Can I Cast to Roku Without Screen Mirroring?

Yes. You can cast content directly from supported apps on your phone or tablet without mirroring your entire screen. Connect both devices to the same WiFi network, tap the Cast icon in a compatible app and select your Roku.

Does My Android Device Support Roku Screen Mirroring?

It depends on the device. Roku screen mirroring uses Miracast, which many Android manufacturers support under names such as Smart View, Screen Cast or Wireless Display; Google Pixel phones don’t natively support Miracast and therefore can’t use Roku’s built-in full-screen mirroring.

Can I Screen Mirror an iPhone or iPad to Roku?

Yes, provided your Roku supports AirPlay. Your iPhone or iPad needs iOS or iPadOS 12.3 or later, while Roku compatibility and Roku OS requirements vary by model.

What Other Ways Can I Share Content With Roku?

Besides app casting, you can use AirPlay from compatible Apple devices or screen mirroring from compatible Android and Windows devices. The best option depends on whether you want to send content from a particular app or display your device’s entire screen.

How to Cast to Roku From iPhone, Android & Windows in 2026

Casting — or mirroring your device to the big screen — is a great way to quickly share videos, movies and more, especially when streaming on Roku. Read on to find out how to cast or mirror your iOS, Android or Windows 10 to your Roku.

Written by Sandra Pattison (Editor, Writer)

Reviewed by Jackie Leavitt (Editor at Large)

Last Updated: 07 Sep'26

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

Key Takeaways: Casting to Roku

To cast to Roku, connect your Roku and phone, tablet or computer to the same WiFi network, open a supported app, tap or click the cast icon and select your Roku device.
Casting and screen mirroring are different: Casting displays content from a supported app on your Roku, while screen mirroring displays your device’s entire screen.
Compatibility matters: Casting requires a supported app, while screen mirroring support depends on your Roku and the device you’re mirroring from.

To cast to Roku, connect your Roku and phone, tablet or computer to the same WiFi network, open a compatible app, select the cast icon and choose your Roku device. Casting sends content from a supported app to your Roku without displaying your entire device screen, whereas screen mirroring duplicates the full screen: iPhone and iPad users can mirror with AirPlay, while compatible Android and Windows devices use Roku’s screen mirroring feature.

Most current Roku devices support screen mirroring from compatible Android and Windows devices. To mirror an iPhone or iPad, you’ll need a Roku model that supports AirPlay 2 and an Apple device running iOS 12.3 or later; Roku OS requirements vary by Roku model.

Meet the experts

Sandra Pattison (Editor, Writer)

Sandra Pattison, a seasoned writer and editor at Cloudwards for over five years, specializes in VPNs, streaming services and children’s online security. Her journey in the tech world, starting with Cloudwards, has seen her contribute to several well-known tech publications while leveraging her personal experience as a parent to better understand the world of online safety. Outside of work, her interests range from photography to enjoying movies and playing The Sims.

More about Sandra Pattison

Jackie Leavitt (Editor at Large)

Jackie Leavitt is a co-chief editor at Cloudwards, where she has been leading the editorial team for over three years, bringing 12 years of diverse experience in professional communications and editing. Her expertise is rooted in a solid educational background with a Master’s in Strategic Communications and Bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and European Culture Studies. Leavitt’s career spans various sectors, including international journalism and publishing, and she is recognized for her skill in enhancing editorial systems and digital content quality. In addition to her professional life, she is passionate about sailing, dancing (especially salsa and swing) and outdoor activities like running and camping.

More about Jackie Leavitt

Learn more about our editorial team and our research process.

What’s the Difference Between Casting and Mirroring?

Casting lets you launch supported apps like YouTube directly to your TV, whereas Screen mirroring literally mirrors your whole screen to your TV. Although casting and mirroring have the same sort of end goal, they are a little different. You can tell if an app supports casting by looking for the casting icon.

If you see this icon within an app, it supports casting.

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.

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. You will see content exactly as it is shown on your mobile device and everything you do on your mobile device will be shown on your TV.

Method	Pros	Cons
Casting	Lets you use your device for other tasks while content plays; simple controls; works well for supported streaming apps	Only works with apps that support casting to Roku; doesn’t display your entire screen
Screen mirroring	Displays your entire device screen; useful for content without built-in casting support	Notifications and other on-screen activity may appear on the TV; compatibility varies by device; iPhone and iPad use AirPlay rather than Roku’s standard screen mirroring feature

How Do I Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku?

To enable screen mirroring on Roku, you first need to ensure it is enabled on your Roku device (this is not required for casting). We’ll show you how to do that step by step below:

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.

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.

What Do You Need to Cast to Roku?

Before casting or mirroring to Roku, check these requirements:

Same WiFi network: Connect your Roku and the phone, tablet or computer you’re using to the same WiFi network.
Compatible Roku: Make sure your Roku model supports the method you want to use, whether that’s casting, screen mirroring or AirPlay.
Current Roku OS: Keep your Roku updated to the latest available Roku OS version, as software updates can affect casting, AirPlay, screen mirroring and where settings appear. Roku OS 15 and recent Home Screen changes may mean the menus on your device look different from older screenshots; see Roku’s latest release notes for current changes.
Compatible source device: Your phone, tablet or PC must meet the relevant operating system and version requirements. iPhone and iPad use AirPlay for full-screen mirroring, while compatible Android and Windows devices use screen mirroring.
Mobile app control: If required for the casting method or app you’re using, make sure Control by Mobile Apps is enabled in your Roku’s network access settings.

How Do I Cast From iPhone or iPad to Roku?

To cast from an iPhone or iPad to Roku, connect both devices to the same WiFi network and open a streaming app that supports casting to Roku. The process is the same whether you want to cast an iPhone to a Roku TV or cast an iPad to Roku; for full-screen mirroring instead, use AirPlay.

Tap the Casting Icon
Open the app containing the content you want to watch and tap the cast icon. Its location varies by app, but you’ll typically find it on the playback screen.
Select Your Roku Device
Choose your Roku player or Roku TV from the list of available devices. If it doesn’t appear, check that your iPhone or iPad and Roku are connected to the same WiFi network.
Wait for Your iOS Device to Connect to the Roku
Wait while the app connects to your Roku. Once connected, the selected content should begin playing through the corresponding app on your TV.
Confirm That the App/Content Appears on Your TV Screen
Use your iPhone or iPad to control playback while casting. Depending on the app, you may also be able to use your Roku remote for controls such as play and pause.
Tap the Casting Icon Again to Disconnect
When you want to stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select the option to disconnect from your Roku.

How Do I Use Screen Mirroring on iOS?

iPhone and iPad devices use AirPlay rather than Roku’s Android/Windows screen mirroring feature. Your Apple device needs iOS or iPadOS 12.3 or later, and your Roku must be an AirPlay-compatible model.

Roku requirements vary by model. For example, many compatible Roku TVs, Streambars, Streaming Sticks, Express models and Ultra models require Roku OS 9.4 or later, while some older compatible models require Roku OS 10.0 or later. Roku Select and Plus Series TVs support AirPlay regardless of Roku OS version.

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.”

How Do I Cast to Roku From an Android Device?

To cast to a Roku TV from an Android phone, connect both devices to the same WiFi network, open a compatible app, tap the cast icon and select your Roku. This is app casting, which sends content from the app to your Roku; full-screen mirroring is different and uses your Android device’s screen mirroring feature.

For this example, I’ll use the YouTube Android app.

Tap the Casting Icon
Open the app you want to cast from and tap the cast icon. In YouTube, you’ll usually see it near the top of the screen or in the video player.
Choose Your Roku Device
Select your Roku device from the list of available devices. If it doesn’t appear, make sure your Android phone and Roku are connected to the same WiFi network.
Wait for Your Android Device to Connect to Roku
Wait for the connection to complete. Once connected, the content should begin playing through the corresponding app on your Roku.
Control the App From Your Android Device or Roku Remote
Use your Android phone to play, pause or choose other content while casting. Depending on the app, you may also be able to control playback with your Roku remote.
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
Tap the cast icon again and choose the option to disconnect or stop casting.

Mirror Your Android’s Screen to Roku

Screen mirroring displays your Android device’s entire screen on your Roku, rather than sending content from a supported app. The feature’s name varies by Android manufacturer; common names include Smart View, Wireless Display, Screen Cast and Display Mirroring.

For this example, I’ll use Smart View on a Samsung Galaxy phone. Your menus and terminology may differ if you use another Android device.

Open the Quick Settings Panel
Swipe down from the top of your Samsung Galaxy screen to open the Quick Settings panel. You may need to swipe down again or across the available controls to find Smart View.
Tap “Smart View”
Tap “Smart View” to open a list of devices available for screen mirroring.
Select Your Roku Device
Choose your Roku device from the Smart View menu to request a screen mirroring connection.
Allow Screen Mirroring on Your Roku
A screen mirroring request should appear on your TV. Using your Roku remote, select “allow” for the current session or “always allow” if you want your phone to connect automatically in the future.
Confirm Your Android Screen Appears on Your TV
Your Samsung Galaxy screen should now appear on your TV. Actions you perform on your phone will also be displayed through your Roku.
Disconnect When You’re Finished
Open Smart View again and disconnect your Roku to stop screen mirroring. You can also end the session by pressing the Home button on your Roku remote.

Can You Cast a Google Pixel to Roku?

Yes, you can cast a Pixel to Roku from supported apps, such as YouTube, by tapping the cast icon and selecting your Roku. However, Google Pixel phones don’t natively support the Miracast technology Roku uses for full-screen Android screen mirroring, so you can’t mirror the Pixel’s entire screen to Roku using Roku’s built-in screen mirroring feature.

How Do I Cast From Windows to Roku?

You can cast a PC or laptop to Roku by using Windows screen mirroring, which uses Miracast to display your computer screen on your TV. The process differs slightly between Windows 11 and Windows 10, so I’ll cover both below.

How to Cast to Roku From Windows 11

Press Win + K
On your Windows 11 PC or laptop, press Win + K to open the Cast menu.
Connect to a Wireless Display
Select “Connect to a wireless display” to view nearby compatible displays.
Select Your Roku Device
Choose your Roku device from the list of available wireless displays.
Allow Screen Mirroring on Roku
A screen mirroring request should appear on your TV. Use your Roku remote to select “allow” for the current session or “always allow” for future connections from this PC.

Your Windows screen should then appear on your TV. Press Win + K again and disconnect your Roku when you want to stop mirroring.

How to Cast to Roku From Windows 10

Open the Action Center
Select the Action Center from the Windows 10 taskbar.
Select “Connect”
Click “Connect” to display nearby wireless displays and audio devices.
Choose Your Roku
Select your Roku device from the list to start the screen mirroring connection.
Allow the Connection on Roku
When the screen mirroring request appears on your TV, use your Roku remote to allow the connection. Your PC or laptop screen should then be mirrored to the TV.

If you can’t find the Action Center, go to Start > Settings > System > Display > Connect to a wireless display instead.

Why Isn’t My Roku Showing Up When I Try to Cast?

If your Roku isn’t showing up when you try to cast or mirror your screen, first make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network and that your Roku supports the method you’re using. You should also check that casting, screen mirroring or AirPlay is configured correctly and restart or update both devices if the connection still doesn’t appear.

Why Can’t My Phone or PC Find My Roku?

Check that your Roku and source device are connected to the same WiFi network. If you’re trying to mirror your entire screen, make sure you’re using a compatible method: iPhone and iPad use AirPlay, while compatible Android and Windows devices use Roku’s Miracast-based screen mirroring.

On Roku, check that AirPlay or screen mirroring is enabled, depending on the method you’re using. If you previously blocked the phone or computer, review your Roku’s screen mirroring device settings and remove it from the blocked-device list before trying again.

Why Is the Cast Icon Not Showing?

Not every streaming app supports casting to Roku, so the cast icon may be missing even when both devices are connected correctly. Some supported apps also display the Cast icon only after you start playing a video or other content, so begin playback and check the player controls.

If the app still can’t find your Roku, make sure the corresponding app or channel is available on your Roku and that both apps are up to date.

Why Won’t Roku Connect or Screen Mirror?

Outdated software or a temporary network problem can prevent an otherwise compatible device from connecting. Update your Roku, phone, tablet or PC as appropriate, then restart your Roku and source device before trying again.

If screen mirroring still doesn’t work, confirm that your particular Roku and source device support the same mirroring technology. For example, Google Pixel phones don’t natively support Roku’s Miracast-based full-screen mirroring, even though they can still cast from compatible apps.

Can I Cast to My Roku Device?

You can cast from a supported mobile app when the corresponding app is available on your Roku. Casting is separate from screen mirroring and AirPlay, so support for one method doesn’t necessarily tell you whether your Roku supports another.

For Android and Windows screen mirroring, Roku says most current-generation Roku streaming players and Roku TV models are compatible. Notable exceptions include Roku Express model 3700 and Roku Express+ model 3710; Roku Express+ model 3910 supports mirroring through HDMI but not its composite A/V output.

For iPhone and iPad screen mirroring, use AirPlay. AirPlay compatibility depends on your specific Roku model and Roku OS version, so check Settings > System > About to find your model and software version before comparing them with Roku’s current AirPlay compatibility requirements.

Note that new Roku players released from 2021 onward support AirPlay. If you’re getting a new Roku device, check out our 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, check out our article on how to use Google Play on Roku.

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.

FAQ

Yes. You can cast content directly from supported apps on your phone or tablet without mirroring your entire screen. Connect both devices to the same WiFi network, tap the Cast icon in a compatible app and select your Roku.
On Windows 11, press Win + K and select your Roku from the available displays. On Windows 10, open the Action Center, select Connect and choose your Roku; both methods use screen mirroring to display your PC or laptop screen on the TV.
It depends on the device. Roku screen mirroring uses Miracast, which many Android manufacturers support under names such as Smart View, Screen Cast or Wireless Display; Google Pixel phones don’t natively support Miracast and therefore can’t use Roku’s built-in full-screen mirroring.
Yes, provided your Roku supports AirPlay. Your iPhone or iPad needs iOS or iPadOS 12.3 or later, while Roku compatibility and Roku OS requirements vary by model.
Your Roku may not appear if the devices are on different WiFi networks, the app doesn’t support casting or your devices need an update or restart. For screen mirroring, also check that your devices support the same mirroring method and that AirPlay or screen mirroring is enabled on your Roku.
Besides app casting, you can use AirPlay from compatible Apple devices or screen mirroring from compatible Android and Windows devices. The best option depends on whether you want to send content from a particular app or display your device’s entire screen.