speakers
- Roku Streaming Stick+ (models 3810, 3811)
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K (3820)
- Roku Express 4K (3940), Roku Express 4K+ (3941)
- And more (see full device list earlier)
Roku Devices Running Roku OS 10.0 Or Higher
- Select older generation Roku media players and smart TVs
- Including Roku Streaming Stick (3600, 3800 models)
- Roku 2, 3 and older products
- See official compatibility list above for specifics
So in summary – the ability to use AirPlay with a Roku requires:
- A supported Roku model
- Roku OS version 9.4 or later (10.0 on some legacy devices)
- Compatible Apple hardware and software versions
Refer to the official Roku site for the most up to date AirPlay compatibility information.
Mirroring Your Screen on a Roku TV: An Easy How-To Guide (2024)
Have you ever wanted to display your laptop screen on your TV? Or mirror your phone’s apps and videos onto the big screen without any lag or quality loss?
Thanks to AirPlay – an incredible feature available on Roku streaming devices – you can now wirelessly project your Mac, iPhone or iPad screen directly onto your Roku TV with just a few taps.
In this simple, step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to enable screen mirroring on your Roku and connected Apple devices in under 5 minutes.
What You Can Mirror to Your Roku TV
With AirPlay mirroring enabled, you can display the following content from your compatible iPhone, iPad or Mac:
- ✅ Web browser tabs & windows
- ✅ Documents, presentations & files
- ✅ Mobile apps, games & videos
- ✅ Your entire iOS/macOS interface
- ✅ And more!
It essentially projects everything shown on your device to the TV so you see the exact same visuals on both screens.
Step 1: Enable AirPlay on Your Roku Device
Start by ensuring the AirPlay feature is switched on your Roku device:
- Go to Settings from Roku home screen
- Select Apple AirPlay and HomeKit
- Toggle AirPlay to On position
That’s it! AirPlay is now ready and waiting for your Apple devices to connect.
Note: Also enable Screen Mirroring under Settings > System on Roku
Step 2: Access Screen Mirroring on Your Apple Device
Next you simply need to activate screen mirroring from your iPhone, iPad or Mac:
On iPhone / iPad
- Open Control Center
- Tap Screen Mirroring icon
- Select name of your Roku TV
On Mac
- Click AirPlay icon in top menu bar
- Click name of your Roku TV in list
That’s all there is to it! Your Apple device screen will now be mirrored directly onto your TV.
Tips for Improving Screen Mirroring Quality
If the mirrored content appears laggy or low quality – try these tips:
- Restart Roku and Apple device
- Move devices closer together
- Improve WiFi connection and eliminate interference
- Close other apps running in background
And enjoy viewing your iPhone, iPad or Mac screen seamlessly on the big screen!
Frequently Asked Questions about Roku and AirPlay
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about using AirPlay between Roku devices and Apple products:
What Apple devices work with Roku AirPlay?
AirPlay on Roku is compatible with any iPhone, iPad or Mac computer meeting these minimum software requirements:
- iOS devices: iOS 12.3 or later
- Mac: macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or later
So most iPhones from the iPhone 6 era onwards work, along with modern Macs and iPads.
Why does AirPlay keep disconnecting between my Roku and iPhone?
If you find AirPlay working initially but then keeps cutting out or losing connection – it’s likely due to WiFi network issues.
Try these troubleshooting steps:
- Restart Roku and iOS device
- Ensure no VPN active on either device
- Move Roku and iPhone closer together
- Change WiFi channel on router to reduce interference
- Improve overall WiFi signal coverage in room
Can I use AirPlay on Roku without WiFi?
Unfortunately no. The AirPlay feature relies on both the streaming device (Roku) and your iPhone, iPad or Mac being connected to the same wireless network in order to discover and connect to each other.
Without a WiFi connection, you won’t be able to establish an AirPlay streaming session or screen mirroring.
Why can’t I see Roku for AirPlay on my iPhone?
If your iPhone can’t detect or connect to your Roku via AirPlay, try these tips:
- Toggle AirPlay off/on in Roku settings
- Reboot both Roku and iPhone
- Ensure no filters/restrictions blocking connectivity
- Connect iPhone and Roku to same WiFi network
- Update Roku and iOS/iPadOS to latest versions
Can I play iTunes or Apple Music through Roku AirPlay?
Yes! AirPlay enables you to stream audio content directly from Apple apps on your iPhone, iPad or Mac over to your Roku device.
So you can play songs, playlists, music videos, albums and radio stations from apps including:
- Apple Music
- iTunes Music Library
- Podcasts
- Audiobooks
- And more!
Just tap the AirPlay icon within each iOS app to select Roku as your audio output.
Interested in streaming other apps to your TV? Check out our guides on watching BBC on Apple TV, watching Fox Sports on Apple TV, and watching TikTok on Roku.
I hope this expanded guide helps explain everything you need to know about setting up and using AirPlay with your Roku TV! Let me know if you have any other questions.
