Roku provides a range of devices that enable users to watch their favorite streaming services on their TV. It provides an interface that lets you browse various channels on the app and pick what you want to watch. However, what if you want to try screen mirroring Roku from compatible mobile phones and computers?
Can you cast to Roku? This article will explore how to use Roku screen mirroring with your TV. For more information about the streaming devices, read our Roku devices, differences, prices, and more guide.
Screen mirroring vs. casting
Screen mirroring and casting are often used interchangeably, but the two do have distinct differences when used for Roku cast purposes.
Casting is the process of watching content from a mobile app that offers specific casting support. Users are only able to see the playback of a specific piece of content and can use their mobile device or their Roku remote to control content playback. While casting, the user can use their mobile device to look at other apps and send messages, or even power off their phone, and playback will continue.
By contrast, screen mirroring enables a user to watch content from any app they have installed on their mobile device. This lets the user see their entire mobile device screen on their TV, including buttons and menus, and every action they take on their phone is mirrored on their TV. All these actions can only be controlled on the mobile device, not by their Roku remote.
Casting is possible on most mobile devices and is easily visible through the casting icon that appears next to any content. This lets you do things like cast Chrome to Roku, as well as watch content from apps on your TV. Screen mirroring, on the other hand, works with most Android and Windows devices.
For more information about Roku and casting, read our Roku vs. Chromecast article.
How to mirror your TV with Roku
Screen mirroring is supported by most new Roku streaming devices and Roku smart TVs. Follow the below guide to discover how to screen mirror to Roku from Android mobile devices and Windows computers.
Screen mirror to Roku from an Android device
Before Roku screen mirroring from an Android device, it’s important to check if the Roku and Android devices both support it. New Roku devices released after 2017 do support screen mirroring, as do Android devices running the 4.2 operating system or later. More information about the screen mirroring capabilities of specific Android devices is included in device documentation.
To screen mirror from Android to Roku, follow this five-step process:
- Ensure the Android and Roku devices have the latest updates installed.
- Mobile device manufacturers typically use different terms for the screen mirroring process. Depending on the Android device being used, look for a term called AllShare Cast, display mirroring, HTV Connect, Quick Connect, SmartShare, Smart View, or wireless display.
- Head to the Android device’s settings menu and enable screen mirroring. This is typically done within a submenu like cast, connection, display, or network.
- On the Roku device, open the Settings menu, select System, then Screen mirroring, and ensure “Enable screen mirroring” is checked.
- With the feature enabled, select the Roku streaming device or Roku TV from the list of devices that appears and request a connection.
- Start screen mirroring the Android device onto the Roku.
Screen mirror to Roku from a Windows device
Screen mirroring from a Windows device to a Roku depends on the Windows operating system version you have. It also only works on Windows PCs that include Miracast-compatible hardware.
Windows 8.1 users can follow this three-step process:
- Turn on the Roku device and open the Settings menu, select System, then Screen mirroring, and make sure the “Enable screen mirroring” option is checked.
- Press the Windows and C keys, select Devices then Project.
- Select the Add a wireless display option then the desired Roku device.
Windows 10 users can screen mirror through these four steps:
- Turn on the Roku device and open the Settings menu, select System, then Screen mirroring and make sure the “Enable screen mirroring” option is checked.
- Open the Display tab in the Windows device’s Settings menu and scroll down to Connect to a wireless display. Alternatively, simply type “Connect to a wireless display” in the device’s search tab in the toolbar.
- Select Connect to a wireless display and a list of available devices will pop up.
- Select the Roku device, and the Windows computer will automatically begin mirroring onto the TV.
Roku screen mirroring FAQs
What are Roku devices?
Roku devices are a family of streaming players that let users watch movies and TV shows through popular streaming services. The devices are connected to a TV by plugging directly into the TV’s HDMI port or via an HDMI cable.
Are casting and screen mirroring the same thing?
No, casting and screen mirroring are different processes. Casting enables users to cast content from a specific mobile app onto their TV while using their phone to look at other apps or send messages. Screen mirroring shows the entire screen on the user’s TV and mirrors all the actions they take. Casting is possible from most devices, while screen mirroring is only available on Android devices and Windows computers.
Can I adjust screen mirroring settings on Roku?
Yes, screen mirroring settings can be adjusted in the Roku device’s Settings menu. In the menu, select System then Screen mirroring, and this submenu contains options around device connection prompts and adding or removing devices.
Can I screen mirror to my TV from an Apple device?
No, Apple devices do not allow screen mirroring. Right now, it’s only available on Android mobile devices and Windows computers. However, Apple devices have an AirPlay feature so you can share content on your TV.
Can you get local channels on Roku?
It is possible to get local channels on Roku. This is typically through streaming services that enable users to watch live TV channels. For example, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV all include local channels in their packages.
Can I cast to Roku TV?
Yes, Roku smart TVs are compatible with casting content from mobile phones and computers.
Can I screen mirror photos, music, and videos on Roku?
When screen mirroring to Roku, all content on the Android or Windows device will be mirrored to the Roku device, including photos, music, and videos. Users can also share photos, songs, and videos to their Roku device using the Play on Roku feature in the free Roku mobile app for Apple and Android phones and tablets.