Learning how to add screen mirroring device to Roku makes it easy to display photos, videos, presentations, and apps from a phone or computer on your TV. Roku does not pair with every device in the same way, however. Android and Windows devices typically use Roku’s screen mirroring feature, while Apple devices use AirPlay on supported Roku models.
Check Whether Your Roku Supports Screen Mirroring
Before changing settings, check your Roku model and software version. Most newer Roku TVs and Roku streaming players support screen mirroring, but compatibility varies by device and operating system.
To check your Roku software:
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Choose About to view the model and software version.
- Return to System and select System update.
- Choose Check now.
For iPhone, iPad, or Mac mirroring, your Roku must support Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. Roku TVs and players made in recent years commonly include AirPlay, but some older models may not. Look under Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. If that option is missing, your device may not support AirPlay.
Prepare the Roku and Mirroring Device
Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is the most important requirement when learning how to add screen mirroring device to Roku.
On the Roku, open:
Settings > System > Screen mirroring
You may see three options:
- Prompt: Roku asks for permission whenever a device tries to connect.
- Allow: Compatible devices connect automatically.
- Never allow: Screen mirroring is disabled.
Choose Prompt for better security. Select Allow only if you use screen mirroring frequently and trust every device on your network.
Next, confirm that your phone or computer is using the same Wi-Fi network as the Roku. Avoid using a guest network, because guest networks often prevent devices from communicating with one another. If your router has separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names, connect both devices to the same one when possible.
Add an Android or Windows Device to Roku
Roku’s standard screen mirroring feature works mainly with compatible Android phones, tablets, and Windows computers. Android manufacturers may use different names for the same feature, including Cast, Smart View, Screen Cast, Wireless Display, or Miracast.
Android steps
- Turn on the Roku TV or Roku player.
- Open the mirroring or casting feature on your Android device.
- Wait for your Roku device to appear in the list.
- Tap the Roku name.
- Approve the connection on the TV if Roku displays a permission request.
- Enter a PIN if Roku asks for one.
On Samsung Galaxy devices, open the Quick Settings panel and select Smart View. On other Android phones, look in Settings > Connected devices, Display, or Connection preferences.
Not every Android phone supports Miracast-style screen mirroring. Google Pixel phones, for example, generally use Google Cast rather than Roku’s traditional screen mirroring system. In that case, a compatible Roku app or a separate Google Chromecast device may be necessary. Some individual apps can still cast directly to Roku even when full-screen mirroring is unavailable.
Windows steps
On a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer:
- Press Windows + K.
- Wait for available wireless displays to appear.
- Select your Roku TV or Roku player.
- Approve the request on the Roku if prompted.
You can also open Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays > Connect to a wireless display. Windows wireless display support depends on the computer’s hardware and Wi-Fi adapter. If the Roku does not appear, update the computer’s wireless and graphics drivers, then restart both devices.
Mirror an iPhone, iPad, or Mac With AirPlay
Apple devices connect to supported Roku products through AirPlay rather than Roku’s standard Android screen mirroring menu.
First, enable AirPlay on the Roku:
- Press Home on the Roku remote.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.
- Set AirPlay to On.
- Choose whether a code should be required for every connection.
iPhone or iPad
- Connect the Apple device and Roku to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Control Center.
- Tap Screen Mirroring.
- Select your Roku from the list.
- Enter the AirPlay code shown on the TV, if requested.
To send only a video or photo, open a compatible app and tap its AirPlay icon instead of mirroring the entire screen.
Mac
- Select the Control Center icon in the Mac menu bar.
- Click Screen Mirroring.
- Choose your Roku device.
- Enter the displayed code if necessary.
AirPlay performance is usually best on a stable home network. Some streaming services restrict mirroring because of copyright protection. If a video shows a black screen while audio plays, use the app’s built-in AirPlay button or install the service’s Roku app.
Fix Common Roku Screen Mirroring Problems
If the Roku does not appear, verify that both devices are on the same network and that screen mirroring or AirPlay is enabled. Restarting the Roku, phone, computer, and router can also refresh the connection.
For Android devices, make sure the phone supports Miracast or Roku-compatible wireless display technology. Update Android and the Roku software, then try again. If Roku shows a connection request but the phone immediately disconnects, move closer to the router and reduce heavy network activity, such as large downloads or 4K streaming.
For Windows, confirm that Wi-Fi is enabled even if the computer uses an Ethernet cable. Wireless display discovery may not work when Wi-Fi is turned off. Updating graphics drivers can also resolve connection issues.
If AirPlay fails, turn AirPlay off and back on in Roku settings, restart the Apple device, and check that both devices use the same Wi-Fi band. Also make sure the Roku has not been blocked by router settings or a firewall.
Roku Screen Mirroring FAQ
Can I mirror any phone to Roku?
No. Android compatibility depends on the phone’s wireless display support, while iPhones and iPads require a Roku model with AirPlay. Some phones support app casting but not full-screen mirroring.
Why can’t I find screen mirroring on my Roku?
Your Roku model may not support the feature, or the software may need an update. Check Settings > System > About and Settings > System update. iPhone users should look for Apple AirPlay and HomeKit instead.
Does Roku screen mirroring require internet access?
The devices need to communicate over the same local Wi-Fi network, but an active internet connection is not always required for basic mirroring. Internet access is still needed for online videos, streaming apps, and software updates.
Conclusion: Once you confirm compatibility, connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network and enable the correct Roku feature. The easiest way to add screen mirroring device to Roku is through Screen Mirroring for compatible Android and Windows devices or AirPlay for supported Apple products.
