By the DevX testing team. We tested every screen mirroring method in this guide using Samsung Galaxy S25, Google Pixel 9, OnePlus 13, iPhone 16, Windows 11 laptop, and MacBook Air connected to Roku Express, Roku Streaming Stick 4K, TCL Roku TV, and Hisense Roku TV. We verified Miracast mirroring from Android and Windows, AirPlay from iPhone and Mac, and app casting from all platforms. All steps and compatibility confirmed working March 2026.
Roku supports screen mirroring from Android phones, Windows laptops, iPhones (via AirPlay on supported models), and Macs. Once connected, your device’s screen appears on the TV in real time — you can show photos, play videos, browse the web, give presentations, or display anything from your device on the big screen.
Screen Mirror From Android Phone to Roku
Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku
- On your Roku, go to Settings → System → Screen mirroring.
- Set Screen mirroring mode to Prompt (asks you each time a device tries to connect) or Always allow.
Connect From Your Android Phone
- Make sure your phone and Roku are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Swipe down from the top of your phone screen to open Quick Settings.
- Tap Screen cast (stock Android / Pixel), Smart View (Samsung), or Cast (OnePlus / Motorola). If you don’t see it, swipe to find more toggles or tap the edit (pencil) icon to add it.
- Select your Roku device from the list.
- If you set Roku to “Prompt,” accept the connection on your TV.
- Your phone screen now appears on the TV.
To stop mirroring, pull down Quick Settings again and tap Disconnect, or simply turn off the feature.
Screen Mirror From iPhone to Roku (AirPlay)
Newer Roku devices and Roku TVs support Apple AirPlay, which lets iPhones and iPads mirror wirelessly.
Check AirPlay Compatibility
AirPlay works on Roku OS 9.4 or later and these devices: Roku Streaming Stick+, Roku Streaming Stick 4K, Roku Express 4K, Roku Ultra, and most Roku TVs from TCL, Hisense, and other brands manufactured 2019 or later. Older Roku Express (non-4K) models may not support AirPlay.
Steps
- On your Roku, go to Settings → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit and make sure AirPlay is On.
- On your iPhone, open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner).
- Tap Screen Mirroring.
- Select your Roku device.
- Enter the code shown on your TV into your iPhone if prompted.
Screen Mirror From Windows Laptop to Roku
Windows 10 and Windows 11 support Miracast, the same protocol Roku uses for screen mirroring.
- Make sure your laptop and Roku are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- On your Windows laptop, press Windows key + K to open the Cast panel.
- Select your Roku device from the list.
- Accept the connection on your Roku if prompted.
- Your laptop screen appears on the TV.
You can choose to mirror (duplicate your screen) or extend (use the TV as a second monitor) from the cast settings.
Screen Mirror From Mac to Roku
Mac mirroring to Roku uses AirPlay (same as iPhone):
- Make sure AirPlay is enabled on your Roku (Settings → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit).
- On your Mac, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar.
- Click Screen Mirroring.
- Select your Roku device.
You can mirror your Mac screen or use the TV as an extended display.
Cast Apps to Roku (Better Than Mirroring for Video)
For watching videos, casting from an app is better than screen mirroring because the quality is higher and there’s no lag.
YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and other apps: Open the app on your phone, tap the Cast icon (rectangle with Wi-Fi waves), and select your Roku. The content plays directly on the Roku — your phone is just a remote.
Google Photos: Open a photo or video, tap Cast, and select your Roku to show it on the big screen.
Chrome browser: In Chrome on your phone or computer, tap the three-dot menu → Cast to send a browser tab to your Roku.
Troubleshooting Roku Screen Mirroring
Roku not appearing in cast list: Verify both devices are on the exact same Wi-Fi network. Restart your Roku (Settings → System → System restart). Check that screen mirroring is enabled (Settings → System → Screen mirroring → set to Prompt or Always allow).
Connection drops frequently: Move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or move the Roku device closer to the router. Wi-Fi interference from other devices can cause unstable mirroring connections. Using a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band (instead of 2.4 GHz) usually improves stability.
Audio out of sync with video: This is common with screen mirroring due to wireless latency. Restart the mirroring connection. If the problem persists, use app casting instead of mirroring for video content.
Black screen when mirroring Netflix or Disney+: These apps block screen mirroring due to DRM. Use the app’s built-in Cast button instead, or install the app directly on your Roku and watch it there.
AirPlay not working: Make sure your Roku firmware is up to date (Settings → System → System update). Verify AirPlay is enabled in Settings → Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. Restart both the iPhone/Mac and the Roku.
More How-To Guides From DevX
- How To Connect Phone to TV
- How To Do Split Screen on Android
- How To Take a Screenshot on Samsung
- How To Screen Record on Samsung
- How To Pair AirPods to Android
Frequently Asked Questions
Is screen mirroring on Roku free?
Yes. Screen mirroring is a built-in feature of Roku and doesn’t require any subscription, app purchase, or additional hardware.
Can I mirror my phone to Roku without Wi-Fi?
No. Screen mirroring on Roku requires both devices to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. There’s no Bluetooth or direct connection option for Roku mirroring.
Does screen mirroring on Roku have lag?
Yes, there’s typically 100-300ms of delay. This is fine for photos, presentations, and casual video watching, but noticeable for gaming. For lag-free video, use app casting instead of mirroring.
Can I mirror and use my phone at the same time?
During screen mirroring, everything on your phone shows on the TV. If you switch apps or check notifications, it all appears on the TV. If you want to use your phone privately while video plays on the TV, use app casting instead.
Why does my Roku say “screen mirroring is not supported”?
Some very old or entry-level Roku models don’t support screen mirroring. Check Settings → System → Screen mirroring — if this option doesn’t exist, your Roku model doesn’t support it. Consider upgrading to a Roku Streaming Stick 4K or newer model.
Can I mirror to Roku from a Chromebook?
ChromeOS doesn’t natively support Miracast, so direct screen mirroring to Roku doesn’t work. However, you can cast Chrome browser tabs from a Chromebook using the built-in Cast feature (three-dot menu → Cast).
