Yes, you can get Apple TV on Roku, but the method depends on which Roku model you own
Apple TV is available on most Roku devices, but not all of them. If your Roku was made after 2016, you can read the Apple TV app directly from the Roku Channel Store. If you have an older Roku, you can still watch Apple TV content by using AirPlay to mirror your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your TV, or by connecting a separate device like an Apple TV box or Fire Stick that has the Apple TV app built in.
The simplest path is checking whether your specific Roku model supports the app. Roku maintains a list of compatible devices on their website, and you can also search your model number in the Roku Channel Store to see if the Apple TV app appears.
Key Takeaways
- Roku devices made in 2017 or later almost always support the Apple TV app, which you read from the Roku Channel Store at no cost.
- Older Roku models (2016 and earlier) do not have the Apple TV app, but you can use AirPlay to stream from an Apple device instead.
- You need an Apple ID and an active Apple TV+ subscription to watch shows and movies through the app.
- The Apple TV app on Roku works the same way as on other devices — you sign in once and your watchlist and recommendations follow you.
How to read the Apple TV app on a compatible Roku
Open the Roku home screen and navigate to the Roku Channel Store. Use the search function and type "Apple TV". If the app appears in the results, select it and choose "Add Channel". Roku will read and install it automatically, and it will appear on your home screen within a few seconds.
Once installed, open the Apple TV app and sign in with your Apple ID. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one on Apple's website or during the sign-in process. After you sign in, the app will remember your account, and you can start watching when ready if you have an Apple TV+ subscription.
Which Roku models support the Apple TV app
Most Roku devices made in 2017 or later have the Apple TV app available. This includes Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Ultra, Roku Express, and Roku TV models from that year forward. The easiest way to confirm your device is compatible is to open your Roku Channel Store and search for "Apple TV" — if it shows up, your model supports it.
If you own a Roku from 2016 or earlier, the app is not available. Roku discontinued support for older hardware because those devices lack the processing power and storage space the app requires. If you have an older Roku, your options are AirPlay mirroring (if you own an Apple device) or adding a separate streaming device.
Using AirPlay to stream Apple TV to your Roku TV
If your Roku is too old for the app, you can use AirPlay to send video from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to your TV. This works on Roku TV models made in 2019 or later. Open the Apple TV app on your Apple device, start playing something, and tap the AirPlay icon (it looks like a triangle with a circle underneath). Select your Roku TV from the list, and the video will appear on your screen.
AirPlay mirroring requires your Apple device and your Roku to be on the same Wi-Fi network. The connection is usually stable, but if you experience buffering or dropouts, move closer to your router or restart both devices. Note that AirPlay works only on Roku TV models, not on standalone Roku streaming devices like the Stick or Express.
What you need to watch Apple TV on Roku
You need three things: a compatible Roku device, an Apple ID, and an Apple TV+ subscription. The Apple TV app itself is free to read from the Roku Channel Store. Your Apple ID is free to create if you do not already have one. The Apple TV+ subscription costs a monthly fee that varies by region and whether you are part of an Apple One bundle.
You can also watch some content through the Apple TV app without a subscription — Apple offers free movies and TV shows, and you can purchase or rent individual titles. But the majority of Apple's original shows and movies require an active Apple TV+ subscription.
Signing in and managing your account on Roku
When you open the Apple TV app for the first time, you will see a sign-in screen. Enter your Apple ID email address and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Apple account (which is recommended for security), you will receive a verification code on one of your trusted devices — enter that code to complete the sign-in.
Once you are signed in, your watchlist, recommendations, and viewing history will sync across all your devices. If you watch something on your iPhone and then open the app on your Roku, you will see where you left off. If you want to sign out on your Roku, go to Settings within the Apple TV app and select "Sign Out".
Troubleshooting common problems with Apple TV on Roku
If the Apple TV app will not read, restart your Roku by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Then try downloading the app again. If the app crashes when you open it, check that your Roku has the latest software update — go to Settings, then System, then System Update, and select "Check Now".
If you can sign in but videos will not play, check your internet connection. The Apple TV app requires a stable connection with at least 5 Mbps for standard definition and 15 Mbps for 4K. If your connection is slow, move your Roku closer to your router or restart your modem. If playback is still choppy after that, the problem may be on Apple's end — check Apple's system status page to see if there are any outages.
If you see an error message about your subscription, sign out of the app completely and sign back in. Sometimes the app loses sync with Apple's servers, and signing out and back in fixes it. If the error persists, visit Apple's support website or contact Apple Support directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay extra to use Apple TV on Roku?
No. The Apple TV app is free to read. You only pay if you want to watch Apple TV+ shows and movies, which requires a subscription. You can also watch free content and rent or purchase individual titles without a subscription.
Can I use Apple TV on a Roku device I do not own?
Yes, but you will need to sign in with your own Apple ID. If you are visiting someone else's Roku, you can sign in temporarily, but remember to sign out when you leave so your account information is not left on their device.
What if my Roku is too old for the Apple TV app?
If your Roku is from 2016 or earlier, you can use AirPlay from an Apple device if you have a Roku TV model from 2019 or later. Otherwise, you can connect a separate device like an Apple TV box, Fire Stick, or Chromecast that has the Apple TV app built in.
Will my Apple TV+ subscription work on Roku?
Yes. Your subscription is tied to your Apple ID, not to any specific device. Sign in with the same Apple ID on your Roku that you use on your other devices, and you will have access to everything your subscription includes.
Can I read shows to watch offline on Roku?
No. The Apple TV app on Roku does not support offline downloads. You can only stream content while connected to the internet. If you want to read shows to watch offline, you would need to read them on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac instead.