TCL Roku TVs have gained popularity for their simplicity and access to thousands of streaming channels. Select models also support AirPlay 2, allowing you to effortlessly cast photos, videos, music and more from Apple devices.
Follow this guide to seamlessly access Apple ecosystem features on your TCL Roku TV. To learn about AirPlay on other TV brands, check out our guides for Roku, Vizio, Sharp and Philips TVs.
AirPlay Compatibility: Supported TCL Roku TV Models
AirPlay 2 support first arrived in select TCL Roku TV models running Roku OS 9.4 and above.
To check if your TCL Roku TV works with AirPlay:
1. Verify your model number
Go to Settings > System > About on your TCL Roku TV remote. Models beginning with the following prefixes support AirPlay when running Roku OS 9.4 or later:
- S325
- S327
- S435
- 535
- 635
2. Ensure minimum Roku OS version
Under Settings > System > About, check that the OS version is 9.4 or higher.
Models without native AirPlay compatibility may be able to screen mirror from iOS using third-party apps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up AirPlay on TCL Roku TV
Once you’ve confirmed AirPlay 2 compatibility, enabling wireless casting from Apple devices is straightforward:
1. Connect TCL Roku TV and Apple device to same WiFi
Ensure both are on the same 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz network. The TCL Roku remote signal can interfere with 5Ghz networks.
2. Turn on AirPlay
Go to Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. Set AirPlay and HomeKit to On.
Optional: Set AirPlay password
Under Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay Password, create a password to secure your AirPlay connection.
3. Locate TCL Roku TV
On your unlocked iPhone, iPad or Mac, open the multitasking menu or Control Center. Your compatible TCL Roku TV should now be listed as an available device.
That’s it! Your TCL Roku TV is ready for AirPlaying content.
Casting from iPhone and iPad to TCL Roku TV
Thanks to AirPlay 2, beaming videos, music, photos, games and more to your TCL Roku TV is seamless from iPhone and iPad:
Mirror Entire Screen
Access the Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring. Select your TCL Roku TV to mirror your entire iOS device screen.
Stream Photos & Videos
Open the Photos app. Tap the AirPlay icon when viewing a photo or video to cast to the TV.
Cast Apple Music
While playing audio, tap the AirPlay icon to select your TCL Roku TV speakers for Apple Music.
AirPlay Other Apps
Many third-party apps also have built-in AirPlay streaming support to easily view content on your TV.
Casting from Mac to TCL Roku TV
Similar to iOS devices, Macs running macOS Monterey and above can directly AirPlay various content:
Mirror Screen
Click the Screen Mirroring icon in the menu bar to select your TCL Roku TV. Your entire macOS screen will be displayed.
Cast Photos, Videos, Music & More
Right click on photos, videos, Apple Music and compatible third-party apps. Click AirPlay to beam individual content to the TCL Roku TV.
Use Sidecar
Under System Preferences, click Sidecar to extend your Mac desktop onto a TCL Roku TV with touch capability.
Troubleshooting AirPlay Connection Issues
If AirPlay isn’t working properly between your Apple device and compatible TCL Roku TV, try these top troubleshooting tips:
Update Software
Ensure your TCL Roku TV, iPhone, iPad and Mac have the latest software updates installed. Outdated OS versions can disrupt AirPlay.
Check WiFi Connection
AirPlay requires your TCL Roku TV and Apple devices to be on the same wireless network. Reboot router and devices if the connection drops.
Toggle AirPlay Off and On
Go to Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. Disable AirPlay for 1 minute, then re-enable it. This refreshes the protocol connection.
Restart Devices
If the steps above don’t restore connectivity, restart your TCL Roku TV and Apple device. Reset network settings if issues persist afterwards.
Check for Compatibility Issues
Very rarely, certain devices may have underlying hardware limitations that hinder AirPlay performance. Contact TCL Support if you’ve exhausted other troubleshooting methods.
Alternative Options for Casting to TCL Roku TV
If your TCL Roku TV isn’t compatible with AirPlay, or you’re having difficulties getting AirPlay functioning reliably, fear not!
There are alternative options for wirelessly casting photos, videos and other content from iPhone, iPad and Mac onto your TCL Roku TV screen:
- Smart View App – Beams content via WiFi Direct to newer Samsung and Android smart TVs. Enable screen mirroring to show iOS device display.
- Roku App – Official Roku app lets you cast personal media from iOS or Android devices to TV via phone and TV being on same WiFi network.
- Miracast HDMI Adapters – Plug USB dongles into TV HDMI port to cast from Windows/Android devices via proprietary Miracast protocol.
While the native AirPlay experience may be simpler, the apps listed above can achieve similar wireless streaming functionality. Consider AirPlaying to Amazon Fire TV for more casting options.
FAQs About Using AirPlay on TCL Roku TVs
Q. Why can’t I see my TCL Roku TV model in the AirPlay target list?
A. If your TCL Roku TV doesn’t show up when trying to cast content via AirPlay, first check it meets the compatibility requirements covered earlier. Also ensure your TV and iOS/Mac device are connected to the same WiFi network.
Q. Do I need the Apple TV app to use AirPlay on a TCL Roku TV?
A. No. The Apple TV app is not required for AirPlay. As long as your TCL Roku TV model supports AirPlay 2 and has Roku OS 9.4+ installed, you can directly cast content wirelessly through the AirPlay protocol.
Q. Can I AirPlay video streaming apps to a compatible TCL Roku TV?
A. Yes! Many popular video streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime allow in-app AirPlaying of actual app video content to AirPlay compatible devices like TCL Roku TVs. This allows watching the streaming video properly formatted on your TV rather than just mirroring the iOS screen while the app plays.
Q. Why does AirPlay disconnect or lag when streaming to my compatible TCL Roku TV?
A. Interference and congestion on the wireless network can disrupt Airplay connectivity. Ensure your router, TCL Roku TV and casting device are within close range. Reboot devices and router if lag or stuttering occurs. For consistent performance, connect TV directly to router via ethernet.
Q. Can I control AirPlay playback using the Roku remote?
A. Your TCL Roku TV remote can turn AirPlay content on or off when sent from an iPhone, iPad or Mac, but it won’t be able to control actual playback functions like pausing video or rewinding. You’ll need to use touch controls on your casting iOS device.
Conclusion
AirPlaying content from your iPhone, iPad and Mac onto a big screen TCL Roku TV is effortless with AirPlay 2 support.
As you’ve learned, getting set up takes just minutes after confirming your TCL Roku TV model meets compatibility requirements. Wired and wireless casting performance is solid for both mirroring your device’s screen as well as streaming photos, videos and music.
Beyond native AirPlay capabilities, there are plenty of alternative options available for beaming personal media libraries over WiFi onto TCL Roku TV models lacking AirPlay.
We hope this guide covered everything you need to know about unlocking the versatility of using your Apple devices and TCL Roku TV setup. Wirelessly casting entertainment is easier than ever thanks to AirPlay 2 integration.
